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VOL. EEL... . 


SMITHSONIAN 


MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS. 


VOR. XV It: 


“EVERY MAN IS A VALUABLE MEMBER OF SOCIETY WHO BY HIS OBSERVATIONS, RESEARCHES, 
AND EXPERIMENTS PROCURES KNOWLEDGE FOR MEN.”—SMITHSON. 


WAS HEN GL ON: 
PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


1880. 


JUDD & DETWEILER, PRINTERS. 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The present series, entitled “Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collec- 
tions,” is intended to embrace all the publications issued directly 
by the Smithsonian Institution in octavo form; those in quarto 
constituting the “Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.” The 
quarto series includes memoirs embracing the records of extended 
original investigations and researches resulting in what are believed 
to be new truths, and constituting positive additions to the sum of 
human knowledge. The octavo series is designed to contain reports 
on the present state of our knowledge of particular branches of 
science; instructions for collecting and digesting facts and materials 
for research; lists and synopses of species of the organic and in- 
organic world; museum catalogues; reports of explorations; aids 
to bibliographical investigations, etc., generally prepared at the 
express request of the Institution, and at its expense. 

The position of a work in one or the other of the two series will 
sometimes depend upon whether the required illustrations can be 
presented more conveniently in the quarto or the octavo form. 

In the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, as well as in the 
present series, each article is separately paged and indexed, and the 
actual date of its publication is that given on its special title page, 
and not that of the volume in which it is placed. In many cases, 
works have been published, and largely distributed, years before 
their combination into volumes. 

While due care is taken on the part of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion to insure a proper standard of excellence in its publications, it 
will be readily understood that it cannot hold itself responsible for 
the facts and conclusions of the authors, as it is impossible in most 


cases to verify their statements. 
SPENCER F. Barrp, 


Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS. 
329 


THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: 


JOURNALS 


OF THE 


BOARD OF REGENTS, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, 
STATISTICS, ETc. 


EDITED BY 


WILLIAM J. RHEES. 


iW) ASE TING TON s 
PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 
1879. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


In accordance with the instructions of the Board of Regents to the 
Secretary to have prepared and to publish a history of the origin and pro- 
gress of the Smithsonian Institution, the present volume has been compiled. 
It,contains the Journal of Proceedings of the Board of Regents from its 
first meeting, September 13, 1846, to January 26, 1876; together with the 
reports of the Executive, Building, and Special Committees for the same 
period. Eulogies on deceased members of the Board, and distinguished 
collaborators of the Institution, are given, and also an account of the Bache 
Scientific Fund, the Tyndall Trust, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Toner 
Lectures, the Hamilton Bequest, the report of the Committee of the Board on 
the invention of the electro-magnetic telegraph, the report of the examination 
of Prof. Henry by the English Scientific Commission, and statistical tables 
relative to the Institution. | 

The material for the volume has been collected, and the work edited by 
Mr. Wm. J. Rhees, Chief Clerk of the Institution. 


Spencer F. Barrp, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


Wasurnaton, D. C., December, 1879. 


CONTENTS. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN 
INSTITUTION: 


Year. Page. Year. 

S46 Cena sas te ee es 1 SG 2 eee ee es 
IN SA (potent ne ee ee 2 NS GS ee ea 
SAS eer ee ea ee 49 NS GA ea Sa hs i 
GAO Ree ee ees 52 NS Ge eet ye ee Soh ee eS 
HS Ome ees AS ta oe 55 BGG Soe eS bee 
Sole ee Se ee tabs 68 1S Opens woe ent ee emee 
GH Dee be bs eee eee ee 75 ISGSBW eels sae aes 
S532 eee oes eke eee 85 1S69o 2 whee eee 
SH a eee oe es Se ee 92 LB Owes Sey ye eee 
1 fC Y 53 ees a ae 114 ELS TAU ce era eo a 
NSS Geer ee ee ee 121 SD Lees Se 
Si RSea ee a ee enn 128 Noise el Le ee 
BS Poe a ats One ee 133 1B (4 ee Ne eee See e 
G5 Owe oe eee Ls a 151 US Omer a= tae oe eee 
S60 ee eee 154 SiGe SNe ey See ees 
IS Gllesaneee eee eee 165 


Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Messrs. Pearce, 
Mason, Rush, Maury, Totten, and Bache—on the distribution of the 
MeOMe otLHeuiMstitttiON= +22. oes eos cate oe SOON Ee 

Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Prof. Felton—on 
iiompresemtor iiss! Contaxak? (6 eS. See Sa oe 

Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Prof. Felton—on 
the purchaseof the Stanley Indian Gallery_.-__._.-__ .-L_ 22+. _.2 

Communication from Prof. Henry relative to a publication by Prof. Morse_- 

Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Messrs. Felton, 
Mason, Pearce, and Douglas—on the communication of Prof. Henry 
relative to the invention of the magnetic telegraph___--_---.---_---- 

Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Messrs. Wallach 
and Henry—relative to the fire of January 24, 1865_----_-_-_-------- 

Act of Congress to transfer the custody of the library of the Smithsonian In- 
PeimionntoeLibranyronh Congress 2 sss. cece se wee lube Dae fo | 

Act of Congress to receive into the Treasury of the United States the residuary 
legacy of James Smithson, to authorize the Regents to apply the income 
onsaldvleesdey,/and,. for other purposes... ciwtien eee Le 

Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Messrs. Agussiz, 
Trumbull, Patterson, and Henry—on the best use of the new hall of the 
1 EVES UH VG Ge es el Re a NEE RE ae pea ek a 

Report of the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents—Messrs. Dela- 
field, Wallach, and Parker—on the Washington City canal -_-------- 

Report of the Executive Committee—Messrs. Parker and Sherman—relative 
PORUmerC OLCOraMen RONG aleny a= sae ee see eee eae OA eo 

Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Regents—Messrs. Gray and 
Coppée—on the museum________- pete ete fer we ea mi 


Page. 
172 
192 
218 
233 
242 
800 
316 
843 
851 
354 
384 
387 
419 
428 
433 


101 


136 


189 


159 


141 


236 


247 


317 


343 


3891 


vel CONTENTS. 


EULOGIES AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 


Richard Rush, by) pacebearce peso eee oa ee 2 ee 
Joseph Priestley, by Josephetenry = oh ako eee 
W... W. Dummer by. @.1@. eltonen saa s eo Ae 
‘Washinetonpinving, by O70. shelton. io 2-4 ue st ee ee 2 
James. chispy iby ASD: (Bache. ene taos kere es ee eee 
G. Wurdemann, by AveDh Bache. os coe) ee oe el 
Parker Oleaveland 22235) 222) 22h Ses eee a eee 
Cornelius Cy. Melton, jby: T..-D. Woolsey =222-5-- 0-2 eee 
Stephen A. Douglas why SS. \ Cox | 222 eee 
James A. Pearce; byitAc Dy Bache 222 2 SS eee ee ee 
Jos:,G. Totten, by 1G. Barnard = 3 sos ee 
W. W:. Seaton, by doseph entry = =e se ee eee 
Charles\C.Jiewett, byaih. AlGuild! <2) 22 2e ee eee 
Wim. Henry Harvey, by Asa Gray 22-2-- See ee eee 
Alex. Dallas Bache by, J.osephiEenry 22-222 a eee 
Salmon’ P.)\Chase; bywias. Ay Gartield 25222) eee 
Louis A sassiz, iby; JiasoA:/Garield.¢ 172) ee eee 
Salmon.P. Chase; by ae Hamlin go. S225 eee 
Louis Acassiz® by deter ibarkery ss eee ee ee ee 
Henry: Wilson, by, Peter) Parker {003322222 20S eee ee 
Prof. Agassiz’s narrative of an expedition from Boston through the Straits of 
Magellan to San Francisco, in the steamer Hassler -_-__. ---_-. ----_- 
Will of Alexander Dallas Bache establishing the Bache Scientific Fund_-_-_- 
Deed of gift and trust from W. W. Corcoran, establishing the Corcoran Art 
Gallery. 22. cot ii sete Se ee eee ee ee 
Deed of Joseph M. Toner instituting the ‘‘ Toner Lectures ”’ for the advance 
of medicalscience.2 30325405 eee ee eee 
Deed of John Tyndall establishing a Trust for the promotion of science in the 
United States 522 2. eee aa a a ae eee ; 
Bequest of James Hamilton to the Smithsonian Institution _---..____---__- 
Circular sent with specimens presented to institutions ____-._----_-__- ------ 
JOURNAL OF THE EXECUTIVE CoMMITTEE of the Smithsonian Institution 
from September 12, 1846, to December 21, 1849 ~_---.___.-_-._-_- = 
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: 
Year. Page. Year. 
1847, (1848 so 3 be 481 1S62No sess See ee 
SAG ee Ss Sh ae 484 18632 sf chee ee 
TS G0 Ses ere ss Pee 485 1SG42uo4 Neees pee ee eee 
PBB eee os Sear a 492 1866..e222ei022 21 A eee 
HIB 2 sxe ae he eee 494 1866.2. eee eee 
SOD eo aca ooe tee 495 TSG (cashes See tee 
DS pee ee Pe cee ee 497 1868:o5.8 eS. 2 ee 
PS6G 200 fo oh 503 1869232 aS ee ee 
fS5Ge==5)3 eee Aa a 506 IS70L2! See ee 
BBs eae nes ae 510 BT sso eee 
NBG Seen ae CO Se 513 187222") ae eee 
LS Oe eee ee Dae 515 ISisct ee 
BBO Besos ee 518 1874) 2.00) co eee 
PSG NS ee oe ee 521 1876.22.25 5-25 nce ee 


JOURNAL OF THE BuILpINe Commirrex from February 17, 1847, to De- 
emer SBA Gea oe a OR A 


Page. 
154 
155 
156 
158 
159 
164 
164 
174 
179 
214 
264 
3808 
3836 
339 
358 
416 
418 
420 
421 
435 


3894 
400 


401 


408 


411 
413 
414 


457 


Page 
524 
527 
5380 
5383 
537 
541 
545 
548 
551 
555 
559 
565 
572 
578 


597 


CONTENTS. 


REporT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE: 


Year. Page. Year. 

Peel apy see ee a a 589 ABBAS Se 
Aare Es GEL Ny) aeye 695 1S5b ia. Ls 
i aan elton Lg 6 Sie sho 698 NS5GU to. Lys: 2 ees 
HQapmetee tat ore 702 ASS Teskc ee: | 
ARO ee tee ees OE NGG beeeee aes -  S_ 
ee ee esas EE EO ne ae 706 OG Be eee oa Dh 
tan ries etl OMT 707 1867 


CGeneralsinancialand statistical’ statements=-- = — =~ 2 SaaS WE 
Receipts and expenditures of the Institution from 1846 to 1877 
Statement of the condition of the fund January 1, 1878------------------_- 
tatistics of literary and scientific exchanges, 1846-1877 ~-__--------------- 
Books, &c., received for the Smithsonian Library, 1846-1877 
Books forwarded to foreign countries, 1846-1877 .__. --.___ ---.---.-.-...... 
Appropriations and expenditures from the National Treasury, 1836-1876___- 
avecents ot the Institution from 1846-1879 -=-— =-- seas es  - 
accordin= to mode of appointment —-- = 
BEcHrdine to residence <2—-— one cowe oe oo Sek Sok 

Act to establish the Smithsonian Institution, August 10, 1846 
Act to establish the Smithsonian Institution, Revised Statutes____-_---_---- 
By- laws of the Smithsonian Institution --.--- --------__- ----__ ---__- ----— 


Tor ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: 


Journal of Proceedings: 
PESERC LES Pe SL ee ce 
ATONE raya caret chs ee 
IMeiy dq pom eee eee ene ae ee 
WuMerG L8h5des2—2e2—— pee ee yee Se SR ee Sete ee 
SREP See ee a ee 
SUTTCRG eG 5 eee teen mA oe On et) Cen eae et ene ieee ee eS 


RU[CNIAC Wee le fe) ene eres Se eee en enn eens Sa ena 
ilenyge tiem lis dese ee eee ee eee LSS eee eae one 
Examination of Professor Henry by the English Government Scientific Com- 
EST ST CHIN Lob FAS DI ULITD ou Li) eee nee es 


VII 


Page. 
708 
710 
711 
712 
713 
717 
720 
723 
724 
73Q 
731 
731 
731 
732 
741 
749 
751 
753 
761 
769 


771 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF THE 


BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


Wasuineton, D. C., September 7, 1846. 

By direction of the President of the United States a room in the 
General Post Oflice building was appropriated for the use of the 
Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Present, Hon. George M. Dallas, Vice-President of the United 
States; Hon. Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice; Hon. William W. 
Seaton, Mayor of the city of Washington; Hon. George Evans, 
Senator; Hon. Isaac 8. Pennybacker, Senator; Hon. Robert Dale 
Owen, Representative; Hon. William J. Hough, Representative ; 
Hon. Henry W. Hilliard, Representative; Hon. Rufus Choate, of 
Massachusetts, citizen at large ; Hon. Gideon Hawley, of New York, 
citizen at large; Hon. Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, citizen at 
large; Hon. Alexander Dallas Bache, National Institute; Hon. 
Joseph G. Totten, National Institute. 

For the purpose of a preliminary organization of said Board, 
Hon. George M. Dallas was appointed President, and Hon. Wm. J. 
Hough Secretary. 

On motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the President appoint a suitable person doorkeeper, who shall also 
act as messenger of said Board during the present session. 


Whereupon, the President appointed William McPeak door- 
keeper and messenger. 
The following resolutions were adopted : 


Resolved, That the Rules and Orders of the Senate of the United States be adopted 
as the Rules and Orders for the government of this board, until others shall be adopted 
in their stead. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of this institution, hereafter to be elected, procure 
from the Department of State a copy of the joint resolution of the two Houses of 
Congress by which a portion of the Regents of this institution were appointed; and 
that he also procure from the Secretary of the Senate and from the clerk of the House 
of Representatives, respectively, a certificate of the appointment of the Regents from 
their respective Houses, and file the same in the office of the Secretary of said institu- 
tion. 

Resolved, That all further action of this Board in relation to the election of officers 
be postponed until to-morrow. 

Resolved, That when this Board adjourn it adjourn to meet at 10 o’clock, to-morrow 
morning. 


Whereupon, on motion, the Board adjourned. 


bo 


BOARD OF REGENTS. 


September 8, 1846. 
The Board of Regents met, pursuant to adjournment, in a room 
in the Patent Office building. 
Present, the same Regents mentioned in yesterday’s proceedings, 
except Mr. Totten, who is absent in consequence of sickness. 
It was 


Resolved, That the Board proceed to elect a Chancellor. 


The Board then proceeded to the election of a Chancellor by bal- 
lot, and, upon counting the ballots, it appeared that Hon. George 
M. Dallas was unanimously elected. 


Thereupon, it was— 


Resolved, That Hon. George M. Dallas be, and he is hereby, declared to be unani- 
mously elected Chancellor of the Board of Regents and of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion. 


iiwas—— 


Resolved, That the Board proceed to elect a member thereof Secretary of said Board 
of Regents and of the Smithsonian Institution. 


The Board then proceeded to the election of a Secretary by ballot, 
and, upon counting the ballots, it appeared that Hon. William J. 
Hough was elected. 

Thereupon, it was— 


Resolved, That Hon. William J. Hough be, and he is hereby, declared to be elected 
Secretary of the Board of Regents and of the Smithsonian Institution. 


It was 


Resolved, That the Secretary do now prepare six ballots, on two of which the word 
‘two ” shall be written, on two others the word ‘four,’ and on the remaining two 
the word ‘six ;’’ and that each of the Regents appointed by the joint resolution of Con- 
egress of the 10th August, 1846, draw one of said ballots; and the Regents who draw 
the ballots with the word ‘‘two’”’ thereon shall hold their office of Regents for the 
term of two years; the Regents who draw the ballots with the word ‘ four ”’ thereon 
shall hold their office for the term of four years; and the Regents who draw the 
ballots with the word ‘six ’’ thereon shall hold their office for the term of six years, 
in conformity with the act to establish the ‘‘ Smithsonian Institution for the increase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men,’ approved August 10, 1846. 


It was— 

Resolved, That the Chancellor draw the ballot for any Regent who is not present. 

The ballots were prepared and drawn, as provided in the fore- 
going resolutions, and resulted as follows : 

Mr. Choate drew for two years; Mr. Hawley drew for two years ; 
Mr. Rush drew for four years; Mr. Totten drew for four years; 
Mr. Bache drew for six years; and Mr. Preston drew for six years. 

The Board then proceeded to the election of an Executive Com- 
mittee, by ballot; and, upon counting the ballots, it appeared that 
Mr. Owen, Mr. Seaton, and Mr. Totten were elected. 

Thereupon, it was— 


Resolved, That William W. Seaton, Robert Dale Owen, and Joseph G. Totten be, 
and they are hereby, declared duly elected the Executive Committee. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 2 


It was then— 


Resolved, That William W. Seaton be, and he is hereby, appointed chairman of said 
Executive Committee. 


It was further— 


Resolved, That the chairman of the Executive Committee be the disbursing officer, 
for the payment of the expenses of the Regents, and other contingent and incidental 
expenses of the sessions of the Board, and be authorized to receive from the proper 
officer of the Treasury Department whatever sum may be certified by the Chancellor 
and Secretary to be necessary for that purpose. 


It was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to employ a recording clerk, as an assist- 
ant in the discharge of his duties, whose compensation shall be determined by the 
Executive Committee.* 


It was— 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to procure a book, in which the proceed- 
ings of the Board shall be recorded; and a description of the site selected by the 
Board, set out by metes and bounds, shall be made and signed by the Regents present, 
and shall have also appended the assent of the President, the Secretary of State, the 
Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, and the 
Commissioner of the Patent Office, to the same. And the Secretary shall also record 
in the same the will of James Smithson; the original act of Congress accepting the 
trust; the law establishing the existing institution ; the resolution of Congress ap- 
pointing Regents of the Smithsonian Institution ; also, the certificates of the secre- 
tary of the Senate and clerk of the House of Representatives, respectively, as to the 
Regents appointed from their respective houses. 


It was— 


Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chancellor, from the mem- 
bers of the Board, to digest a plan to carry out the provisions of the act to establish 
the Smithsonian Institution, and that they report the same to the next meeting of the 
Board. 


Whereupon, the Chancellor appointed Mr. Owen, Mr. Hilliard, 
and Mr. Bache said committee. : 
The following preamble and resolution were offered and agreed to: 


Whereas the act to establish the Smithsonian Institution prescribes an appropria- 
tion, not exceeding an average of twenty-five thousand dollars annually, for the 
gradual formation of a library, composed of valuable works pertaining to all depart- 
ments of human knowledge: Therefore— 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, to prepare a report upon the sub- 
ject of the formation of such a library, indicating its general character and the modes 
of proceeding to accumulate it, and to present such a report at the next regular meeting 
of the Board. 


Whereupon, the Chancellor appointed Mr. Choate, Mr. Hawley, 
and Mr. Rush said committee. ; 
Adjournedto 10 o’clock to-morrow morning. 


September 9, 1846. 
The Board met pursuant to adjournment. 
Present, the same Regents as yesterday. 
Mr. Owen presented to the Board, in behalf of David Dale Owen, 


_ *In compliance with the seventh section of the act of Congress establishing the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, and with this resolution, the Secretary appointed Benjamin B. French, Esq., Assistant See- 
retary and Recording Clerk of the institution. 


4 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


M. D., of Indiana, a plan, drawings, and specifications of a build- 
ing for said institution. 

Mr. Owen also presented a plan and drawings for the same from 
Mr. Robert Mills, architect of the city of Washington. 

The following resolutions were adopted : 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and 
the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents be, and they are hereby, authorized 
and instructed to take such measures as may be deemed by them most proper to obtain 
plans for the erection of buildings, fulfilling all the conditions in reference to them 
contained in the law organizing this institution, and that said committee report such 
plan as they may approve to this Board, at its next meeting; and further, that said 
committee specially report in regard to the best material for said buildings, and to the 
best modes of warming, lighting, and ventilating the same, with estimates of the cost 
when constructed of different materials; and that they further report in regard to 
such other matters as they may consider important in the premises. . 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be offered to David Dale Owen, M. D., of 
Indiana, for the plans of buildings for the Smithsonian Institution, presented on his 
behalf; and that said plans, with the correspondence explanatory of the same, and 
any other plans which may be presented to this Board, be referred to the committee 
just named. 

Resolved, That the committee appointed to report at the next session are authorized 
to purchase such works, per account of the Board, on architecture, bibliography, and 
the like, as they may deem necessary to enable them to perform the duties of their 
appointment; to visit any structures and collections in this country; and also to avail 
themselves of the suggestions of other skillful persons, and to offer therefor, if neces- 
sary, such remuneration as the Regents may choose subsequently to make. 

Resolved, That the regular meetings of the Board of Regents shall be on the second 
Wednesday of December and the third Wednesday of February in each year; and on 
the first Wednesday of June in each alternate year, commencing with the first 
Wednesday of June in the year 1848. 

Resolved, That Mr. Rush be a committee to ascertain, through the solicitors formerly 
employed by him on behalf of the United States in the suit to obtain the Smithsonian 
bequest, or otherwise, whether Madame De la Batut still survives; and if not, what 
steps are necessary to be taken to obtain the fund reverting to the United States at her 
death; being a portion of the original property of James Smithson retained by the 
English court of chancery, in order to furnish, in the shape of interest, an annuity to 
the said Madame De la Batut. And further, in case the said Madame De la Batut 
survives, to adopt measures by which her decease may be communicated to the Board 
whenever that event may occur. And that Mr. Rush report to the Executive Com- 
mittee the legal charge thus incurred, which the said committee is hereby authorized 
to pay. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to contract for the printing, on good 
paper and in neat pamphlet form, of two hundred and fifty copies of the original law 
accepting the trust and of the law of last session organizing the institution, the pam- 
phlet also to include the names and residences of the present Board of Regents; and 
that six copies be sent to each of the Regents and to each member of the Hstablish- 
ment. 

Resolved, That the subject of the selection of a site be referred to the committee on 
pe buildings constituted at this meeting, to report at an adjourned meeting of this 

oard. i 

Resolved, That when this Board adjourn, it adjourn to meet at the Vice-President’s 
room, at the Capitol, in the city of Washington, on the last Monday of November 
next, at 12 o’clock, at noon. 

Resolved, That Mr. Choate and Mr. Pennybacker be added to the committee ap- 
pointed yesterday to digest a plan to carry out the provisions of the act establishing 
the Smithsonian Institution. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested, without unnecessary delay, to collect, on 
behalf of the institution, all the documents, Congressional and others, connected with 
the history of the Smithsonian bequest, and of its legislation, and cause them to be 
substantially bound, as a commencement of its library. 


William Archer, Esq., architect, of the city of Washington, pre- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. D 


sented to the Board a plan and drawings for a building for the in- 
stitution, together with specifications and estimates of the cost, 
&e.; which were referred to the Committee on Buildings. 

And then, on motion, the Board adjourned until the last Monday 
in November next. 


November 30, 1846. 


Agreeably to their adjournment on the 9th day of September 
last, a meeting of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was 
held at the room of the Vice-President of the United States, in the 
Capitol. 

George M. Dallas, the Chancellor, (and one of the Regents,) and 
the following Regents appeared, viz: William W. Seaton, Isaac 8. 
Pennybacker, Sidney Breese, Robert Dale Owen, Wilham J. 
Hough, Henry W. Hilliard, Richard Rush, Gideon Hawley, Alex- 
ander Dallas Bache, and Joseph G. Totten. 

Messrs. Hough, Séaton, Totten, Rush, and the Chancellor, each 
presented sundry letters, recommendations, &c., relative to applica- 
tions for the office of secretary of the institution; which were sev- 
erally placed upon file for future consideration. 

Mr. Rush presented a letter from Miss Legare, sister of the late 
Hugh 8. Legaré, asking the Regents to purchase the library left by 
her brother; which was placed upon file for future consideration. 

The Chancellor, from the committee appointed at the last session 
of the Board of Regents “‘ to obtain plans for the erection of build- 
ings,” to consider as to materials, the warming and lighting the 
buildings, &c., made the following report, accompanied by sundry 
letters from Mr. Owen to Mr. Seaton, giving a detailed account of 
the examinations made by himself, Mr. Hough, and Mr. Totten, 
as a sub-committee in Philadelphia, New York and Boston and 
from Mr. David Dale Owen, Professors Silliman and Fowler, in 
relation to the selection of material for the erection of the insti- 
tution building. 


The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Board at its session on the 9th of 
September last, respectfully report : 


In order ‘to obtain plans for the erection of buildings,’’ to form some judgment 
‘“‘in regard to the best material for said buildings,” and to ascertain ‘‘ the best modes 
of warming, lighting and ventilating the same,’’ the committee took the following 
measures : 


6 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


With a view to give, as extensively and rapidly as possible, notice to the architects 
of the country of the objects and duties of the committee, the resolution by which 
they were constituted was published in the newspapers of this city on the 22d day of 
September, 1846. : 

The shortness of time, however, rendering it probable that no satisfactory com- 
munications would be received from architects before the present meeting of the 
Board, the committee entered upon a tour of personal inspection, hoping to accumu- 
late information that might guide the Board in the choice of a plan for building; and 
Mr. Owen, Mr. Hough, and Col. Totten visited our principal cities, examined many 
if not all of their most noted structures, had conferences with several of their archi- 
tects eminent for science and success, collected specimens of the best stone material, 
and obtained data upon which to ‘estimate the cost of the contemplated building 
when constructed of different materials.”’ 

At the city of Philadelphia, the Girard College, the Eastern Penitentiary, the House 
of Refuge, the hall of the Mercantile Library Company, the Exchange, the Custom- 
house, (formerly the Bank of the United States,) and the Atheneum, now being 
built, were visited. 

Mr. Strickland and Mr. Walter were called upon, but were unfortunately absent 
from the city. Mr. Haviland was also called upon; but not being seen, all necessary 
information was sent to him through his son. Mr. Notman was seen and repeatedly 
conversed with. 


At the city of Trenton, the State Lunatic Asylum, and the old but renovated State- 
House, wera visited. 

In examining these edifices, advantage was derived from the constant presence and 
intelligent remarks of Mr. Notman. 


At the city of New York, Grace Church, Calvary Church, the Church of the Puri- 
tans, the Tombs, Trinity Church, the University, Dr. Pott’s Church, the Muhlenburg 
Church, Mr. Bellows’ Church, the Church of the Pilgrims, and several other churches, 
were visited. Much valuable information was obtained at consultations with Mr. 
Renwick, accompanied by his father, Professor Renwick ; Mr. Upjohn, Mr. Warren, 
Mr. Thompson, Mr. Mountain, Mr. Wells, Mr. Arnot, and Mr. Jewett. Mr. Hough 
took occasion to visit also the marble quarry at Hastings, and several other quarries in 
the vicinity of New York. 

At the city of Boston, the Masonic Temple, the Howard Street Atheneum, the new 
Custom-House, the Merchants’ Exchange, the new Theatre, and other structures, were 
visited. Mr. Rogers and Mr. Young were the architects conferred with. 


At the city of Cincinnati, interviews were had with Mr. Daniels and Mr. Walter. 


During the visits thus briefly sketched, a series of letters were written by Mr. Owen 
to Mr. Seaton, embodying the fruits of each day’s exertion, and communicating very 
many details of great interest. ‘These are best submitted to the Board in their origi- 
nal form; the committee therefore annex them to this report. 

Valuable letters have been received from David Dale Owen, Professor Silliman, and 
Professor Fowler, in relation specially to the comparative merits of marble and sand- 
stone: these also are annexed for the inspection of the Board. 

In order still further to assist the judgment of the Board on the important point of 
the choice of material for the building, the committee have caused several sample 
walls of different stone to be thrown up for their examination. 

It will be perceived, by the correspondence of Mr. Owen, that the architects with 
whom he conferred are required to transmit their several plans to the Board by the 
25th of December next. Until they are received, no definite choice can be made; and 
as ‘the best material,” and ‘the best modes of lighting and ventilating,”’ together with 
“estimates of the cost,’’ could, in the opinion of the committee, only be safely deter- 
mined by reference to the plan finally adopted, they have abstained from treating 
those points further than they are touched upon in the annexed correspondence. 


‘The selection of a site’”’ is a subject also referred to this committee; but as it was 
made a matter of personal examination by the whole Board at their last meeting, the 
committee respectfully confine themselves to reporting the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution do select and adopt as 
the site for their buildings, so much of the Mall, in the city of Washington, as lies 
between Seventh street and the river Potomac, if the consent of the persons named in 
the fourth section of the act to establish the Smithsonian Institution for the increase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men, be obtained thereto ; and that upon such con- 


ee tt ia 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 7 


sent being obtained in due form, the Secretary is hereby instructed to cause the said 
ground so selected to be set out by proper metes and bounds. 

All which is submitted by 

G. M. DALLAS, Chairman. 

WM. J. HOUGH. 
ROBERT DALE OWEN. 
JOS. G. TOTTEN. 
W. W. SEATON. 
WASHINGTON, November 30, 1846. 


The committee unanimously selected, out of thirteen plans, 
that were submitted to them by some of the principal architects 
throughout the country, two by Mr. James Renwick, jr., of the 
city of New York, the architect of Grace Church, the Church of 
the Puritans, Calvary Church, and other structures, in and near 
New York; and they recommended to the Board for adoption one 
of these, being a design in the Jater Norman, or, as it may, with 
more strict propriety, be called, the Lombard style, as it prevailed 
in Germany, Normandy, and in Southern Europe, in the twelfth 
century. The design comprises a centre building, with two wings, 
connected with the main building by low ranges and a cloister. 
The entire front is 421 feet, and the extreme depth in the centre, 
including the carriage porch, 153 feet. The height of the principal 
tower is 145 feet, and that of the main building, to the summit of 
the battlement, 58 feet. The design includes all the accommoda- 
tions demanded by the charter, to wit: a museum, 200 feet by 50; 
a library, 90 feet by 50; a gallery of art, in the form of a T, 125 
feet long; two lecture rooms, one of which is capable of contain- 
ing from 800 to 1,000 persons, and the other is connected with the 
chemical laboratory; a committee room for the Board of Regents ; 
a Secretary’s room; a room for the effects of Mr. Smithson; a jan- 
itor’s room, &e. 

The contracts are not yet made; but the building committee 
hope to complete the structure, and to fit up and furnish the same, 
not only without encroachment on the capital of the institution, 
which by the act organizing the institution is expressly forbidden, 
but so as to leave a considerable portion of the amount specially 
set apart by that act for building unexpended. 

The material for the exterior of the building has not yet been: 
selected. The Board has authorized the publication, by the build- 
ing committee, of a small volume, which will give to the public the 
design of the building, and all important particulars regarding 
materials, &e. 

‘The report and letters having been read were placed upon file. 

The resolution accompanying the report was then taken up for 
consideration, and pending the question on the adoption thereof. 


8 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


On motion of Mr. Breese— 


Ordered, That when the Board adjourn it will adjourn to meet at 12 o’clock to- 
morrow. 


On motion of Mr. Breese, the Board adjourned until to-morrow 
at 12 o’clock, meridian, 


December 1, 1846. 


Mr. Evans, one of the Regents, appeared. 
The Chancellor laid before the Regents the following letter from 
Chief Justice Taney, a Regent of the institution : 
: BALTIMORE, November 28, 1846. 
Dear Sir: I regret that it will not be in my power to attend the meeting of the 
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution on Monday next. The circuit court for the 
district of Maryland has been in session since the beginning of this month, and must 
continue in session all of next wzek, in order to dispose of the business before it. Be 
good enough to mention to the doard the cause of my absence, and believe me to be, 
with great respect, your obedient servant, 
R. B. TANEY. 


GEORGE M. DALuas, 
Vice-President of the United States, Washington. 


Mr. Owen presented a letter from J. Renwick, Jr., of New York, 
describing and commenting upon the materials used in building in 
the city of New York, which was read and placed upon file. 

Mr. Breese presented sundry letters and recommendations relative 
to applications for office, agencies for the purchase of books, &c., 
which were placed on file for future consideration. 

‘Mr. Rush, from the committee appointed to ascertain whether 
Madame de la Batut still survives, and if not, what steps are neces- 
sary to obtain the remainder of the Smithsonian fund reverting to 
the United States at her death, and if she is still living, what steps 
are necessary to obtain the fund at her death, made a report thereon 
in part, stating that he had written to Messrs. Clarke, Fynmore, 
and Fladgate, solicitors, residing in London, making the proper in- 
quiries, but had yet received no answer. 

A copy of his letter was then submitted, read, and put on file. 

Mr. Owen, from the Committee on the Organization of the insti- 
tution, made a report, accompanied by a series of resolutions, which 
were read. . 

On motion of Mr. Owen, the consideration of the resolutions was 
postponed until to-morrow. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the resolution pend- 
ing yesterday when the Board adjourned. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 9 


Mr. Seaton proposed that the same be amended, by inserting after 
the word “ Potomac” the following : 


‘‘ Intending to authorize the erection of a monument to George Washington, by the 
Washington Monument Association, on a part of the said site, which lies between 
Fourteenth street and the river.”’ 


Mr. Evans moved that the said amendment be amended by sub- 


stituting therefor the following : 


‘“« Subject to the power of Congress to grant any portion of the same west of Four- 
teenth street to the Washington Monument Society, for the purpose of erecting a 
monument thereon.”’ 


And the question being put on agreeing to the amendment of 
Mr. Evans, it was decided in the affirmative. 

The amendment, as amended, was then agreed to, and the resolu- 
tion, as amended, was agreed to. 


And so it was— 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution do select and adopt, as 
the site for their buildings, so much of the Mall, in the city of Washington, as lies 
between Seventh street and the river Potomac, subject to the power of Congress to 
grant any portion of the same west of Fourteenth street to the Washington Monu- 
ment Society, for the purpose of erecting a monument thereon, if the consent of the 
persons named in the fourth section of the act to establish the Smithsonian Institution 
for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men be obtained thereto ; and that, 
upon such consent being obtained in due form, the Secretary is hereby instructed to 
cause the said ground so selected to be set out by proper metes and bounds. 


On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Ordered, That the committee on the selection of a site be instructed to wait upon 
the President of the United States, and lay before him a certified copy of said resolu- 
tion ; and that the Secretary communicate a copy of the same to each of the officers 
mentioned in the act of Congress establishing the institution. 


On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Ordered, That the Chancellor and each chairman of a committee be a committee to 
prepare ‘‘a report of the operations, expenditures, and condition of the institution,” 
for submission to Congress, agreeably to the third section of the act establishing the 
same. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, 
at 12 o’clock meridian. 


December 2, 1846. 

Mr. Choate, one of the Regents, appeared. 

Mr. Owen presented sundry applications for the office of secre- 
tary of the institution; which were placed on file for future con- 
sideration. 

Mr. Owen presented a letter from A. Randall, of the city of St. 
Louis, asking that the time fixed by the Building Committee of the 
Board of Regents, for the furnishing of plans for the building, may 
be extended; which letter was placed on file. 

Mr. Owen presented a letter from Nahum Capen, of Boston, sug- 
gesting the formation of a statistical department of the institution ; 
which was placed on file for future consideration. 


10 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Mr. Bache presented a paper signed by members of the American 
Philosophical Society, recommending Titian R. Peale as a person 
eminently qualified to take charge of the collections of the institu- 
tion ; which was placed on file for future consideration. 

A motiou was made by Mr. Breese to reconsider the vote by 
which the Board yesterday adopted the resolution selecting and 
adopting a site for their buildings. 

After debate, the motion of Mr. Breese was postponed until to- 
morrow. 

The resolutions reported yesterday by Mr. Owen, from the Com- 
mittee on Organization, came up in order for consideration. 

At the suggestion of Mr. Choate that he wished to examine the 
report accompanying them ; 

On motion of Mr. Owen, the resolutions were further postponed 
until to-morrow. 

Mr. Breese offered the following resolution : 


Resolved, That at one o’clock, p. m., to-morrow, the Board will proceed to the elec- © 
tion of a secretary of the institution. 


Which was read, and on motion of Mr. Breese, laid upon the 
table. 

On motion of Mr. Hough, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, 
at 12 o’clock, meridian. 


December 3, 1846. 
The Chancellor laid before the Board the following communica- 
tion from the Assistant Secretary. 


OrricrE HousE oF REPRESENTATIVES UNITED STATES, December 8, 1846. 
? } 


Sir: Having been appointed Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 
September last, by the Secretary, (Hon. Mr. Hough,) the performance of all she 
duties of Secretary in this city in his absence devolved upon me. 

As it may at some future period be important, if it is not now, that the Regeats 
should be informed of my official action, I most respectfully submit the following 
statement : 

By direction of the Secretary I caused sundry official documents, relative to the m- 
stitution, together with the proceedings of the first meeting of the Regents, to be re- 
corded in a large record book marked A. As this labor was performed in a manner 
exceedingly creditable to the person who performed it, I will take the liberty to say . 
that it was done by Adam J. Glossbrenner, Esq., of Pennsylvania, a clerk in the 
office of House of Representatives. 

In conformity with the special direction of the Regents at their first meeting, and 
at the request of the Secretary, I collected all the printed documents in relation to the 
bequest of James Smithson, and caused them to be handsomely and strongly bound in 
a volume which I have taken the liberty to present to the institution. Up to the day 
on which the present session commenced, twenty-four volumes of books and seven 
pamphlets came into my possession for the instituion—some of them as presents, others 
under the copyright provision of the tenth section of the act of Congress establishing 
the institution. Since the session commenced two volumes of books and one pamphlet 
have been presented. 

The following is a complete list of the books now in my possession : 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 11 


I acknowledged the receipt of each of the foregoing books by letter, addressed 
through the mail, to the person who sent it. 

Accompanying the Bibliotheca Americana Nova, from O. Rich, Esq., of London, is 
a note addressed to the Regents, in which he offers his services in supplying any books 
they may require from England or any part of Europe. 

Mr. Rich also addressed a note to me, making substantially the same offer, to which 
I replied, presenting my thanks, as Assistant Seer etary, for the books sent, and prom- 
ising to bring the subject’ to the attention of the Regents at this meeting. 

Many letters have oe addressed to me in relation to the institution, making many 
inquiries, but not as I deemed of a nature to make them official. 

Every letter received has been answered, giving all the information in my possession 
as to the subjects inquired about. 

With the best wishes for the perfect success of the institution, I am, with high re- 
spect, your obedient servant, 

B. B. FRENCH, 
Assistant Secretary. 
Hon. Gro. M. DALuas, 
Chancellor of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 


The Chancellor also presented a letter from Alexander Jones to 
the Assistant Secretary, asking to be appointed agent of the insti- 
tution in New York for receiving and forwarding books, which was 
read and placed on file. 

Mr. Owen presented letters recommending sundry persons for 
the Secretaryship of the institution, which were placed on file for 
future consideration. 

Mr. Choate, from the committee appoiuted at the meeting of the 
Regents in September, in relation to the formation of a library, 
made a report, accompanied by resolutions, which were read. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, the resolutions accompanying the re- 
port made by him from the Committee on Organization were taken 
up for consideration. 

Mr. Owen moved that the Board proveed to consider the resolu- 
tion relative to the qualifications of secretary, and numbered 13; 
which motion was agreed to. 

The said resolution was then read, as follows 


[No. 13.] Resolved, That it is essential, for the advancement of the proper interests 
of the trust, that the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be a man possessing 
weight of character, and a high grade of talent; and that it is further desirable that 
he possess eminent scientific and general acquirements ; that he be a man capable of 
advancing science and promoting letters by original research and effort, well qualified 
to act as a respected channel of communication between the institution and scientific 
and literary individuals and societies in this and foreign countries ; and, in a word, a 
man worthy to represent before the world of science and of letters the institution over 
which this Board presides. 


And the question being put on agreeing to the same, it was de- 
cided in the affirmative. 

The remainder of the resolutions were then postponed for the 
present. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, the resolution offered by Mr. Breese 
yesterday relative to the election of a Secretary was taken up. Mr. 
Breese modified the same to read as follows 


LD BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Resolved, That the Board will proceed forthwith to the election of a Secretary of 
the institution. 


And thus modified, it was agreed to. 
The Board then proceeded to elect a Secretary by ballot, when it 
appeared that there were twelve votes cast, of which— 


Professor Joseph Henry had - - - - 7 
Francis Markoe, Jr., had - - - - - 4 
Dr. Pickering had - - - . - - 1 

Whole number - SAE - ae 


Necessary to a choice, 7. 

Professor Joseph Henry, of Princeton, in the State of New 
Jersey, having a majority of all the votes given in, was declared by 
the Chancellor duly elected Secretary of the institution. 

And thereupon, on motion of Mr. Owen, it was unanimously— 


Resolved, That the Board approve the election of Professor Henry as Secretary of 
the institution, and invite him to assume the duties of that office. 


Ordered, That Mr. French continue to act as Assistant Secretary until the Secre- . 


tary elect shall appear and enter upon his duties. 


On motion of Mr. Evans, the Board proceeded to the consideration 
of the motion made by Mr. Breese yesterday, that the vote by which 
the resolution adopting a site for the buildings of the institution was 
passed be reconsidered. 

And the question being put, Will the Board reconsider the said 
vote? It was decided in the negative. 

So the resolution stands adopted. 


On motion of Mr.-Evans— 


Ordered, ‘That when the Board adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet at 10 o’clock, a. m., 
to-morrow. 


On motion of Mr. Breese, the Board adjourned until 10 o’clock, 
a. m., to-morrow. 


December 4, 1846. 
The Board proceeded to the consideration of the resolutions ac- 
companying the report of the Committee of Organization; when 
the following of the said resolutions (numbered as they were re- 
ported) were read and agreed to, viz: 


[No. 3.] Resolved, That the Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, of War, and of 
the Navy of the United States, be respectfully invited to furnish to consuls and other 
public officers, in this and foreign countries, under their respective departments, such 
suggestions as they may deem proper in regard to the procurement, as opportunity 
offers, of additions to the museum of the institution, especially to its ethnological de- 
partment; that three hundred copies of this report, when printed, be placed at the 
disposal of each of the above-named Secretaries, as an explanation to these public 
functionaries of the views of the institution in regard to a museum; and that five 
hundred dollars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of the accruing inter- 
est, to pay transportation or other expenses connected with the transmission from 
foreign parts to Washington of any collections thus made; and to such contributions, 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 13 


when placed in the museum, the name of the officer obtaining and forwarding the 
same shall in all cases be appended. 

[No. 4.] Resolved, That the Secretary of War be respectfully invited to furnish 
to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs such suggestions as he may deem proper re- 
garding the procurement from the Indian country of collections for the museum of 
the Smithsonian Institution, illustrating the natural history of the country, and more 
especially the physical history, manners and customs, of the various tribes of aborig- 
ines of the North American continent; that one hundred copies of this report, when 
printed, be placed at his disposal, as a means of informing the various Indian agents 
of the special character of the collections desired ; and that the sum of five hundred 
dollars be, and the same is hereby, annually appropriated, out of the accruing inter- 
est of the Smithsonian Institution, for the procurement and transportation of such 
Indian collections ; and, when placed in the museum, there shall be appended to each 
the name of the agent through whom the same may be procured. 

[No. 5.] Resolved, That the public generally be invited to furnish contributions to 
the museum of the Smithsonian Institution; and that all such contributions, when 
considered worthy of a place, shall be labelled with the name and residence of the 
donor. 

[No. 6.] Resolved, That ten copies of the report accompanying these resolutions be 
furnished to each member of the Senate and House of Representatives, and each 
member be respectfully requested to transmit these to newspapers and to individuals, 
in his district or elsewhere, who may be likely to take interest in the proceedings of 
the institution. 

[No. 12.] Resolved, That for the year eighteen hundred and forty-seven the sum of 
one thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated for laying out the 
grounds of the institution, and for the purchase, transplantation, and temporary fenc- 
ing of the trees therein; to be expended under the direction of the Executive Com- 
mittee. > 

[No. 15.] Resolved, That of this report, in such form as it may be ultimately adopted, 
five thousand copies be printed, under the direction of the Secretary ; and that he be 
required to transmit a copy of the same to each of the principal scientific and literary 
societies, both in this and in other countries; and also to such individuals, of scien- 
tific or literary reputation, as he may judge likely to find interest in the proceedings 
of the institution. 


The Board proceeded to the consideration of the following reso- 


lution : 


[No. 1.] Resolved, That for the present, out of the interest accruing to the institu- 
tion, the sum of twenty thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated for 
the purchase of books and the gradual fitting up of a library, and all other incidental 
expenses relating to the library, except the salaries of the librarian or librarians; the 
said appropriation to commence from the first of January, eighteen hundred and 
forty-eight. 


A motion was made by Mr. Hough, that the same be amended, 
by striking out ‘“ twenty thousand dollars,” and inserting “ twelve 
thousand dollars; which motion was disagreed to. 

Mr. Rush moved that “twenty thousand dollars” be stricken 
out, and “fifteen thousand dollars” inserted; which motion was 
disagreed to. 

The question was then put, Will the Board agree to the resolu- 
tion ? and it was decided in the affirmative. 

The following resolution was then read and agreed to, viz: 


[No. 2.] Resolved, That the portion of the building to be for the present set apart 
for a library, be of sufficient capacity to contain not less than one hundred thousand 
volumes; and that it is desirable that the plan should be such as to render an exten- 
sion practicable, if hereafter desired. 


The following resolution was then read and agreed to, viz: 
[No. 11.] Resolved, That for the present the sum of four thousand dollars, out of the 


14 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


interest accruing to the institution, be appropriated for the purchase of philosophical 
and chemical apparatus, models, &c.; the said appropriation to commence on the first. 
day of January next. 


The following resolution was then read and agreed to, viz: 


[No. 7.] Resolved, That it is expedient to include ultimately in the plan of the in- 
stitution popular lectures on useful subjects—as on agriculture and its latest improve- 
ments ; on the productive arts of life ; on the sciences, and the aid they bring to labor ; 
on common school instruction, including the proper construction of school rooms, the 
most improved apparatus for teaching, and the most judicious management, moral and 
intellectual, of children in common schools ; also, if suitable lecturers be found, on 
history, natural and civil, including the physical history of the various races of men, 
and the gradual advance of each to its present state of civilization ; on political econ- 
omy, in its practical connection with the every-day business of life; and generally on 
any department of useful knowledge not strictly professional. 


The following resolutions, Nos. 8, 9, 10, and 14, were read; and 
upon suggestions that it was desirable that the Secretary elect 
should be consulted before their adoption, they were postponed 
until the next meeting of the Board of Regents. 


[No. 8.] Resolved, further, That if the funds of the institution permit, it is desira- 
ble that such lectures should be delivered not only at Washington, but gradually and 
successively at different points in all the States in the Union, either by permanent 
professors or temporary lecturers, engaged on behalf of the institution. 

[No. 9.] Resolved, That, if the funds of the institution permit, there may be prop- 
erly included in the plan the publication, periodically or otherwise, of popular tracts 
on the above subjects. 


[No. 10.] Resolved, That, as one of the most effectual means of increasing knowl- 
edge among men, it shall be made a part of the duty of one or more of the officers 
who may be engaged: by the institution to institute original researches in the branch 
of science to which he may be devoted ; and that it shall be the duty of the Secretary, 
when such researches eventuate successfully, to communicate the results to other sci- 
entific societies throughout the world ; and to invite, in return, communications of a 
similar character from them. 


[No. 14.] Resolved, That, in case of the organization of a board of professors, the 
said Secretary shall be ew officio president of the said board of professors, with the 
usual rights and powers of the president of afaculty ; and, as president of said bodrd, 
it shall be his privilege, when thereto authorized by said board, to make, on their be- 
half, any statement or representation to the Board of Regents, either written or ver- 
bal; andif any debate or discussion arise thereupon in the Board of Regents, he shall 
have the right to join therein; but in all cases without a vote in said Board of Re- 
gents. 


The Board proceeded to the consideration of the resolutions re- 
ported yesterday by Mr. Choate, from the committee on the forma- 
tion of a library, which were read and agreed to, as follows: 


[No. 1.] Resolved, That it be recommended to the Secretary of the Smithsonian 
Institution forthwith to employ, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents, an. 
assistant secretary, well qualified to discharge the duties of librarian. 

[No. 2.] Resolved, That a committee be appointed, in conjunction with the Secre- 
tary, to prepare and submit to this Board extended lists of books, in the different de- 
partments of learning, proper to be first purchased, according to the general principles 
of this report; and, for this purpose, that they be authorized to request the aid of the 
librarian, and of other persons competent to afford it, and to engage to such person 
the honor of the Board for discretionary remuneration of such aid. 


Mr. Choate, Mr. Hilliard, and Mr. Rush were appointed the said 
committee. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 15 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the salary of the Secretary, appointed under the 13th resolution re- 
ported by the Committee on Organization, and adopted by the Board on the 3d instant, 
be three thousand five hundred dollars per annum, to commence from the date of his 
acceptance of the office. 

Resolved, That, until a permanent residence be provided for the Secretary in the 
buildings to be erected, a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars annually be appro- 
priated to pay the rent of his residence. 


On motion of Mr. Breese, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


December 5, 1846. 

The Chancellor laid before the Board a letter from Walter R. 
Johnson, of the city of Philadelphia, tendering his services for the 
department of physical science, embracing philosophy and chemis- 
try, with their applications ; which was read and placed on file for 
future consideration. 

The Chancellor also presented a letter from John Jay, of New 
York, accompanied by a recommendation of members of the His- 
torical Society, of John Romeyn Brodhead as secretary of the in- 
stitution ; which was placed on file. 

Mr. Bache presented a letter from B. F. French, of the city of 
New Orleans. 

Mr. Owen offered the following resolution, which was read, con- 
sidered, and agreed to, viz: 


Resolved, That the Assistant Secretary cause one thousand copies of the journal of 
the Board of Regents, from the commencement of its organization to the close of this 
meeting, to be printed in the same form as the pamphlet already printed by this Board, 
and that he forward twenty-five copies thereof to each of the Regents. 


Mr. Totten offered the following resolution, which was read, con- 


sidered, and agreed to unanimously : 


Whereas the present meeting of the Board may probably be the last at which the 
services of Mr. Hough, Regent from New York, as Secretary, will be required— 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board are respectfully offered to that gentleman 
for the prompt, valuable, and disinterested service he has rendered as Secretary. 

On motion of Mr. Bache— 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to arrange with the Secre- 
tary the time and manner of the discharge of the duties enjoined on him by law, and 
by the resolutions of the Regents. 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chancellor to procure the 
introduction, if they deem it expedient, of a bill amendatory of the act establishing 
this institution. 


Mr. Owen, Mr. Hough, and Mr. Evans were appointed the said 
committee. 

It having been suggested by Mr. Evans that in the minds of one 
or more of the Regents a doubt existed as to the passage of the 
resolution No. 7, in yesterday’s proceedings, or whether it was not 
to be considered as among those postponed until the Board could 


16 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


meet again and avail itself of the advice of the Secretary elect, it 


was erence 
Ordered, That it be considered as among the postponed resolutions, and it was post- 
poned accordingly until the next session. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be entitled to partici- 
pate in the deliberations of the Board of Regents, but without vote. 


On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Ordered, That when this Board adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet on the second 
Wednesday of this month, at the room of the Vice-President of the United States, in 
the Capitol, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


The Board then adjourned accordingly. 


December 9, 1846.. 

This being the second Wednesday of December, the Board of 
Regents met, pursuant to their resolution of the 9th day of Septem- 
ber last, fixing their regular meetings. 

Present: George M. Dallas, Chancellor; William W. Seaton, 
George Evans, Robert Dale Owen, A. D. Bache, William J. Hough, 
Richard Rush, and Joseph G. Totten. 

The number fixed by the act establishing the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution as a quorum being five, a quorum was in attendance. 

At 11 o’clock a. m. the Chancellor took the chair, and called the 
Board to order. 

Mr. Hough, from the committee appointed to wait on the Presi- 
dent of the United States and the other persons named in the 
fourth section of the act to establish the Smithsonian Institution, 
and obtain their written consent to the selection and appropriation 
of the public reservation called the ‘“ Mall,” west of Seventh street 
west, in the city of Washington, by the Regents, as a site for the 
necessary buildings for said institution, reported : 

That on the fifth day of December instant he called upon the 
President of the United States and the other persons named in said 
fourth section of the act establishing said institution, and solicited 
their assent to the selection and appropriation by cal Regents of 
all that portion of said reservation lying west of ae street 
west, in said city, as a site for the necessary buildings for said insti- 
tution, pursuant to the resolution of the Board of Regents hereto- 
fore passed making such selection and appropriation, but that he 
was unable to obtain the consent of all of said persons, although a 
portion of them signified their readiness to give such consent; and 
that inasmuch as it seemed necessary that the assent of each and 
all of said persons be obtained to the validity of such selection and 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. a 


appropriation, the committee did not deem it of importance to 
obtain the written consent of such of said persons as signified their 
willingness to the same, not being able to procure the whole. The 
committee, therefore, submit the following resolution for the con- 
sideration of the Regents, and recommend the passage thereof. 

The said resolution was then read and adopted, as follows: 


Whereas the consent of all the persons named in the fourth section of the act to 
establish the Smithsonian Institution has not been obtained to the selection and ap- 
propriation of the public reservation called the ‘‘ Mall,” west of Seventh street west, 
in the city of Washington, by the Regents, as a site for the necessary buildings of said 
institution : Therefore, 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chancellor to confer with 
the President of the United States and the other persons named in the fourth section 
of said act, and ask their consent to the selection by said Regents of that portion of 
said reservation lying between Seventh and Twelfth streets west, in said city, as the 
site for the necessary buildings of said institution; and, if such consent be given— 

Jt is further resolved, That said buildings be located thereon, and at least two hun- 
dred and fifty feet south of the centre thereof. 

Mr. Hough, Mr. Owen, and Mr. Evans, were appointed the said 
committee. 

Mr. Seaton presented a communication from Mr. George Catlin, 
accompanied by a»printed catalogue of his Indian Gallery, offering 
his collection of Indian memorials to the Smithsonian Institution, 
which was referred to the Committee on the formation of a Library. 

On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Ordered, That when this Board adjourn to-day, it adjourn to meet on Monday next, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


And then, on motion of Mr. Evans, the Board adjourned until 
Monday next, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


December 14, 1846. 
The Chancellor laid before the Board the following letter, which 


was read: 
CoLLEGE oF New JERSEY, Princeton, December 7, 1846. 


Dear S1r: Your letter informing me of my election as Secretary of the Smithso- 
nian Institution was received on Friday last; and, after a due consideration of its 
duties and responsibilities, I have concluded to accept the office. 

With much respect, I am your obedient servant, 

JOSEPH HENRY. 


B. B. FRENcH, Ksq., 

Secretary pro tem. Smithsonian Institution. 

The Chancellor laid before the Board a communication from 
Ellis Lewis, of Lancaster, in the State of Pennsylvania, accompa- 
nied by a list of proof and other copies of rare works on engrav- 
ings, and of engravings, etchings, &c., which he proposes to sell to 
the institution ; which was read and referred to the Committee on 
the formation of a Library. 


The Chancellor laid before the Board a communication from 
9 


~_ 


18 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Francis Lieber, of Columbia, South Carolina, stating his views of 
the manner in which the institution should be conducted. 

Mr. Seaton presented a letter from William A. Coleman, of the 
city of New York, relative to the furnishing of books to the insti- 
tution ; which was referred to the Committee on the formation of 
a Library. 

Mr. Hough, from the committee appointed on the 9th instant to 
confer with the President of the United States and the other persons 
named in the fourth section of the act establishing the institution, 
made a verbal report, stating that the committee had had an inter- 
view with the President and the persons mentioned, but had come 
to no final conclusion as to the matter for which they were ap- 
pointed. 

On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Ordered, That when this Board adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet on Monday next 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


And then the Board adjourned until Monday next, at 10 o’clock, 
a. Mm. 


December 21, 1846. 

Chief Justice Taney, one of the Regents, appeared. 

Joseph Henry, the Secretary elect of the Board of Regents and 
of the Smithsonian Institution, appeared, and entered upon the 
duties of his office. 

Mr. Hough presented a letter from James R. Bartlett, of the city 
of New York, expressing a desire to be employed in aiding to 
carry into effect the ethnological department of the institution, not, 
as he states, “for the sake of any compensation,” but for the inter- 
est he feels in ethnological science. | 

Mr. Hilliard presented a letter from Mr. LeBrun, of Philadel- 
phia, an architect, asking‘if the furnishing of the plan for the 
buildings of the institution was open to competition. Mr. Hilliard 
stated that he had replied that it was understood that plans would 
be received by the Executive Committee until the 25th instant, 
from any person who saw fit to present them. 

Mr. Hilliard presented a letter from Mr. Eli French, of the city 
of New York, tendering his services for the purchase of books for 
the institution. 

Mr. Owen, from the committee appointed on the 9th instant to 
confer with the President of the United States and the persons 
mentioned in the fourth section of the act of Congress estab- 
lishing the Smithsonian Institution, in relation to the location of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 19 


the buildings of the institution, reported verbally that the commit- 
tee had had an interview with those persons, but had not yet received 
their final decision upon the subject. 

On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That when this Board adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet on Wednesday 
next, the 23d instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the report made by Mr. Owen, on the Ist day of December instant, 
from the Committee on the Organization of the Institution, together with the resolu- 
tions accompanying the same, which have not been agreed to by the Board, be recom- 
mitted to the said committee. 


And then, on motion of Mr.’ Hilliard, the Board adjourned until 
Wednesday next, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


December 23, 1846. 
Mr. Owen presented a letter from Professor D. P. Gardner, M. D., 
of the city of New York, accompanied by three printed papers writ- 
ten by him, viz: 


Ist. ‘‘ The chemical principles of the rotation of crops,’? pronounced before the 
American Agricultural Association March 4th, 1846. 

2d. ‘‘ On the action of yellow light in producing the green color and indigo light 
the movement of plants.’ 

3d. ‘“ The physical structure of plants.” 


And requesting that should the chairs of chemistry, vegetable 
physiology or agricultural chemistry be filled that he may be afforded 
an opportunity of referring the Regents to satisfactory authorities as 
to his qualifications as a public lecturer or teacher of those branches 
of science; which letter was read, the publications accepted, and 
placed in the library of the institution. 

Mr. Hough, from the committee appointed on the 9th instant to 
confer with the President of the United States and the other per- 
sons named in the fourth section of the act establishing the Smith- 
sonian Institution, and to ask their consent to the selection by said 
Regents of that portion of the public reservation called the “ Mall,” 
lying between Seventh and Twelfth streets, in the city of Washing- 
ton, as the site for the necessary buildings of said institution, made 
a verbal report, accompanied by a copy of the preamble and resolu- 
tions adopted on the 9th instant, indorsed as follows, viz : 


‘‘ The consent of all the persons named in the fourth section of the act to establish 
the Smithsonian Institution is not given to the site herein selected. 
‘“ JAMES K. POLK.” 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution do select and appropriate, 
as the site for their buildings, the south half of so much of the ‘‘ Mall,’’ in the city of 
Washington, as lies between Ninth and Twelfth streets, if the consent of the persons 
named in the fourth section of the act of Congress establishing said institution be ob- 
tained thereto ; and the said ground so selected shall be set out by proper metes and 


20 BOARD OF EEGENTS. 


bounds, and a description of the same shall be made, and recorded in the book of 
records of the proceedings of the Board of Regents, and signed by the Regents. 


On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Ordered, That Mr. Hough, Mr. Owen, and Mr. Evans be a committee to commu- 
nicate the said resolution to the President of the United States and the other persons 
named in the fourth section of the act establishing the Smithsonian Institution. 


Mr. Seaton presented the application of Alexander B. McFarland 
for the appointment of superintendent of the masonry work of the 
buildings of the institution, accompanied by sundry letters recom- 
mendatory of his qualifications for that situation; which were re- 
ferred to the Committee on Buildings. 

On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Ordered, That when this Board adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet on Wednesday, 
the 20th day of January next, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


And then, on motion of Mr. Evans, the Board adjourned until 
Wednesday, the 20th day of January next; then to meet at the 
room of the Vice-President of the United States, in the Capitol, at 
10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 20, 1847. 

The Board of Regents met pursuant to their resolution of ad- 
journment, adopted on the 23d day of December last. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; William W. Seaton, 
George Evans, Robert Dale Owen, William J. Hough, Richard 
Rush, Sidney Breese, Henry W. Hilliard, Alexander Dallas Bache, 
and the Secretary. 

Hon. Lewis Cass, a Senator from the State of Michigan, ap- 
pointed a Regent in the place of Hon. Isaac S. Pennybacker, 
deceased, appeared, and took his seat as a member of the Board. 

Mr. Owen, from the committee appointed on the 23d of Decem- 
ber last, to confer with the President of the United States and the 
other officers named in the fourth section of the act establishing the 
Smithsonian Institution, relative to the selection of a site for the 
building of the institution, made a report thereon, communicating 
the consent of the President of the United States and the other 
persons named in said fourth section, to the selection and appro- 
priation of the site selected by the Regents. 

Mr. Rush presented a letter from Clarke, Fynmore, and Fladgate, 
of the city of London, relative to Madame de la Batut, who receives 
an annuity from the Smithson estate, and communicating informa- 
tion of her being alive at the present time, and also the mode of 
obtaining information in relation to her. 

Mr. Hough presented a letter from Daniel Lee, setting forth his 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. a 


peculiar fitness for the appointment of professor of agricultural 
chemistry, and requesting that such a professorship may be estab- 
lished, and he appointed to the chair thereof. 

Mr. Bache presented sundry letters, recommending Titian R. 
Peale for the appointment of curator of the institution, to have 
charge of the museum of natural history. 

The Chancellor presented the following letter from B. B. French, 
Assistant Secretary and librarian pro tempore, which was read : 


WASHINGTON, January 19, 1847. 
Hon. GrorGE M. DALLAS, 
Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution. 


Sir: Since my last communication, relative to books received by me for the Smith- 
sonian Institution, the following have been transmitted by the publishers in compli- 
ance with the tenth section of the act of Congress establishing the institution. 

* * s * % * % eS 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
B. B. FRENCH, 


Assistant Secretary and Librarian pro tem. 
The Chancellor from the committee appointed on the 9th day of 
September last to select a plan for the building for the institution 


made a report thereon accompanied by the following resolutions: 


1. Resolved, That the Norman plan of a building for the Smithsonian Institution, 
furnished by James Renwick, Jr., of New York, substantially as amended agreeably to 
the suggestions of the committee, is approved and adopted by this Board. 

2. Resolved, That, as testimonials of the high sense entertained by this Board of the 
scientific merit and skill displayed in their respective plans, the following premiums 
be awarded to the gentlemen named : 


To Messrs. Wells and Arnot - = - $250 
Mr. John Notman = = 7 = 250 
Mr. John Haviland = = = = 250 
Mr. Owen G. Warren - = = = 250 


and that one thousand dollars be appropriated for that purpose. 


8. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Board be instructed to write to each of the 
architects to whom are awarded premiums, informing them of the amount awarded, 
and that, if accepted, their plans will be retained by the institution; and also to each 
of the architects whose plans have not received premiums, informing them that their 
plans have not been accepted, and that they are at the disposal of their respective 
authors, and will be forwarded to them free of expense if desired, or at their option, 
retained by the institution. 

4. Resolved, That acommittee of three members of the Board, as provided for in the 
fifth section of the act of Congress, be appointed, who shall be empowered, on behalf 
of the Smithsonian Institution, to enter into contracts for the completion of the build- 
ings, and to take security for their being finished according to the plan adopted by the 
Board, and within the time that may be stipulated; and that said committee have 
authority to employ one or more persons to superintend the erection of the buildings 
and the fitting up of the rooms of the institution. 


The said report and resolutions were read, and the question be- 
ing, Shall the resolutions pass ? 

On motion, it was— 

Ordered, That the consideration thereof be postponed for the present. 

The Chancellor presented a memorial of citizens of the District 
of Columbia, remonstrating against the use of the New York mar- 
ble in constructing the building for the institution, if it is to be 


oe BOARD OF REGENTS. 


dressed, worked, and prepared by convicts in the State prison at 
Sing Sing, New York; which memorial was read. 

Mr. Seaton presented a letter from Alexander Hunter, recom- 
mending J. Carroll Brent for an appointment under the Board of 
Regents ; which letter was read. 

Mr. Hilliard presented a letter addressed by John Notman, archi- 
tect of Philadelphia, to the Board of Regents, relative to the de- 
scription and estimate of the design submitted by him for the 
building for the Smithsonian Institution. 

Several printed copies of the above letter were presented by Mr. 
Hilliard, and distributed to the members of the Board. 

Mr. Owen presented a printed letter of Wells and Arnot, archi- 
tects of New York, explanatory of their drawings for the buildings 
for the Smithsonian Institution and the estimate of the cost of the 
same. 

Mr. Seaton offered the following resolution, which was read and 
agreed to: 


Resolved, That all the architects who have presented plans for the consideration of 
the Building Committee be informed that the Board of Regents will hear any expla- 
nations they may desire to make in relation to their respective designs, to-morrow, at 
10 o’clock, a. m. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Ordered, That the daily hour of meeting shall be 10 o’clock, a. m., until otherwise 
ordered. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 21, 1847. 
Mr. Evans offered the following resolutions, accompanying them 


with remarks suitable to the occasion : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have learned with pro- 
found sensibility that since their last meeting, the Honorable Isaac 8S. Pennybacker, 
late a member of this Board, has departed this life. 

Resolved, That in testimony of their high respect for the memory of their late asso- 
ciate, the members of this Board will wear the customary badge of mourning for the 
period of thirty days. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the journal, and a copy of them 
be transmitted to the widow of the deceased. 


The resolutions being read, were agreed to unanimously. 

Mr. Evans presented a letter from A. EH. Belknap, of Boston, 
Massachusetts, refuting charges in regard to the professional char- 
acter of Josiah Rogers, of that city, as an architect. 

The Chancellor presented a letter from the Secretary of the Sen. 
ate, accompanied by a memorial presented to the Senate on the 20th 
instant, from residents of the District of Columbia, remonstrating 
against the use of materials prepared by State prison convicts in 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 23 


the construction of buildings for the Smithsonian Institution, trans- 
mitted to the Chancellor by order of the Senate. 

Mr. Owen presented a letter from Mrs. E. M. Gurley, soliciting 
the appointment of librarian to the Smithsonian Institution for her 
husband, the Rev. R. R. Gurley; which was read. 

Messrs. Haviland, Notman, and Arnot severally appeared before 
the Board in compliance with the resolution of yesterday, and ex- 
plained their plans and drawings of the buildings for the institution. 

On motion of Mr. Hough, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 22, 1847. 

The Chancellor presented a letter from the Secretary of the Sen- 
ate, accompanied by a memorial presented to the Senate on the 21st 
instant, from residents of the District of Columbia, remonstrating 
against the use of materials prepared by State prison convicts in the 
construction of buildings for the Smithsonian Institution, transmit- 
ted to the Chancellor by order of the United States Senate. 

Mr. Arnot, architect, appeared before the Board of Regents, and 
completed the explanation of his plan for the building. 

Messrs. Rogers, Renwick, and Archer severally appeared before 
the Board, and explained their plans and drawings of the buildings 
for the institution. 

The sitting of this day was principally occupied in hearing the 
explanations of the architects of their respective plans. 

On motion, the Board adjourned until to-morrow, at 10 o’clock, 
au, TH: 


January 23, 1847. 
Mr. Choate, one of the Regents, appeared. 
Mr. Mills, architect, appeared before the Board, in compliance 
with the resolution of the 20th instant, and explained his plans and 
drawings of the building for the institution. 

The Chancellor presented a letter from Thomas L. Smith, Esq., 
late Register of the Treasury, requesting the appointment of treas- 
urer and recording secretary of the institution. 

Mr. Rush presented a letter from Hon. James Buchanan, recom- 
mending Mr. Robert W. Burrows for some employment by the 
Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Rush added his own favorable rec- 
ommendation of Mr. Burrows for the place asked for. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the Ist resolution 
reported by the Chancellor from the committee on the selection of 
a plan for the building on the 20th instant, which is as follows : 


94 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


[No. 1.] Resolved, That the Norman plan of a building for the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, furnished by James Renwick, Jr., of New York, substantially as amended, 
agr eeably to the suggestions of the committee, is approv red and adopted by this Board. 

Mr. Dallas, Mr. Cass and Mr. Breese severally read propositions 
of amendment which they intend to offer at a proper time. 

After debate, the Board adjourned until Monday next, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


January 25, 1847. 

The Chancellor presented a letter from John P. Todd, offering on 
the part of Mrs. Madison and himself some immense blocks of 
marble obtained from the “ Montpelier Quarry,” in the State of 
Virginia, for the use of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Also a letter from Charles Fraber, soliciting the appointment of 
messenger to the Board of Regents. 

Also a letter from the Honorable Reverdy Johnson, inclosing a 
memorial of R. Cary Long, architect of Baltimore, Maryland, pray- 
ing for the publication of an invitation to all ar eae to forward 
plans and drawings for the building of the Smithsonian Institution 
before they decide upon such plans. 

Also a letter from Theodore Frelinghuysen, soliciting the appoint- 
ment of librarian for Rev. R. R. Gurley. 

Also a letter from John Haviland, respecting the ra and esti-- 
mates heretofore submitted to the Board of Regents by him for the 
building for the institution, and reducing the same to meet the 
present wants of the institution. 

Also a letter from John McArran, soliciting the appointment of 
gardener to the Smithsonian Institution. 

Mr. Bache informed the Board of Regents that he had received 
a letter from C. IF. Hagedorn, consul general of Bavaria, communi- 
cating the fact that a valuable library of thirty thousand volumes 
belonging to Count Haptedton, of Munich, was for sale. 

Mr. Owen, from the Committee on Organization, to which was 
recommitted, on the 21st of December last, the report made by Mr. 
Owen on the 1st of December last, together with such of the resolu- 
tions accompanying the same, as had not been agreed to by the 
Board, reported back the same in an amended form, accompanied 
by sundry resolutions; which report and resolutions were laid upon: 
the table. 

Mr. Choate offered sundry resolutions in relation to the organiza- 
tion of the institution ; which were read and laid upon the table. 

The Board took a recess until 1 o’clock, p. m. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 25 


Same day, 1 o’clock, p. m. 


The Board met and proceeded to the further consideration of the 
first resolution reported by the Building Committee on the 20th 
instant. 


And, after debate— 


Ordered, That when this Board adjourn to-day it will adjourn to meet at half past 
nine o’clock, a. m., to-morrow. 


The Board then adjourned until to-morrow, at 93 o’clock, a. m. 


January 26, 1847. 
The Chancellor submitted the following resolutions, which were 
read and laid upon the table for the present : 


Resolved, That in view of the vast field of knowledge, to the increase and diffusion 
of which the act of Congress directs the efforts and funds of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, this Board deem it inexpedient and hazardous to appropriate to the erection of a 
building a larger sum than one hundred thousand dollars. 

Resolved, That John Haviland, of Philadelphia, architect, be requested to state in 
writing, formally to this Board, whether he will undertake to erect a building, upon 
the model of the central structure he has already planned and furnished to this Board, 
with slight changes of arrangement, which will embrace all the chief objects expressed 
in the act of Congress, for the sum of one hundred thousand dollars; said building to 
be of granite or sandstone. 

Resolved, That the committee of three hereinafter appointed be authorized to confer 
with Mr. Haviland, and that, upon this Board receiving from him the written and 
formal undertaking mentioned in the foregoing resolution, they be authorized to en- 
gage his sefvices as architect for the execution of his plan, and to complete all the 
neeessary contracts. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the series of resolu- 
tions offered by Mr. Choate yesterday in relation to the organization 
of the institution. 

After debate, the question was stated on the adoption of said reso- 
lutions, when Mr. Breese moved that the words “an essential ” be 
stricken out, and that in lieu thereof, the words ‘“ the most prominent ”’ 
be inserted ; which was decided in the negative. 

The said first resolution was then agreed to. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the second, third, 
fourth, fifth, and sixth of the said series of resolutions, and, after 
debate, they were agreed to. 

The question was stated on agreeing to the seventh of said series 
of resolutions, when Mr. Hough moved that the words “ one-half,” 
in the first branch of said resolution, be stricken out, which was 
decided in the negative; and the resolution was then agreed to. 


And so the series of resolutions were agreed to, as follows : 


1. Resolved, That it is expedient, and demanded by the will of the testator, that in 
our plan of organization the increase of knowledge by original research should form 
an essential feature; that in furtherance of this object, premiums be offered, at such 
times and to such amounts as the Board may hereafter decide, for original papers, 


26 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


containing positive additions to the sum of human knowledge; and that these, together 
with other suitable papers, be published in transactions of the institution, to be entitled 
‘« Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,’ and to be published periodically or occa- 
sionally, in quarto form, as materials may be obtained. 

2. Resolved, That it is within the strict purpose of the trust, and may materially 
advance its legitimate objects, occasionally to make specific appropriations to definite 
lines of research, the results to be published as above. . 

3. Resolved, That, with a view to the diffusion of knowledge, there may be properly 
included in the plan of organization the issuing of publications, in brief and popular 
form, on subjects of general interest. 

4, Resolved, That, with a similar object, there may also properly be included in the 
plan of organization the issuing of periodical reports containing records of the prog- 
ress of knowledge in its different branches. 

5. Resolved, That there may also properly be included in the plan free lectures, to 
be delivered by competent persons, on useful subjects; and that it may advantageously 
be made a part of the duty of the Secretary and his assistants to give in the lecture 
rooms of the institution, at stated periods, illustrations of new discoveries in science 
and important inventions in the arts. 

6. Resolved, That it is the intention of the act of Congress establishing the institu- 
tion, and in accordance with the design of Mr. Smithson, as expressed in his will, 
that one of the principal modes of executing the act and the trust is the accumulation 
of collections of specimens and objects of natural history and of elegant art, and the 
gradual formation of a library of valuable works pertaining to all departments of 
human knowledge, to the end that a copious storehouse of materials of science, litera- 
ture, and art may be provided, which shall excite and diffuse the love of learning 
among men, and shall assist the original investigations and efforts of those who may 
devote themselves to the pursuit of any branch of knowledge. 

7. Resolved, That for the purpose of carrying into effect the two principal modes of 
executing the act and trust pointed out in the resolutions herewith submitted, the per- 
manent appropriations out of the accruing interest shall, so soon as the buildings are 
completed, be annually as follows, viz: 

First, for the formation of a library composed of valuable works pertaining to all 
departments of human knowledge, and for the procuring, arranging, and preserving 
of the various collections of the institution, as well of natural history and objects of 
foreign and curious research and of elegant art as others, including salaries and all 
other general expenses connected with the same, excepting those of the first complete 
arrangement of all such collections and objects as now belong to the United States in 
the museum of the institution, when completed, together with one-half of the salary 
of the Secretary, the sum of fifteen thousand dollars. 

Second, for the preparation and publication of transactions, reports, and all other 
publications of the institution, including appropriations for original researches and 
premiums for original papers; for the delivery of all lectures and payment of all lec- 
turers, and for all general expenses connected with said lectures and publications, to- 
gether with one-half of the salary of the Secretary, the remainder of the annually 
accruing interest; it being understood that all general and incidental expenses not 
specially connected with either of the above two great divisions of the plan of the 
institution shall be equally divided between them. 


Mr. Bache offered the following resolutions; which were read, 
considered, and agreed to: 


Resolved, That the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be instructed to pre- 
sent to the Committee of Organization a plan for executing the resolutions relating 
to Smithsonian contributions, to annual reports and other publications, to premiums, 
and to original researches. 

Resolved, 'That said committee, in conjunction with the Secretary, be authorized to 
publish in quarto form a number of the Smithsonian Contributions to Science, as soon 
as suitable materials are collected for the same, of which the Secretary and committee 
shall judge, provided that the expense thereof shall not exceed one thousand dollars ; 
which sum is hereby appropriated to that object from the income of the institution 
for the year 1847. 

Resolved, That the Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution be requested to pre- 
pare a biographical notice of James Smithson for the first number of the contributions. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be requested to con- 
tinue his researches in physical science, and to present such facts and principles as 
may be developed, for publication in the Smithsonian Contributions. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. WE 


Resolved, That the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be authorized and re- 
quested to communicate with men eminent in science and literature, and to ask their 
advice, in behalf of the institution, in regard to the subjects for which premiums 
shall be offered, and upon which reports and essays shall be prepared. 

Resolved, That the Committee on Organization present, for the approval of the 
Board at its next meeting, the details of the plans which they may recommend, in 
pursuance of the foregoing, for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men. 

Mr. Hilliard offered the following resolutions; which were read, 
and, after debate, agreed to: 


Resolved, That the salary of the Assistant Secretary, acting as librarian, shall be 
two thousand dollars. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested now to nominate to the Board an assist- 
ant, who shall be the librarian, and whose salary shall commence whenever. the build- 
ing shall be ready for the reception of the library. 

Resolved, That for any service rendered by him from this time, in collecting books, 
making catalogues, &c., he shall receive such compensation as the Executive Commit- 
tee may deem reasonable. 


Whereupon the Secretary remarked, that, understanding Profes- 
sor Charles C. Jewett, of Brown University, to be the preference of 
a majority of the Board, he, therefore, nominated Charles C. Jewett 
for Assistant Secretary, acting as librarian, of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. 

Mr. Evans offered the following resolution; which was read and 
agreed to: | 


Resolved, That this Board do approve the nomination of Charles C. Jewett, and 
consent to his employment as Assistant Secretary, to act as librarian. 


The Chancellor having withdrawn, Mr. Seaton took the chair as. 
Chancellor pro tem. 

The Chancellor presented to the Board a letter from the Hon. 
Richard Rush, one of the Regents, stating his regret that an indis- 
pensable engagement made it necessary that he should be absent 
from the meeting of the Board, and approving of Mr. Renwick’s 
plans and drawings for the building. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the report of the 
Building Committee, when Mr. Owen presented a proposition rela- 
tive to the estimates for the cost of the building. 

After debate, the whole subject was postponed until to-morrow. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Ordered, That when the Board adjourn it will adjourn to meet to-morrow, at half 
past nine o’clock, a. m. 


The Board then adjourned. 


January 27, 1847. 
Mr. Choate presented a letter from Charles H. Hill, of the city 
of New York, calling the attention of the Board of Regents to the 
quality of the marble of the quarries at West Stockbridge, Berk- 
shire county, Massachusetts, and offering to furnish any quantity of 


98 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


the same or contract to erect the necessary buildings of that mate- 
rial and give the required security for the fulfillment of the con- 
tract; which was read and laid on the table. 

Also, a letter from Isaiah Rogers, explaining the plan and draw- 
ings for the building for the institution, submitted by him; which 
was read and laid upon the table. 

Mr. Bache offered the following resolution : 


Resolved, That in the opinion of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution it is unnecessary and inexpedient to expend, in erecting a building to meet the 
requirements of the act creating the establishment, from the principal of the fund of 
two hundred and forty-two thousand one hundred and twenty-nine dollars referred 
to in the first section of the act, a sum exceeding one hundred thousand dollars. 


Which was read, and the further consideration thereof postponed 
for the present. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the first of the res- 
olutions appended to the report of the committee on the plans of a 
building; when the Chancellor offered as an amendment to the 
same the first of the series of resolutions offered by him yesterday. 

Mr. Bache offered as an amendment to the amendment the fol- 
lowing proviso : 

Provided, That a plan of finance and construction can be adopted which will not 
expend more than one hundred thousand dollars of the principal of the fund of two 
hundred and forty-two thousand one hundred and twenty-nine dollars, referred to in 
the first section of the act of Congress establishing the Smithsonian Institution, which 
plan the Building Committee is hereby instructed to present to the Board for consid- 
eration and adoption. . 

Mr. Owen gave notice of an additional resolution which he 
should offer when the same should be in order. After debate the 
whole subject was postponed until a meeting of the Board this 
evening. 

On motion of Mr. Breese— 


Ordered, That the Board of Regents take a recess until half-past seven o’clock this. 
evening. 


The Board then took a recess accordingly. 


Same day, 7% o’clock, p. m. 

The Board resumed its session. 

Mr. Choate presented a letter from G. 8. Bulfinch, offering in 
behalf of himself and his brothers, to sell to the Smithsonian In- 
stitution the architectural library of Charles Bulfinch, deceased, 
which was laid upon the table. 


The Board then adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


; JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 29 


January 28, 1847. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, the Board of Regents proceeded to the 
consideration of the resolutions submitted by the Committee on 
the plan of the building. 

After debate, on motion of Mr. Owen— 

Ordered, That the said resolutions be laid upon the table. 

Mr. Owen offered the following resolutions; which were read, 
considered and agreed to : 


Resolved, That the Norman plan of a building for the Smithsonian Institution, fur- 
nished by James Renwick, jr., of New York, substantially as amended and reduced 
agreeably to the suggestions of the committee, is approved by this Board. 

Resolved, That a building committee of three members of the Board, as provided 
in the fifth section of the act of Congress, be appointed, who are hereby authorized 
and empowered, on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, to enter into contracts for 
the completion of the buildings; and that said committee have power to employ one 
or more persons to superintend the erection of the buildings and the fitting up of the 
rooms of the institution; and that the work shall be done to the entire satisfaction of 
the said superintendent or superintendents ; and that the said superintendent or superin- 
tendents shall have power, and shall be required, to reject any of the material pro- 
posed to be employed, and also to object to inferior or insufficient work, and to direct 
its change, at his or their discretion. 

Resolved, 'That in the performance of the duty intrusted to them, the building com- 
mittee of three hereinbefore referred to shall give the contracts to the lowest bidder 
of good reputation, who shall give unexceptionable security, to the entire satisfaction 
of the committee, for the performance of said contracts ; and such security shall in all 
cases be taken. No advance shall in any case be made; and fifteen per cent. of all 
payments shall be retained until the faithful performance of the work. 

fesolved, That the Building Committee, after taking counsel with the Secretary, 
shall carefully revise the specifications of the plan furnished to this Board by the 
architect, before entering into any contract ; and if, after such examination, they shall 
be of opinion that any modifications of the said plan and specifications are necessary 
for the safety, durability, or better adaptation of the structure, they may incorporate 
these in the said specifications ; but no addition to the dimensions of the building shall 
be made, nor any ornament of any kind added; and the said modifications shall 
have sole reference to the safety, durability, and adaptation of the building. And 
the whole amount of the contract for the said building, including the modifications 
above provided for, shall, under no circumstances, exceed the amount of the original 
estimates of the architect, to wit: the sum of two hundred and two thousand dollars, 
with a percentage not exceeding ten per cent. on the said sum. 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be also authorized to contract for the warm- 
ing and lighting of the building; provided that the contract for the above objects 
shall not exceed five thousand dollars. 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be also authorized to contract for the fitting 
up and furnishing of the building of the institution; provided that the contract for 
the same shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars. 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be also authorized to contract for a perma- 
nent fence around the ground belonging to the institution ; provided that the contract 
for the same shall not amount to more than ten thousand dollars. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the institution be authorized to contract for the 
necessary chemical and philosophical apparatus, for which an appropriation of four 
thousand dollars has heretofore been made. 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be authorized to contract for the grading, 
laying out, and planting of the grounds of the institution; and that three thousand 
dollars, in addition to the one thousand dollars heretofore appropriated, be, and the 
same is hereby, appropriated for that purpose. 

And it being on the one hand desirable that a portion of the buildings to be erected 
by the institution be ready for use at an early day, and on the other hand it is essential 
to the solidity and durability of a structure of the size required to embrace all the 
objects specified in the act of Congress, that its erection be gradual and not too rapidly 
hastened forward: Therefore— 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be instructed to arrange the contracts for 


30 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


s 
the buildings of the institution so that_the wings of said buildings may be completed 
in two years from the present time, and the whole completed in five years. 


Mr. Owen offered the following resolution : 


Resolved, That the Executive Committeee certify to the Chancellor and Secretary 
of the Board the total amount of ‘debts incurred, contracts entered into, and contracts. 
authorized by the Board ; and that the Chancellor and Secretary, after examination 
and approval of the same, certify the same to the proper officer of the Treasury for 
payment. 


The said resolution was read; when Mr. Evans moved to amend 
the same by adding thereto the following, as an additional resolu- 


tion : 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to receive said payment in 
Treasury notes payable to the order of the Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution 
in one year from date, bearing an interest of six per cent. per annum; and that they 
be further authorized to exchange one hundred and fifty thousand dollars of said 
notes as soon as practicable for an equal amount of six per cent. stock of the United 
States, payable in twenty years, which stock shall also be payable to the Chancellor of 
the institution ; which said notes and stock shall be deposited for safe keeping only 
with the Treasurer of the United States, or such other person as they may deem 
proper, to be drawn out only upon checks or warrants signed by the Chancellor, the 
Secretary, and the chairman of the Executive Committee. 


The said amendment was agreed to; and the said resolution as 
amended was agreed to. 
Mr. Owen offered the following resolutions; which were read, 


considered, and agreed to: 


Resolved, That it is the opinion and intention of the Board that, in the appropria- 
tion for the objects of the institution of any surplus of accrued interest which may 
remain after the completion of the buildings of the institution, an equal division shall 
be made between the two great branches ; thatis to say, one-half shall be appropriated 
to the library and museum fund, and the other half to the fund for original research, 
publications, and lectures ; and that, in regard to all other funds hereafter to accrue 
to the institution, the same division be made. 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be instructed, in the arrangement of the 
buildings, to extend the gallery of art throughout the western range and western 
wing ; and to arrange two lecture rooms, and no more, in the building. Temporary 
arrangements shall be made to receive in the west wing of the building the library of 
the institution until the library proper be completed. 

Resolved, That the Building Committee, in conjunction with the Secretary, be au- 
thorized to publish, in the same form as the Transactions of the Society, one thousand 
copies of a small volume containing so many of the plans proposed for the buildings 
of the institution that have been submitted to the Board, and may remain its prop- 
erty, as the committee may deem worthy of publication, accompanying the same with 
a brief narrative of proceedings in regard to these plans and a brief description and 
explanation of each plan, the said description and explanation, so far as they specially 
regard each plan, to be submitted before publication to the respective architects, the 

said volume to include engraved ground plans, elevations, and, at the option of the 
- committee, perspective views, the plans to be reduced to the proper size for publication 
by each architect, and to be executed in the best style of art: Provided, That the entire 
expense shall not exceed two thousand dollars ; which sum is hereby appropriated for 
that object. 

And the said committee shall place at the disposal of each architect who has fur- 
nished plans to the Board, whether the said plans have received premiums or not, , 
twelve copies of said volume. : 


Mr. Seaton offered the following resolutions, which were read : 


1. Resolved, That the Building Committee invite separate proposals for the principal 
descriptions of work requisite for the erection of the building, to wit: the masonry, 
carpentry, plastering, painting, and glazing, and enter into contract with different 
persons for these several branches of work, requiring the proper security from each 
contractor, so that the responsibility for the erection of the whole building shall not: 
be committed to one person. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. oF 


2. Resolved, That the Building Committee invite proposals for the construction of 
the exterior walls of the building of upper Potomac sandstone, of marble, of granite, 
and of blue gneiss, respectively, and adopt that one of these four named materials 
which shall be deemed to combine the requisites of cheapness, beauty, and durability. 


The question was put, Shall the first of the said resolutions pass ? 
and was decided in the negative. | 

The question was then put, Shall the second of the said resolu- 
tions pass? and decided in the affirmative. 

The Chancellor presented a letter from Jeremiah Sullivan, offer- 
ing to the Board of Regents his services as a superintendent of 
any branch of masonry or cut stone work; which letter was referred 
to the Building Committee. 

Also a letter from William Struthers, of Philadelphia, informing 
the Board of Regents that D. O. Hitman, of Montgomery county, 
Pennsylvania, had sent him specimens of blue marble which he 
was anxious to have used for the construction of the building for 
‘the Smithsonian Institution; which letter was referred to the 
Building Committee. 

On motion of Mr. Hough, the Board proceeded to the consid- 
eration of the second of the resolutions of the committee on the 
plan of the building, submitted on the 20th instant. 

And after debate, the question was put, Shall the resolution pass ? 
and decided in the affirmative. 

The Board proceeded to the consideration of the third resolution 
submitted by the said committee; and, after debate, the said third 
resolution was agreed to. 

On motion of Mr. Evans, the Board then adjourned until Satur- 
day next, at 10 o’clock, a.-m. 


January 30, 1844. 

Mr. Bache moved to reconsider the vote by which the resolution 
for the publication of the plans for the building was adopted, and 
by general consent the consideration of said motion was postponed 
for the present.. 

The Chancellor presented a letter from Peter Gorman, containing 
the prices at which he will furnish stone for the building; which 
letter was read and referred to the Building Committee. 

Also a letter from John B. Glover, offering to furnish marble for 
the building at a price that shall just cover cost; which letter was 
read and referred to the Building Committee. 

Also a memorial of John Haviland and others, architects, remon- 
strating against the inequality of the premiums awarded to the arch- 


oe BOARD OF REGENTS. 


itects, and the sum appropriated for the publication of the designs ; 
which was read and laid upon the table. 

Also a bill of the expenses of Isaiah Rogers, in preparing plans, 
drawings, and specifications and estimates; which was referred to 
the Executive Committee, with instructions to examine and report 
upon the same. 

Mr. Bache presented a letter from C. F'. Hagedorn, Consul Gen- 
eral of Bavaria, giving some of the details of a valuable library, 
now for sale in the city of Munich; which letter was laid upon the 
table. 

Mr. Evans offered the following resolution : 


Resolved, That it is expedient that an assistant to the Secretary be appointed, who 
shall also be the clerk of the building and executive committees, who shall take charge 
of the rooms which may be obtained for the use of the institution; who shall assist 
the Secretary when required in keeping the records of the institution, keep accounts 
and papers of the Secretary and of the Building Committee; who shall be competent 
to prepare all public advertisements, draw all contracts, keep all accounts of disburse- 
ments, prepare all accounts for settlement at the Treasury, and discharge such duties 
generally connected with the institution as may be required of him by the Secretary 
or the Building Committee ; and who shall receive such compensation as shall here- 
after be fixed upon by the Board. 

The resolution being read, the further consideration thereof was 
postponed for the present. 

Ordered, That when this Board adjourn it adjourn to meet at 10 o’clock, a, m., on 
Friday next. 


The Board then adjourned accordingly. 


February 5, 1847. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, the Board proceeded to the considera- 
tion of the motion made by Mr. Bache on the 30th of January last, 
to reconsider the vote by which the resolution authorizing the pub- 
lication of the plans and estimates for the. building for the institu- 
tion was agreed to, and, after debate, the motion to reconsider was 
agreed to. 

The question then recurring on the adoption of the resolution, 
Mr. Bache offered the following amendment as a substitute there- 
for; which was read and agreed to, viz: : 

Resolved, That the Building Committee, in conjunction with the Secretary, be au- 
thorized to publish, in such form as they may deem most appropriate, one thousand 
copies of a brief treatise, to be entitled ‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,’’ and to be 
illustrated with designs of the plan of the building adopted for the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, and, at the option of the committee, with any other designs that are the 
property of the institution, provided that the cost of the same shall not exceed one 
thousand dollars, which sum is hereby appropriated for that purpose. 

The question was then put on the adoption of the resolution as 
amended, and it was decided in the affirmative. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. oS 


Mr. Owen offered the following resolution, which was read, con- 
sidered, and agreed to, viz: 


Resolved, That the Secretary add to the report of the Organization Committee, when 
printed, a copy of the will of the testator, of the act accepting the bequest, and of the 
act organizing the institution. 


On motion of Mr. Evans, the Board proceeded to the eonsidera- 
tion of the resolution offered by him on the 380th of January last, 
providing for the appointment of an assistant to the Secretary for 
the performance of certain duties specified in the said resolution. 
The resolution was read, considered, and agreed to. 

On motion of Mr. Evans, the Board proceeded to the appoint- 
ment of the “committee of three,” in accordance with the fifth 
section of the act organizing the institution, and Messrs. Joseph G. 
Totten, Robert Dale Owen, and William W. Seaton, were appointed 
the said committee. 

On motion of Mr. Hilliard— 


Ordered, That Mr. A. D. Bache be appointed temporarily on the Executive Com- 
mittee, in the place of Mr. J. G. Totten, who is now in Mexico. 

Ordered, That Mr. William J. Hough be appointed temporarily in the place of Mr. 
J. G. Totten on the Building Committee. 


On motion of Mr. Evans— 


Resolved, That in the absence of any member of a committee, the remaining mem- 
bers thereof be authorized to appoint one temporarily in his stead. 


The Secretary presented a letter from John Notman, requesting 
the early action of the Board of Regents upon his bill for profes- 
sional services in drawing plans, and making estimates, for the 
building for the institution. 

Whereupon the Chancelior offered the following resolution, which 
was read, considered, and agreed to, viz: 


Resolved, That the letter of Mr. John Notman, submitted this day to the Board, be 
referred to a committee consisting of Mr. Owen and Mr. Hough, with instructions to 
report in writing thereon, especially in reference to the details of any engagement or 
understanding heretofore entered into with the architects, respecting the plans to be 
furnished to the Board, and remuneration therefor. 


Mr. Hilliard presented a letter from Hon. William C. Preston, of 
South Carolina, withdrawing his resignation; which letter was 
read and laid on the table. 

Mr. Owen submitted the following resolution : 


Resolved, That the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be paid by the Executive 
Committee to Mr. Isaiah Rogers, of Boston, architect, in full remuneration for plans 
submitted by him to the Board. 


Which resolution, on motion of Mr. Evans, was referred to the 
same committee to whom the letter of Mr. John Notman was, this 
day, referred. 

On motion of Mr. Evans, the Board then adjourned sine die. 

3 


34 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


February 17, 1847. 

The Board of Regents met at 10 o’clock, a. m., pursuant to the 
resolution of organization. 

Present, Mr. Dallas, (Chancellor,) Mr. Seaton, Mr. Hough, Mr. 
Owen, Mr. Bache, Mr. Hilliard, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Rush. 

The Secretary presented the following letter from C. C. Jewett, 
accepting the appointment of Assistant Secretary, to act as Libra- 
rian ; which was read and laid upon the table: 


PROVIDENCE, February 11, 1847. 


JosEPH Hrnry, LL.D., 
Secretary of the Snrithsonian Institution. 
Dear Sir: I had the honor to receive, last Saturday, your letter, dated January 
30, informing me of my appointment as Assistant Secretary, to act as Librarian of the 


Smithsonian Institution. 
I have, after due deliberation, concluded to accept the office. 
Begging you to receive my thanks for the nomination, I am, with great respect, 


your obedient servant, 
C. C. JEWETT. 


The Chancellor presented the resolution of the Legislature of 
the State of Ohio recommending the employment of James Rus- 
sell, to construct a planetarium for the use of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution to be a national monument of the great mind of the inventor 
and of the munificence of the founder; which was referred to the 
Committee on the Library. 

Mr. Hough presented a letter from Ward B. Howard, offering to 
contract to furnish granite for the building for the institution from 
his quarry on the east bank of the Hudson river; which was re- 
ferred to the Committee on the Building. 

Mr. Seaton presented a letter from Henry Stockton, of the city 
of New York, offering to lithograph the plans and drawings for the 
building of the Smithsonian Institution ; which letter was referred 
to the Building Committee. 

Also a letter from Hon. J. Phillips Phoenix, recommending the 
employment of P. Naylor, of the city of New York, in roofing the 
building for the institution ; which letter was referred to the Build- 
ing Committee. 

Also a letter from R. R. Gurley, recommending the purchase of 
Catlin’s gallery of Indian paintings; which letter was referred to 
the Committee on the Library. 

Mr. Owen offered the following preamble and resolutions ; which 
were read, considered, and agreed to, viz: 


Whereas a bill has been introduced into the Senate of the United States, relative to 
the site of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Resolved, That if, in virtue of the provisions of the said bill, any change in the pres- 
ent site of the institution be made, all the contracts heretofore authorized by the Board 
in regard to building, laying out the ground, fencing, &e., shall be and remain in 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 385 


full force, and shall apply to any new site that may be selected, in the same manner 
as the same now apply to the site in the possession of the institution. 

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be forthwith communicated to 
the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States by the Secretary of the Smithso- 
nian Institution. 


On motion of Mr. Hough— 


Ordered, That when this Board adjourn it adjourn to meet on Saturday next, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


The Board then adjourned accordingly. 


February 20, 1847. 
Mr. Owen, from the sub-committee, to whom were referred the 
letter of Mr. Notman, architect, and a resolution regarding the re- 
muneration of Mr. Rogers, architect, reported as follows : 


The undersigned, a sub-committee, of the committee appointed on the 9th of Sep- 
tember last to take such measures as may be deemed by them most proper to obtain 
plans for the erection of buildings for this institution, and to whom have been re- 
ferred resolutions relative to the remuneration of Mr. Isaiah Rogers, architect, of 
‘Boston, and of Mr. John Notman, architect, of Philadelphia, for plans submitted by 
them, report as follows: 

In visiting, in September last, the principal Atlantic cities, and communicating 
with architects of reputation there, they were acting under the resolution of the Board 
of the above date, instructing them to visit any structures and collections in this 
country, and also to avail themselves of the suggestions of skillful architects, and to 
offer therefor, if necessary, such remuneration as the Regents may choose subse- 
quently to make. 

In the first instance as it seemed doubtful whether applications would be spontane- 
ously made by architects to them, they decided to apply to three, to wit: one in Phil- 
adelphia, John Notman; one in New York, James Renwick, Jr.; and one in Boston, 
Isaiah Rogers. They submitted to each of these architects plans of building, which 
had previously been placed at the disposal of the Board, informed them what modifi- 
cations in regard to the internal arrangements of the plan were considered necessary 
by the committee; and added that if they felt disposed to prepare and submit to the 
‘Board plans for the building of the institution, adopting some style of architecture of 
a simple character and without unnecessary ornament, they might do so, provided 
they were willing to trust wholly to the Board for the amount of remuneration. It 
was expressly and most distinctly stated by the undersigned to each one of these three 
architects, that they (the undersigned) had no authority to offer or promise any spe- 
cific remuneration ; and that, if plans were furnished, the architect furnishing them 
toust trust wholly to the Board for the amount of remuneration. So far as the under- 
‘signed can learn, each of the architects above referred to admit this. 

As regards all the other architects, they stand on a different footing from the three 
named, for all the others applied to the undersigned, not the undersigned to them; 
and to all of them it was expressly stated that, if they furnished plans, it would rest 
with the Board whether they would accept or pay for them at all. If not paid for, 
the promise was made that no use whatever should be made of them, nor any hint 
borrowed from them. 

Thus, the three first-named architects stand on a different footing, as the under- 
signed think, from the others. Some remuneration is justly due to each, but the 
amount is entirely optional with the Board. As regards Mr. Renwick, his plan has 
been adopted. As regards Mr. Notman, two hundred and fifty dollars have already 
been voted to him—tull remuneration for his plan, as the undersigned think, and 
therefore they recommend the passage of the resolution in his case. Mr. Rogers’ case 
alone remains, and the undersigned, in view of the resolution under which the sub- 
committee were acting, in referring plans to Mr. Rogers, recommend the passage of 
the resolution referred to them, that two hundred and fifty dollars be paid to him in 
full remuneration for plans furnished. 

All which is respectfully submitted, 

ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
WILLIAM J. HOUGH. 


36 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The following resolutions accompany the foregoing report, viz: 


Resolved, That the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be paid by the Executive 
Committee to Mr. Isaiah Rogers, architect, of Boston, in full remuneration for plans 
submitted by him to the Board. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to inform Mr. John Notman, of Phila- 
delphia, architect, in reply to his letter, that the Board understood him as offering his 
plans in competition with the other architects, and as such, awarded him a premium ; 
that, being informed by him that he considered himself, as requested by the Building 
Committee, to furnish a plan to the Board, trusting to the Board for the amount of 
remuneration ; they have again carefully examined his plans, and have decided that 
the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, which the chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee has heretofore been authorized to pay Mr. Notman in full for his plan, be paid 
to Mr. Notman, on demand, as remuneration for his plan, on receiving from him a 
receipt in full. 


The question being put, Shall the resolutions pass ? 

It was decided in the affirmative. 

On motion of Mr. Hough, the Board adjourned until Wednes- 
day next, the 24th instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


February 24, 1847. 
The committee appointed on the 5th December last, to “ procure 
the introduction, if they deem it expedient, of a bill amendatory 
of the act establishing this institution,” submit, as the best expla- 
nation of their proceedings, the following communication addressed 
by them to the editor of the Union, and published in that paper of 
the 15th February : 


To the Editors. 

Sir: The undersigned, appointed by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, a committee to ‘procure the introduction into Congress, if they deem it 
expedient, of a bill amendatory of the act organizing the institution,’’ have, in dis- 
charging the duty assigned them, had brought under their consideration the subject 
treated of in an editorial published in the Union of February 11. And they beg leave 
to offer, in reply, a few remarks and a brief statement of their intentions in the prem- 
ises. 

The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution have already exonerated 
the Board from all responsibility connected with the selection of a site on the Mall in 
preference to one in the populous portion of the city ; no choice being in fact left to 
the Board, since no suitable unoccupied square is to be found on the entire plan of 
the city this side of the canal; and, with no other powers than those contained in the 
act organizing the institution, no site already occupied could be purchased by the in- 
stitution. 

There is a site the most eligible, probably, in the city, for our institution—that of 
the present City Hall. It has been represented to the undersigned that it would be 
most desirable, on the score of public convenience, if it could be procured. They 
concur in this opinion. In the immediate vicinity of the principal hotels and board- 
ing houses, comprising an eminence whence the ground gradually falls off in all diree- 
tions, in a healthy portion of the city, utility and appearance would be equally con- 
sulted in selecting it. But itis in the occupation of the city, and, while the present 
building remains upon it, it can properly receive no other public edifice. Without 
the concurrent action of Congress and of the City Corporation it cannot be obtained 
as a site for the Smithsonian Institution. 

The undersigned, however, having had their attention called to this subject not 
only by the article to which they are replying, but by other similar representations, 
after maturely considering the subject, have resolved to endeavor to obtain such con- 
current action. They examined the plan of the present City Hall, the same of which 
amodel now stands in the corridor of that hall, and of which the building now 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 37 


erected is but a small part; and that, too, unfinished, inconvenient, and unsightly. 
They ascertained that this fraction of the plan, bald and gloomy as it is, adapted to 
receive expensive porticoes and steps on three of its sides, (no portions of which, dur- 
ing the quarter of a century it has stood, have been attempted,) has cost ninety thou- 
sand dollars; and they found the estimate for its completion to be three hundred and 
ten thousand dollars more. That it will ever be completed, no one believes. Con- 
gress will not, and the city cannot, furnish the means. To give even to the fraction 
that now stands a decent or reputable finish, would cost fifty or sixty thousand dollars ; 
and though its present dilapidated condition—most discreditable both to the city and 
the Government—may seem loudly to demand some action, yet it is doubtful whether 
Congress will ever expend that amount on so unpromising and expensive an object. 

Nor is the present shell, great as has been its cost, profitable any more than orna- 
mental. It brings little or no revenue to the city. In view of these circumstances, 
the undersigned came to the conclusion that a sum, say of fifty thousand dollars, 
would probably be a sufficient inducement to the city authorities to abandon a build- 
ing they can never hope to complete, and which, unfinished as it stands, is an eyesore 
and a reproach; inasmuch as with that sum they could put up, on the Centre Market 
space, a plain building sufficient to afford, in its upper story, the accommodations re- 
quired as well by the United States circuit court and its officers, as by the city authori- 
ties, while its lower story might furnish market stalls and stores that would rent for 
many thousand dollars annually. 

The undersigned were also of opinion that, considering the advantages of the City 
Hall site to the Smithsonian Institution, so far as regards its usefulness in connection 
with its library, its collections, and its lectures, the institution might properly and 
prudently give for the materials of the City Hall their fuli value—say fifteen thou- 
sand dollars. 

If these views be correct, the only remaining difficulty regards the thirty-five thou- 
sand dollars necessary to make up to the city the full sum of fifty thousand dollars. 
And this sum the undersigned believe it to be just and expedient that Congress should 
appropriate, provided the corporation will bind itself to furnish in their new build- 
ing sufficient accommodation for the United States circuit court, its officers and 
records ; just, because the General Government has already, for the sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars only, (which it paid to the city twenty-five years ago,) had the use of 
nearly half the City Hall for its courts throughout all that term of years, and there- 
fore ought now to furnish further means to procure the accommodations necessary for 
that purpose; and expedient, because the present City Hall, which cannot, for very 
shame, be left without some repair or finish much longer, will, from the necessity of 
the case, while it stands, remain a permanent ground of claim on the Government ; 
and because any repairs worth making on it at all would exceed the sum here proposed 
to be appropriated. The cheapest thing that can be done with the City Hall, both as 
regards the city and the Government, is, the undersigned believe, to get rid of it. 
And if on its site a building arise, reputable even, to say nothing of architectural 
beauty, and commenced with funds and upon a scale that insures its speedy comple- 
tion, it should count for something, if only on the score of appearance and national 
reputation, that a gloomy and meaningless and slovenly pile has been replaced by an 
object that will strike pleasantly on the eye of the traveler as he approaches this 
metropolis. 

Governed by considerations such as these, the undersigned, in view of the fact that 
whatever is done in this matter must be done at this session of Congress, have de- 
cided, in discharge of the duty assigned them by the Board, to introduce into Con- 
gress, without delay, a bill to accomplish the desired object. (For this bill see Con- 
gressional Proceedings. ) 


It will be observed that this bill leaves the matter wholly at the discretion, first, 
of the corporation, and, secondly, of the Board of Regents. Unless both concur to 
accept its provisions, it will be inoperative. The undersigned do not know that either 
will accept them ; but that they will, and that they ought to do so, they have given 
their reasons for believing. 

GEO. EVANS, 

WM. J. HOUGH, | commit 

ROBT. DALE OWEN, 
WasuHinaton, D. C., February 18, 1847. 


Since the publication of the above, and the inffoduction into the Senate by one of 
your committee of the bill referred to, the common council of Washington, during 
their session of February 22, passed, by vote of 17 to 3, a resolution to the effect 


38 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


‘‘that it is the deliberate opinion of the two boards that the proposed change would 
not comport with the interests of the city.”’ 

This vote, your committee think, shuts out all prospect of carrying out the plan 
contemplated in the proposed bill; and for that reason, though after reflection has 
but confirmed their conviction of the propriety and utility of that plan, they have 
abandoned it, and have ceased to urge through Congress the passage of the bill in 
question. 

All which is respectfully submitted. 

GEO. EVANS. 
WM. J. HOUGH. 
ROBT. DALE OWEN. 

The following resolution was offered by Mr. Seaton, read, con- 

sidered, and agreed to, viz: 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to procure a seal for the 
institution, to comprehend the medallion head of Smithson, surrounded by the words 
‘Smithsonian Institution.” 


Mr. Owen offered the following resolution ; which was adopted : 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to receive from the Secretary of the 
Treasury the Treasury notes obtained under a previous resolution, and to deposit the 
same for safe keeping, unindorsed, with the consent of the Secretary of the Senate in 
the constitutional treasury of the Senate. 


The Board adjourned until Saturday next, the 27th instant, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


Rebruary 27, 1847. 

The Secretary reported that, in pursuance of the direction of the 
Board, he had written to the Treasury Department requesting the 
Treasury notes mentioned in the resolution of the Board at the 
last meeting, and had been informed that they could not be fur- 
nished at the present time for want of printed forms, but that they 
would be kept in the Treasury Department for the present, subject 
to the order of the Board. 

The Secretary placed before the Board a number of letters, 
which were laid on the table, viz., one from Mr. Bartlett, of New 
York, offering for publication an account of the recent progress of 
ethnology, which might serve as the first of the series of the con- 
templated reports on that subject: another from Mr. Allen, of New 
York, on the importance of attention to the subject of ventilation ; 
another with three sectional drawings of the geology of important 
lines in our country from the direction of Ohio. 

On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to cause to be instituted a series of ex- 
periments to determine the economical value of the different building materials used ° 
in the United States. 


Mr. Hough gave notice of a proposition which he intended to 
move for the reception and sate keeping of Mr. Catlin’s collection 
of Indian portraits and memorials. 

Mr. Hough also laid before the Board a request from Mr. Henry 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 39 


R. Schoolcraft respecting a paper which he desires to prepare on 
the subject of ethnology; which request was referred to the Secre- 
tary for conference thereupon with Mr. Schoolcraft. 

The Board then adjourned until Monday next, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


March 1, 1847. 
Mr. Preston appeared, and took his seat as a member of the Board 
of Regents. 
Mr. Owen offered the following resolution ; which was agreed to, 


WAI Zirs 


Resolved, That the sum of five hundred dollars, or so much of the same as may be 
necessary, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated towards the expenses of the ex- 
periments heretofore authorized to be instituted to determine the economical value of 
the different building materials used in the United States. 


Mr. Hough offered the following reselution, of which’ he gave 
notice at the last meeting, viz: 


Resolved, That it being understood that Mr. George Catlin is about to return to this 
country with his collection of Indian paintings, &c., he be requested to deposit the 
same in one of the galleries of the Smithsonian Institution, as soon as the building 
shall be ready for its reception, provided he will do so without charge to the institu- 
tion ; and that upon such deposit being made, said institution will properly arrange 
and prepare said collection for exhibition. 


The said resolution was read, considered, and agreed to. 


Mr. Hough also proposed the following, which was adopted, viz : 


Resolved, That the Secretary inform Mr. Catlin of the adoption of the above reso- 
lution, and of the probable time when the building will be ready for the reception of 
the collection. © 


The Secretary presented a memoir from Mr. Alexander Berry on 
the atmospheric’ refraction of light as connected with terrestrial 
electro-magnetism, the magnetic direction and variation, atmos- 
pheric electricity, &c., to be published in the Transactions of the 
Smithsonian Institution, or to be deposited, for the present, with 
the Board of Regents. 

The said memoir was committed to the care of the Secretary. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be authorized to sign the Report of 
Proceedings of the Board of Regents to the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States, prepared by the committee charged with that duty. 


On motion of Mr. Hough, the Board of Regents then adjourned 
sine die. 


December 8, 1847. 
The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution met this 
day in the room of the Vice-President of the United States agree- 
ably to their resolution of the 9th September, 1846, fixing the time 
of their regular meetings. 


40) BOARD OF REGENTS. 


There appeared George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexamder D. 
Bache, Sidney Breese, Gideon Hawley, Henry W. Hilliard, Robert 
Dale Owen, William W. Seaton, and Joseph G. Totten. 

A quorum being present, the Board proceeded to business, the 
Chancellor being in the chair. 

The Building Committee presented their report, which, together 
with the journal of their proceedings, was laid on the table. 

On motion of Mr. Breese 


Ordered, That when the Board adjourn to-day it adjourn to meet on Friday next, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


The Board then adjourned until Friday next, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


December 10, 1847. 
The Board met this merning agreeably to adjournment. 
Present, in addition to those in attendance at the last mecting, 
Lewis Cass and J. A. Pearce. 
The report of the Building Committee being called for, it was 
read by the chairman of the committee. 
On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was 


Resolved, That the report of the Building Committee be laid on the table for the 
present, and also that the said committee have permission to withdraw the journal of 
their proceedings to enable them to complete the illustrations to accompany it. 


The Secretary made a report relative to the transactions of the 
past year, the acceptance of memoirs, the purchase of apparatus, 
&e., and including a programme of organization. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet to-morrow, at 12 o’clock, 
m., for the purpose of then visiting the building. 


December 11, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
Gideon Hawley, William J. Wough, Robert Dale Owen, J. A. Pearce, 
W. W. Seaton, and Joseph G. Totten. 

The Board postponed their visit to the building, and proceeded 
to the consideration of other business. 

Mr. Owen, from the Building Committee, submitted the applica- 
tion of Caleb Buckingham, for additional compensation beyond the 
amount of his contract, for supplying the building with water; and 
it was, on motion of Mr. Hough— 


Resolved, That the said application be referred back to the Building Committee. 


An application was presented by Mr. Seaton from Mr. Archer, 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 41 


asking remuneration for plans of buildings furnished the Board at. 
their last session. 
On motion of Mr. Hough— 


Resolved, That the Board approve of the course pursued by the Building Commit- 
tee in reference to the compensation given to Mr. Archer, and that he has no claim 
on the institution on account of architectural services. 


Mr. Owen, from the Executive Committee, made a report relative 
to a plan of finance, and of appropriation of funds for the next four 
years, or until the buildings shall be completed. 

On motion of Mr. Hawley— 


Resolved, That the report of the Building Committee, of the Secretary, and of the 
Executive Committee, be inserted at large in the journal of proceedings. 


On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Monday morning, 
December 138th, at 9 o’clock, a. m. 


December 18, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
Sidney Breese, Gideon Hawley, William J. Hough, Robert Dale 
Owen, J. A. Pearce, W. W. Seaton, and Joseph G. Totten. 

The Chancellor presented an application from Messrs. Bailey & 
Co., of Philadelphia, asking that they may be employed to con- 
struct a clock for one of the towers of the Smithsonian building. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton— 


Resolved, That the application of Messrs. Bailey & Co., be referred to the Building 
Committee. 


Mr. Seaton presented a letter from the trustees of the Bank of 
the United States, in Philadelphia, offering to sell to the institu- 
tion a number of portraits of revolutionary patriots; and, on 


motion of Mr. Breese, it was 
Resolved, That the above letter be laid upon the table. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee cause to be printed, in the same form as 
the report on organization, one thousand copies of the address delivered by the Chan- 
cellor of the Institution on occasion of laying the corner-stone of the building, and 
that the Secretary cause to be laid on the desk of each member of the Senate and of 
the House of Representatives two copies of the same, as soon as it shall be printed. 


On motion of Mr. Bache, the following resolutions were adopted : 


1. Resolved, That so much of the programme presented tothe Board of Regents by 
the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in his recent report, as is contained in 
sections Nos. 1 and 2 of said programme, be provisionally adopted ; and that the Secre- 
tary be charged with the execution of its details, as far as the funds appropriated for 
the several objects may permit, and that he be directed to report annually to the 
Board his progress in the execution of this duty. 

2. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be directed to report, after consultation 
with the Secretary, to the Board of Regents, in relation to the appropriation desirable 
for the year beginning March 19, 1848, in execution of the parts of the programme 
which have been provisionally adopted. 


42 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Mr. Owen, of the Executive Committee, asked to be excused from 
further service on said committee, which was not agreed to by the 
Board. 

Col. Totten also asked to be relieved from the duties of the same 
committee; the time spent by him as a member of the Building 
Committee being as much as he could spare from his professional 
duties. 

The motion to excuse Col. Totten being put by the Chancellor, it 
was carried. 

The Board then proceeded to the election, by ballot, of a member 
to fill the vacancy thus created; and, on counting the votes, it was 
found that Mr. Bache was elected. 

The Secretary presented to the Board the application of Messrs. 
Baker & Scribner, asking a new certificate of the deposit of a book 
presented in accordance with the act authorizing the establishment 
of the institution. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton— 


Resolved, That the Secretary inform Messrs. Baker & Scribner, that the Board do 
not feel authorized to grant a new certificate, though, as far as the rights of the insti- 
tution are concerned, they are perfectly s satisfied with the deposit of the book. 


The Secretary presented a list of books received in accordance 
with the tenth section of the act of Congress establishing the insti- 
tution ; and, also, a list of books presented to the institution. 

Which report was laid upon the table. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on eetaea oy: the 15th 
instant, at 1 o’clock, p. m. 


December 15, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
Sidney Breese, Lewis Cass, Henry W. Hilliard, William J. Hough, 
Robert Dale Owen, J. A. Pearce, W. W. Seaton, and Joseph G. 
Totten. 

Mr. Seaton, from the Executive Committee, presented a report on 
the state of the funds of the institution. 

Mr. Bache, from the Executive Committee, to whom was referred 
the resolution of the 13th instant, relative to the appropriations for 
the year commencing on the 19th of March, 1848, made the follow- 
ing report: 


The committee, after consultation with the Secretary, recommend the passage of 
the following resolution : 

That the appropriations for the year commencing on the 19th of March, 1848, for 
ono other than those provided for out of the building fund, be for the present as 
ollows : 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 43 


For the publication of Transactions, the sum of three thousand and five hundred 
dollars ; 

For computations relative to occultations, two hundred and fifty dollars ; 

For the purchase of magnetic instruments, six hundred dollars ; 

For instruments and other expenses connected with meteorological observations, 
one thousand dollars ; 

For arrangement of apparatus, &c., in such portion of the building as shall be com- 
pleted next ‘autumn, one hundred and fifty dollars ; 

For expenses of lectur es, including lighting of lecture-room, five hundred dollars 

For publication of scientific reports, five hundred dollars ; 

For general expenses of the institution, including salary of officers, expenses of 
the Board and its committees, clerk hire, postage, &e. ., seven thousand five hundred 
dollars ; 

For the purchase of Boles, and incidentals connected therewith, one thousand dol- 
lars ; 

Or so much of each of said sums as may in the said year be required. 


On motion of Mr. Hough, the report and resolution were adopted. 
On motion of Mr. Owen, the following preamble and resolutions 


‘were read, considered, and agreed to: 


Whereas it has been intimated to this Board, that the American sculptor, Hiram 
Powers, desires to make some arrangements by which his marble statue of the Greek 
Slave may obtain, at the seat of Government of his native country, a suitable tribune, 
in a fire-proof building, where it shall forever remain open—ultimately without 
charge—to his countrymen and others visiting the metropolis ; therefore— 

I. Resolved, That the Executive Committee be, and they are hereby, authorized to 
make, with the said Hiram Powers or his duly authorized agent, a contract in regard 
to the procurement and safe keeping of the said statue, as follows, to wit: That the 
Smithsonian: Institution will receive and place in a fire-proof portion of their build- 
ing, the said statue, in three years from this date, that is to say, on the 15th of De- 
cember, 1850, or sooner, if a suitable room can be prepared, and the said Hiram 
Powers should desire it; that for three years from and after the said 15th of Decem- 
ber, 1850, or such earlier date as the said statue shall be received, the Smithsonian 
Institution binds and obliges itself to keep the said statue on exhibition, charging 
for a single ticket twenty-five cents, and for a season ticket, to be valid for one year, 
fifty cents; and that they will pay over, from time to time, unto the said Hiram 
Powers, the gross amount of the receipts of said exhibition, without any deduction 
therefrom for rent, attendance, or any other expense, whatever ; said gross receipts to 
be in full payment of said statue which shall thereafter remain the “property of the 
Smithsonian Institution, and the said institution binds and obliges itself at the expi- 
ration of the said three years of exhibition of the said statue, and forever after, safely 
to keep the said statue, and to admit visitors to the same at reasonable times as they 
are admitted to the other collections of the institution, free of all charges whatso- 
ever. 

Il. Resolved, That the chairman of the Executive Committee transmit to Miner 
K. Kellogg, Esq. , in whose utee the statue now is, a copy of the foregoing pream- 
ble and resolutions. 


Mr. Seaton laid before the Board a catalogue of the library of 
the late Right Hon. Henry 8. Fox, offered by his executor, for sale 
to the Smithsonian Institution; also a letter from Richard Smith, 
Esq., agent for the trustees of the Pennsylvania Bank of the 
United States, accompanied by a list of two hundred and eight 
portraits of revolutionary worthies and other distinguished men, 
which the agent offers to the Board of Regents for sale on such 
terms as may be agreed on. 

On motion, the said catalogue of books and list of portraits were 
laid on the table, and the Secretary was requested to inform the 
gentleman offering the books that it is not in the contemplation of 


44 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


the Board to enter at present into the purchase of books towards 
the formation of a general library; and the agent of the bank, that 
however highly the Board values the portraits of the distinguished 
men enumerated, and however much they would like to place them 
in their gallery of art, it is not in the power of the Board, consist- 
ently with existing arrangements and obligations, to apply their 
funds to such an acquisition. 

Mr. Bache presented a letter from Licutenant Gilliss, relative to 
a proposed expedition, for the purpose of observations on the solar 
parallax by the method of Gerling, and asking of the Board an 
opinion of the same, which might be placed before the Secretary of 
the Navy; and, on motion of Col. Totten, it was— 


Resolved, That the letter of Lieutenant Gilliss, and the accompanying papers, be 
referred to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, with authority to give his 
individual opinion to Lieutenant Gilliss on the subject. 

Mr. Cass advised, that in order to prevent the time of the Secre- 
tary being consumed in the examination of the various schemes 
which will be presented to him, that he adopt the rule of giving no 
opinion on any subject, unless he be required to examine it by the 
Board. 

Mr. Owen presented the following proposition, namely: 


Resolved, That the Building Committee may, at their option, accede to the request 
of Mr. Notman, architect, to have his drawings of a design for the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution returned to him. 


Which, on motion of Col. Totten, was laid on the table. 


On motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution be the organ of com- 
munication of the Smithsonian Institution with the public, and that the Secretary be 
the organ of communication between the officers of the institution and the Board. 


And then, on motion, the Board adjourned until Friday next, at 
11 o’clock, a. m. 


December 17, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor, Alexander D, Bache, 
Lewis Cass, Henry W. Hilliard, William J. Hough, Robert Dale 
Owen, J. A. Pearce, W. W. Seaton, and Joseph G. Totten. 

Mr. Hough introduced the following resolution ; which was agreed 
to: 


Resolved, That by the appointment of Hon. Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, to the 
office of minister plenipotentiary to France, and his continued absence from the 
United States, and residence at a foreign court for an indefinite length of time under 
such appointment, his office of Regent of the Smithsonian Institution has become 
vacant, and that Mr. be a committee to introduce into, and procure to be 
passed through the Senate of the United States, the necessary joint resolution of the 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 45 


two houses of Congress for the appointment of a Regent of said institution, to 
fill such vacancy, pursuant to third section of the act incorporating said institution. 


On motion of Mr. Hough, it was— 


Resolved, That the first blank be filled with the name of Mr. Pearce, and the second 
with that of Mr. Owen. 


On motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That the Board of Regents recominend to the establishment the election 
of the Hon. Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, late a member of the Board of Regents, 
as an honorary member of the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor be deputed to request a meeting of the establishment 
for the purpose of proposing the Hon. Richard Rush as an honorary member of the 
Smithsonian Institution. 


And, on motion of Mr. Seaton, it was also— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor be requested to address a letter to Mr. Rush, convey- 
ing to him the regret of the Board of Regents at his absence, and consequent retire- 
ment from the Board, and the circumstances which induced the Board to take the 
step of filling the vacancy. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and the chairman of the respective committees of 
the Board be a committee to prepare and present to Coygress at their earliest conve- 
nience, and after consultation with the Secretary, the annual report of the Board of 
Regents to Congress ; and that Mr. and Mr. , members of this Board, 
be requested to move in their respective houses for the printing of an additional num- 
ber of copies. 


On motion— 


Resolved, That the first blank be filled with the name of General Cass, and the 
second with the name of Mr. Hilliard. 


It having been announced by the Secretary that the following 


telegraphic dispatch had been received from Mr. Choate, viz: 


Boston, December 16, 1847. 
For Professor JEwrErt. 
J will be in Washington on Monday. 
RUFUS CHOATE. 


Therefore, on motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That when this Board adjourn, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday next, at 11 
o’clock, a. m. 


And the Board then adjourned until Tuesday, December 2ist, 
1847, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


December 21, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
William J. Hough, Henry W. Hilliard, W. W. Seaton, Joseph G. 
Totten, and Rufus Choate. 

The Secretary presented various letters from individuals and res- 
olutions from societies, commending the plan of organization of 
the Smithsonian Institution given in the Programme presented by 
him to the Board in his report ; which were laid upon the table. 


46 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Chancellor presented a letter from Peter A. Brown, of Phil- 
adelphia, relative to an appropriation of funds to Dr. Dickerson for 
the purpose of ethnological explorations; which, for the present, 
was laid on the table. 

The Secretary presented a letter, addressed to himself, from Pro- 
fessor Jewett, containing suggestions as to the details of the forma- 
tion of the library; which was laid upon the table. 

The Board then proceeded to the consideration of the resolutions 
presented by the Executive Committee at the meeting of the 15th 
of December, and after some remarks on the same. 

On motion, it was— 

Resolved, That the Board adjourn until half past seven o’clock, this evening. 

Same day 74 o’clock, p. m. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, Alexander D. Bache, William J. Hough, Robert Dale 
Owen, W. W. Seaton, Henry W. Hilliard, Sidney Breese, Rufus 
Choate, Joseph G. Totten. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Seaton took the chair. 

The resolutions appended to the report of the Executive Com- 
mittee, relative to a scale of expenditure up to the 19th of March, 
1852, coming up for consideration, they were adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to inform the Assistant Secretary, Pro- 
fessor Jewett, that the Board of Regents will expect him to enter upon his duties on 
the 19th March, 1849, at which time his salary will commence. 


Mr. Choate offered the following resolution; which, at his sug- 
gestion, was laid upon the table: 


Resolved, That 2 committee of three be appointed by the Chancellor, to consider, 
in conjunction with the Secretary, and to report at the next meeting, what services 
may be rendered by the Assistant Secretary, acting as Librarian, between this time 
and March 19th, 1849, and what may probably be the expense of these services. 


On motion, the Board then adjourned to meet to-morrow, Wed- 
nesday, December 22, 1847, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


December 22, 1847. 
The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 
Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
William J. Hough, Robert Dale Owen, and W. W. Seaton. 
On motion, the Baar d adjourned to meet at 8 o’clock this even- 
ing. 
Same day, 8 o’clock, p. m. 
The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 
Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 47 


Henry W. Hilliard, William J. Hough, Robert Dale Owen, W. W. 
Seaton, and Joseph G. Totten. 

The Chancellor placed before the Board a letter from Mr. Stab- 
ler, asking additional compensation for constructing a seal and 
press for the institution. 

On motion, this communication was referred to the Executive 
Committee, with power to increase the compensation, if they deem 
it just, within the limits of the account rendered. 

Mr. Owen renewed the request previously made by him to be 
excused from serving on the Executive Committee, stating that if, 
in accordance with the tenor of a resolution heretofore passed by 
the Board, he should be re-elected Regent, his duties as a member 
of the Building Committee would demand much of his time, as the 
committee had referred to him the preparation of the manuscript 
of the volume on public architecture, with the publication of which 
they have been charged by the Board; and by excusing him from 
service now, the Board would have an opportunity, before they 
adjourned, to fill the vacancy. 

The motion to excuse Mr. Owen from service on the Executive 
Committee being put by the Chancellor, it was carried. 

By unanimous consent, the vacancy caused by the acceptance of 

the resignation of Mr. Owen, was filled by the appointment of Mr. 
Pearce. 
_ Mr. Bache moved a reconsideration of the motion offered by him 
at the meeting of the Board last evening, relative to the service of 
the Assistant Secretary, acting as Librarian, and asked that the 
motion might be laid on the table; which was granted. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


f Resolved, That the salary of the messenger be at the rate of four hundred dollars 
per annum. . 


On motion, the Board adjourned to meet to-morrow, Thursday, 
the 23d of December, 1847, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


December 23, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to their adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
Rufus Choate, W. W. Seaton, and Joseph G. Totten. 

George P. Marsh, of Vermont, and Robert McClelland, of Mich- 
igan, members of the Board, appointed from the House of Repre- 
sentatives to fill the places of Mr. Owen and Mr. Hough, whose 
term of service has expired, appeared and took their seats, as also 
Mr. Hilliard, re-appointed a member of the Board. 


48 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The resolution offered by Mr. Choate on Tuesday, the 21st in- 
stant, relative to the appointment of a committee of three to con- 
sider what services may be rendered by the Assistant Secretary, 
acting as librarian, between this time and March 19, 1849, coming 
up for consideration, it was adopted. 

And the Chancellor appointed Messrs. Choate, Bache, and Me- 
Clelland the said committee. 

The Secretary stated to the Board that during the past year he 
had, with the consent of the Executive Committee, given a course 
of lectures at Princeton, for which he had received, including the 
rent of the house oceupied by his family, a compensation of one 
thousand dollars. For this sum, after deducting certain expenses 
for clerk hire, assistance, &e., he had given credit to the Board in 
his account for the present half year. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Friday next, at 12 
o’clock, m. 


December 24, 1847. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Henry W. Hilliard, 
George P. Marsh, Robert McClelland, W. W. Seaton, and Joseph 
G. Totten. 

‘The Chancellor presented the following letter from Gen. Cass: 


WasuINGTON City, December 24, 1847. 
Sir: Finding it impossible, consistently with my other duties, properly to execute 
the trust of a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution, I request that this may be con- 
sidered as my resignation of that office. 
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
LEWIS CASS. 
Hon. GreorGe M. DALLAS, 
Vice-President of the United States. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was 


Resolved, That Mr. Breese be requested to move in the Senate of the United States 
the appointment of a suecessor to Gen. Cass. 


Also, on motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the account of expenditures rendered by the Executive Committee, 
after being certified by the Chancellor and the Secretary, be entered on the journal. 


On motion, the Board then adjourned to meet at 10 o’clock, a. 
m., on Monday, the 27th instant. 


December 27, 1847. 
The Board met agreeably to their adjournment. 
Present, George M. Dallas, Chancellor; Alexander D. Bache, 
Sidney Breese, Rufus Choate, George P. Marsh, Robert McClel- 
land, and Joseph G. Totten. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 49 


Mr. Choate, on behalf of the committee appointed on the 23d 
instant, relative to the duty of the Assistant Secretary, made the 
. following report: 


The committee appointed at a meeting of the Board of Regents on the 23d instant, 
to inquire and report in what manner the Assistant Secretary, acting as Librarian, 
may be employed (if at all) with advantage to the Smithsonian Institution, between 
the present time and the 19th March, 1849, respectfully present for the consideration 
of the Board the following resolutions, embracing the matter of their inquiries, to- 
gether with a report from the Assistant Secretary. 

Respectfully submitted by— 

R. CHOATE, 
A. D. BACHE, 
R. McCLELLAND, 


Committee. 
The resolutions accompanying the report were as follows: 


Resolved, That the Assistant Secretary, acting as librarian, may be employed with 
advantage to the Smithsonian Institution, during a portion of the time between this 
date and the 19th of March, 1849, in the following duties, to wit: 

1. The preparation of catalogues of books suitable for the commencement of the 
library, in accordance with the plan of organization heretofore adopted by the Board 
of Regents. 

2. The purchase of the more necessary books on bibliography. 

8. The collection and systematic arrangement, for purposes of comparison, of the 
printed catalogues of the principal libraries throughout the United States; together 
with information in regard to the expenditures, plans of increase, and other particu- 
lars relating to the said libraries. 

4. The collection of books to which the institution may be entitled under the tenth 
section of the act organizing the institution. 

Resolved, That the Assistant Secretary, acting as librarian, be employed for the 
purposes specified in the foregoing resolution under the direction of a committee of 
three members of the Board, to be appointed by the Chancellor, and to act in conjune- 
tion with the Secretary, at a compensation to be fixed by the Executive Committee, 
but not to exceed one thousand dollars, for any services he may render between this 
date and the time fixed for the commencement of his regular duties as Assistant Sec- 
retary. 


The said resolutions were adopted. 

Whereupon, the Chancellor appointed Mr. Choate, Mr. Marsh, 
and Mr. Bache the said committee. 

The Secretary presented to the Board the subject of the remu- 
neration of the Assistant Secretary for services rendered during 
the past year: when— 


On motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the subject of compensation to the Assistant Secretary for services 
rendered during the past year, be referred to the Executive Committee. 


The Board then adjourned sine die. 


December 13, 1848. 
This being the day fixed by their resolutions of September 9, 
1846, and of December 21, 1847, for their regular annual meeting, 
the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution convened in 
the room of the Vice-President of the United States, in the Capitol, 


at 12 o’clock, m. 
a 


50 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Present, the Chancellor, Messrs. Bache, Breese, Davis, Hilliard, 
Marsh, McClelland, Pearce, Seaton, and Totten. 

A quorum being present, and the Chancellor being obliged to 
leave in consequence of his duties in the Senate, Mr. Totten was 
called to the chair. 

The Secretary stated to the meeting that Messrs. Choate and 
Hawley had been reappointed as Regents to fill the vacancies occa- 
sioned by the expiration of their first term of service. 

The Secretary also stated that he had sent telegraphic messages 
to Messrs. Choate and Hawley announcing their reappointment, and 
informing them that the Board would probably transact no business 
for some days in order to give them an opportunity to be present. 

Whereupon, on motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Monday, 
the 18th instant, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


December 18, 1848. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, the Chancellor, Messrs. Bache, Breese, Davis, Hilliard, 
Marsh, McClelland, Pearce, Seaton, and Totten. 

Mr. Seaton, from the Executive Committee, presented a report of 
the expenditures and state of the funds of the institution. 

Mr. Totten, from the Building Committee, presented a report on 
the progress of erection of the Smithsonian edifice and improve- 
ments of the grounds, with estimates of future expenses, &e. 

The Secretary presented his annual report,of the operations of 
the institution, accompanied by a report of the Assistant Secretary 
relative to the library. 

On motion, it was— 

Resolved, That these several reports be recorded on the pages of the journal: 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Wednesday, the 20th 
instant, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


December 20, 1848. 
The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 
Present, the Chancellor, Messrs. Bache, Breese, Davis, Marsh, 
Pearce, Seaton, and Totten. 
On motion of Mr. Marsh, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary and Executive Committee be authorized to present to 
Messrs. Squier and Davis two hundred copies of their memoir contained in the first 
volume of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. 


Mr. Marsh presented a letter from John R. Bartlett, of New 
York, accompanying a plan for the preparation of a new and im- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 51 


proved dictionary of the English language, under the auspices of 
the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the forementioned letter and plan be referred to the Secretary, the 
Executive Committee, and Mr. Marsh. 


On motion of Mr. Marsh, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to purchase, for the sum of one hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, the lithographic stones upon which are traced the designs for 
the first volume of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. 


Mr. Seaton presented letters from several persons making appli- 
cation for employment in the institution. 

The Secretary called the attention of the Board to the statement 
made in his report relating to the valuable donation of apparatus, 
made to the institution by Dr. Robert Hare, of Philadelphia. 
Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Seaton, it was unanimously— 


Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to consist of the Chancellor, Secretary, 
and Mr. Pearce, to communicate in suitable terms to Dr. Hare, the thanks of the 
Board of Regents for the munificent present of his extensive and very valuable appa- 
ratus to the Smithsonian Institution. 


The Secretary stated to the Board the progress made in the dis- 
tribution of the first.volume of the Smithsonian Contributions to 
Knowledge among colleges, learned societies, and large libraries ; 
no copies having as yet been given to individuals. 

The Secretary presented a list of donations to the institution. 

The Secretary also presented letters from several distinguished 
individuals, highly approving the plan of the proposed Bibliographia 
Americana, mentioned in his report. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Wednesday, the 27th 
instant, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


December 27, 1848. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Davis, McClelland, Seaton, and Totten. 

The Chancellor being absent, Mr. Davis was called to the chair. 

The Secretary presented a letter from J. Disturnell, of New York 
city, accompanying a copy of a memorial to Congress, relative to 
the preparation of a new gazetteer of North America; which letter 
and memorial were referred to the Secretary and Executive Com- 
mittee. 

The Secretary also presented a letter from Francis Markoe, Esq., 
of Washington, offering for sale to the institution the collection of 
objects of natural history belonging to the estate of the late Brit- 
ish Minister to the United States, H. 8. Fox, Esq.; which was 
referred to the Secretary and Executive Committee, it being 


oa BOARD OF REGENTS. 


understood that the financial arrangements of the Board do not 
for the present allow the purchase of collections in natural history. 
The Secretary also presented a letter from Archibald Campbell, 
Esq., Deputy Secretary of the State of New York, accompanying a 
donation to the institution, made in accordance with an act of the 
Legislature of that State, of the 14 published volumes in quarto of 
the Natural History of New York. 
On motion, the Chancellor and Secretary were requested to pre- 
sent the thanks of the Board of Regents for this valuable donation. 
The Secretary also presented letters from several presidents of 
colleges; also reports from several learned societies, highly com- 
mending the programme of organization of the institution. 
Whereupon, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to insert in the records of the institution 
the names of all such individuals and societies. 


On motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor, Secretary, and chairman of the Executive Commit- 
tee, be requested to prepare the annual report of the Regents to Congress, giving an 
account of the operations, expenditures, and condition of the institution. 


On motion of Mr. McClelland, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to return the thanks of the Board of Re- 
gents to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, to the Secretary of the 
Navy, and to the Secretary of War, for their assistance in promoting the objects of 
the institution. Also, to the Hon. Mr. Irwin and Mr. Trist, for their donations ; and 
to Mr. Downs, of Philadelphia, for his computations of occultations. 

At the request of Mr. Seaton, the Executive Committee were 
allowed to withdraw their report, in order to enable them to in- 
clude therein the disbursements and condition of the finances of 
the institution up to the end of the year 1848. 

At the request of Mr. Totten, permission was given to the Build- 
ing Committee to withdraw their report for the purpose of making 
the same more complete. 


On motion, it was— 
Resolved, That the Board adjourn, to meet on Wednesday next, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


January 8, 1849. 

The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, the Chancellor, Messrs. Bache, Marsh, McClelland, Sea- 
ton and Totten; also, by invitation, Dr. Hare, of Philadelphia. 

Mr. Seaton’presented the revised report of the Executive Com- 
mittee, which had been withdrawn for the purpose of extending 
the accounts up to the first of January, 1849; which was accepted. 

The Secretary read a letter from Dr. Hare, relative to the presen- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 53 


tation of his apparatus to the institution; which was ordered to be 
placed upon the journal. 

Mr. Bache presented letters from J. Guillemard, Esq., of Wood- 
ford, England, and from Professor Faraday, of London, concerning 
James Smithson; which were ordered to be preserved in the arch- 
ives of the institution. 

Mr. Seaton, from the Building Committee, read a letter fron Mr. 
Owen, late a Regent and chairman of the Building Committee, rela- 
tive to the publication of the work entitled “ Hints on Public Archi- 
tecture.” 

Whereupon, on motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the Building Committee be authorized, provided the same be re- 
quired by the publishers, to transfer, out of appropriations originally made for 
experiments on building materials, a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, to the 
appropriations heretofore made, for the publication of ‘a volume on public architect- 
ure. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, the following appropriations, recom- 
mended by the Executive Committee for the service of the ensuing 
year, were taken up, considered, and adopted, viz: 


For publication of ‘Contributions to Knowledge’’ _______..--+-----.=-- $3,000 00 
Serentiic researches*gnd computations —=--.— 22-2 Le nase 700 00 
Meteorological instruments and researches -___ --__--_-.--_----_-_-- 1,000 00 
faublicklectures! Gers aa! Sse is BS See ee ee 500 00 
emblication of scientiiic Reports, .. 2232 ose see eee 500 00 
Preparation of the general catalogue of American libraries___.-_----- 1,000 00 
Purchase of bibliographical works and books of general reference --_ 2,000 00 
Binding, blank books, stamps, certificates, &c___- -....---+=-----=-=- 250 00 
Purchase of books needed by authors of reports, &c---------------- 400 00 
Gencral expenses, including salaries of officers, expenses of the meet- 

ings of the Board, and of committees, clerk hire, postage, &c-_-. 8,000 00 


$17,350 00 


On motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be 
authorized to exchange the Treasury notes, belonging to the institution, for United 
States stock; that the certificates for the said stock be taken in the name of the Chan- 
eellor and Secretary, and that the stock and its proceeds be at the disposal of the same, 
under the regulations heretofore existing as to the Treasury notes for the purposes of 
the institution, in accordance with the several appropriations of the Board. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to appoint some suitable person, at a 
salary not to exceed four hundred dollars per annum, to act as book-keeper and ac- 
countant of the institution and to perform such other duties as are specified in the 
report of the Executive Committee. 


The Secretary exhibited a copy of the last edition of Dr. Hare’s 
Chemistry, presented to the institution by the author, containing 
illustrations of his apparatus, now the property of the institution, 
and mentioned that among the articles presented by Dr. Hare, were 
the blocks from which these illustrations were printed. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


54 BOARD OF REGENTS. ee | 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to prepare, for the use of the institution, 
a descriptive catalogue of Dr. Hare’s apparatus, illustrated by impressions from the 
original blocks. 


On motion the Board adjourned to meet on Saturday next, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


January 6, 1849. 
The Board met agreeably to adjournment. 


Present, the Chancellor, Messrs. Bache, Davis, Hilliard, McClel- 
land, Marsh, Pearce, Seaton, and Totten. 

Mr. Totten presented the revised report of the Building Com- 
mittee ; which was accepted. 

Mr. Hilliard read a letter from Mr. Squier; which was referred 
to the Secretary and Executive Committee. 

On motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That as the discharge of the duties assigned to the Assistant Secretary, i 
acting as Librari: an, are now such as to give entire employment to his time, he receive | 
from the first instant, the full compensation provided by the resolution of ‘the Board, | 
adopted January 26, 1847. 


On motion ae Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That when the Board adjourn, it adjourn to meet on Wednesday, the 7th 
of March next, at 10 o’clock, a. m., in the Vice-President’s room in the Capitol, 
for purpose of electing a Chancellor, in the place of Mr. Dallas, whose term of office 
as Kegent expires on the 4th of March next. 


The Assistant Secretary, acting as Librarian, read his report rel- 
ative to the library. 

The Board then, on motion, nijourned to meet on Wednesday, 
the 7th of March next. 

March 7, 1849. 

The Board met at 10 o’clock, a. m., in the Vice-President’s room 
in the Capitol, agreeably to adjournment. 

Mr. Seaton was called to the chair. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Davis, Fillmore, Hilliard, Mason, Seaton 
and Totten. 

The chairman stated the object of the meeting to be to elect a 
Chancellor in the place of Mr. Dallas, whose term of office as 
tegent had expired. On the ballot being counted, it appeared that 
Mr. Fillmore was unanimously elected. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was unanimously— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be requested to communicate to the 
Hon. George M. Dallas the high appreciation entertained by the Board of his services 
as Regent—particularly during the period of the organization of the institution— 
their thanks for the manner in which he discharged the duties of presiding officer of 
the institution, and their respect for his character as a gentleman and a scholar. 


On motion of Mr. Mason, it was unanimously— 


Resolved, That the Secretary inform the President of the Senate that a vacancy ex- 
ists in the Board of Regents by the expiration of the term of Mr. Pearce of the Senate. 


The Board then adjourned sine die. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINUS. 55 


January 2, 1850. 

This being the day appointed for the annual meeting of the Re- 
gents, the Board met at half-past twelve o’clock, in the eastern 
range of the Smithsonian building. 

Present, Messrs. Davis, Fillmore, Mason, Rush, Seaton, and Tot- 
ten. 

Mr. Fillmore, Chancellor of the Institution, took the chair. 

Professor Henry, the Secretary, stated to the Board that, since the 
last meeting, the Hon. Mr. Pearce, of Maryland, had been ap- 
pointed a Regent from the Senate of the United States, and that 
there were now three vacancies in the Board to be filled from the 
House of Representatives. The Secretary also stated that his 
report on the operations of the institution was ready to be laid 
before the Board, but as the new members would probably be ap- 
pointed in a few days, he would suggest that the reading of it be 
deferred until the next meeting. 

Mr. Seaton, chairman of the Executive Committee, stated that 
this meeting occurred too soon after the close of the fiscal year to 
permit the accounts, to be made up, and requested that his report 
be postponed until the next meeting. 

General Totten, chairman of the Building Committee, made a 
similar request. 

No objection being made, the presentation of these reports was 
deferred until the next meeting. 

In answer to a question from the chair, the Secretary stated, in 
general terms, what business would occupy the attention of the 
Board at this session. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, the Board adjourned, to meet on Fri- 
day, the 11th instant, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


January 11, 1850. 

The Board of Regents met this day, agreeably to adjournment, 
in the Smithsonian building. 

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Seaton. The Chancellor 
being absent, on motion of Mr. Seaton, Mr. Pearce was called to 
the chair. 5 

The Secretary announced to the Board that the Hon. Mr. IIil- 
hard, of Alabama, Hon. Mr. Colecock, of Georgia, and the IIon. 
Mr. Fitch, of Indiana, had been appointed Regents from the House 
of Representatives. These gentlemen appeared and took their 
seats at the Board. 


56 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The members then present were Messrs. Colcock, Davis, Fill- 
more, Fitch, Hilliard, Mason, Pearce, Rush, Seaton, and Totten. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The report of the Secretary of the Institution was presented and 
read : 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the report of the Secretary be recorded, and form a part of the re- 
port of the Regents to Congress. 


Mr. Seaton, on behalf of the Executive Committee, presented a 
report on the financial condition of the institution, and stated that 
the report was complete thus far, and that the portion relating to 
the appropriations for the ensuing year would be presented at 
another time. ; 

Gen. Totten presented the report of the Building Committee. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 

Ordered, That these reports be also recorded. 

The Secretary suggested that the journal of the establishment be 
read. It was accordingly read. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was 


Resolved, That the honorary members of the Smithsonian Institution be, and are 
hereby, invited to attend the meetings of the Board of Regents whenever they may 
think fit; and that the Secretary communicate to the present honorary members, and 
from time to time to such persons as may be elected honorary members, this resolu- 
tion and invitation of the Board of Regents. 

Mr. Davis presented, by request, a proposition of Mr. Harmon, 
of Ohio, for the encouragement of architecture. 

This proposition was, on motion of Mr. Davis, referred to the 
Secretary and Executive Committee. 

Mr. Rush presented a letter from Harrison Hall relative to the 
purchase of books; which was laid on the table. 

The Secretary stated that he had received a note from the Hon. 
Abbott Lawrence, United States Ambassador to Great Britain, con- 
cerning a communication from H. P. Bohn, offering for sale, at the 
price of thirty guineas, a small portrait of James Smithson, now in 
the possession of Mrs. Fitall, widow of a servant of the late Mr. 
Smithson. 

This communication having been read, on motion of Mr. Mason, 
it was 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to purchase the portrait of the late Mr. 
Smithson, spoken of by Mr. Lawrence in his letter of 10th of December, 1849. 


On motion of Mr. Davis, the Board adjourned, to meet on Satur- 
day, the 18th instant, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 57 


January 18, 1850. 
Several of the Regents met this day, agreeably to adjournment. 
A quorum not being present, the meeting adjourned to the 22d in- 
stant. 


January 22, 1850. 

The Board of Regents met, agreeably to adjournment, at half 
past six o’clock, p. m., in the Smithsonian building. 

Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Colcock, Davis, Fitch, Hilliard, and 
Pearce. 

The Chancellor called the meeting to order, and the proceedings 
of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The first business in order being Professor Jewett’s report on the 
library, the same was presented by the Sceretary, and ordered to 
be read. It was accordingly read, and ordered to be printed. 

A letter was presented by the Secretary, from Rev. N. Paddock, 
requesting the co-operation of the Smithsonian Institution with an 
Educational Institution, proposed to be established in the city of 
Washington—together with the proposed answer of the Secretary ; 
in which answer the Board concurred. 

A list of Chinese books for sale, and an accompanying letter 
from the Hon. Caleb Cushing, were laid before the Board, read, 
and referred to the Secretary. 

The proposition of Mr. Harmon, of Ohio, relative to architec- 
ture, was called up; no action, however, was taken upon it, and 
the Board adjourned, to meet on Saturday, 26th instant, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


January 26, 1850. 


The Board of Regents met this day at 11 o’clock, agreeably to 
adjournment. 

Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Davis, Hilliard, Mason, and Pearce. 

The Chancellor took the chair, and the proceedings of the last 
meeting were read. 

The Secretary called the attention of the Board to the astronom- 
ical expedition of Lieutenant Gilliss, and a letter was read from 
him, dated at his station near Santiago, Chili. The information 
thus placed before the Board, concerning the object and progress 
of the expedition, made apparent the importance of furnishing 
Lieutenant Gilliss with improved instruments. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 


58 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to furnish Lieutenant Gilliss with in- 
struments for facilitating his physical and astronomical observations in Chili, at an 
expense not exceeding one thousand dollars. 


The consideration of Mr. Harmon’s plan for the encouragement 
of architecture was then resumed and discussed; when, on motion 
of Mr. Ililliard, it was— 

Resolved, That the Seeretary be instructed to report on the scheme submitted by 
Mr. Harmon, for the improvement of architecture, exhibiting such features of the 


scheme as may be found to be within the plan of organization adopted for the opera- 
tions of the Smithsonian Institution. 


The Sceretary presented to the Board a list of the names of gen- 
tlemen who had undertaken the labor and responsibility of exam- 
ining memoirs and propositions submitted to the institution. 

' Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Davis, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to address a letter to each of the gentle- 
men named, and convey to them the thanks of the Board of Regents for their assist- 
ance in carrying on the operations of the institution. 

Mr. Davis presented a communication from Charles B. Wells, 
Esq., relative to a series of archeological researches made by him- 
self in Peru, and requesting the assistance of the institution in 
their publication; which was referred to the Seerctary. 

A letter was presented from Daniel Peirce, detailing a method of 
educating the Indian tribes ; which. was also referred to the Secre- 
tary. 

The Secretary called the attention of the Board to the engage- 
ment existing between the institution and Hiram Powers, relative 
to the purchase of his statue of the Greek Slave; which subject 
was referred to the Secretary, with the understanding that he would 
communicate with Mr. Powers, or his agent, for the purpose of 
effecting an alteration in the terms of the contract. 

The Secretary made a verbal report, on the progress made by 
Henry Stevens in the compilation of the “ Bibliographia Ameri- 
cana,” 

Tie also presented a letter from Pierre Margry, of Paris, request- 
ing the assistance of the institution to enable him to publish his 
researches upon the history of the ancient French colonies in North 
America; which letter was referred to the Secretary, for a reply, in 
accordance with the rules adopted by the Board. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, it was— 


Resolved, That the Board adjourn, to meet on Saturday next, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


Whereupon, the Board adjourned. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 59 


February 2, 1850. 
The following gentlemen attended, agreeably to adjournment, 
viz: Messrs. Davis, Fitch, and Seaton. 
No quorum being present, the meeting adjourned to the 9th in- 
stant, at 10 0 pelle a. m. 


February 9, 1850. 

The Board of Regents met, agreeably to adjournment, at 11 
o clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Colcock, Davis, Fitch, Hilliard, Pearce, 
and Seaton. 

The Chancellor took the chair, and the proceedings of the last 
meeting were read. 

A verbal report on the proposition of Mr. Harmon, of Ohio, for 
the improvement of architecture in the United States, was made by 
the Secretary, accompanied by a synopsis of the plan. He stated 
that he considered no part of Mr. Harmon’s plan to be absolutely 
at variance with the programme of organization, but he was not 
clear with regard to its practical application, and the propriety of 
its adoption. It might, however, be submitted to the public 
through the Regents’ report to Congress. 

The following is a synopsis of the plan referred to: 


PART FIRST. 


1. Invite architects to send to the institution designs for building. 

2. Refer these to a commission, to comprise at least one practical architect. 

3. The examiners to select from the number submitted, those of a certain degree of 
merit, to be honored with a place in the gallery. 

4. The accepted designs to be re-executed, in a uniform and attractive style of art, 
before being placed in the gallery, and undersigned by the name of the architect. 


PART SECOND. 


1. Invite building committees, or others charged with the erection of public build- 
ings, to send to the ‘Smithsonian Institution, specifications, limit of cost, and amount 
of premium offered. 

2. The Secretary to advertise, in the usual form, for designs, and to refer them to a 
commission of competent judges, one of whom to be a practical architect. 

8. From among the designs submitted, the commissioners to select a few of the best 
and return them to the Building Committee, stating their preference, if any. 

4. The plans of extraordinary merit, selected from among the designs submitted, 
shall be entitled to a place in the prize gallery. 

5. The expenses of the commission for making the estimate, and advertising, shall 
be paid from a percentage on premiums accompz anying the specifications. 

6. A person well skilled in practical building to be employed, and the designs 
adopted, to be submitted to him for a correct estimate of the cost. 


This synopsis being considered, the first article of the first part 
was adopted, after being amended by Mr. Davis, to read as follows: 


Resolved, That architects be invited to send in designs for buildings, and that notice 
be given that models of ancient or modern architecture will be received by the Smith- 
sonian Institution, and that such designs or models, at the discretion of the R egents, 
will be placed in the gallery of art. 

4 


60 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The second and third articles were struck out; and, on motion 
of Mr. Fitch, it was— 

Resolved, That the fourth article be referred to a committee, consisting of the Sec- 
retary and Mr. Seaton, with instructions to ascertain from Mr. Harmon what is his 
plan of re-executing the architectural drawings, and the probable cost; and that the 
remainder of the synopsis be laid upon the table. 

The Secretary laid before the Board the resignation of General 
J. G. Totten, as a member of the Building Committee ; which was 
accepted. 

The Board proceeded to fill the vacancy, and Mr. Davis was 
elected. 

A map of the public grounds west of the Capitol was laid before 
the Regents, and their attention called to the recommendation of a 
general plan for improving the Mall. 

The Secretary directed the attention of the Board to a part of 
the building contract which required elucidation, and requested 
that they would express their opinion as to the sum to be paid 
annually to the contractor; whereupon, the following preamble 
and resolution, offered by Mr. Fillmore, (Mr. Pearce being in the 
chair,) were adopted : 

The Board of Regents having examined the building contract, for the purpose of 
determining its true construction : 

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Board, the contractor is only entitled, in each 
year, to forty-one thousand dollars for work done during that year, deducting there- 


from 15 per cent., which is to be paid him at the end of the five years, with six per 
cent. interest. 


The Secretary presented a report from Professor C. C. Jewett, on 
the subject of copyright; which was referred to a committee, con- 
sisting of Messrs. Davis, Mason, and Pearce. 

The Board then adjourned to the 23d instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


February 23, 1850. 
The Board of Regents met this day. 
Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Bache, Fitch, and Seaton. 
A quorum not being present, it was agreed to adjourn to Satur- 
day, March 2d, 1850. 


March 2, 1850. 
The Board of Regents met this morning at 10 o’clock, in the 
Smithsonian building. 
Present, Messrs. Bache, Colecock, Davis, Fitch, Hilliard, Mason, 
Pearce, and Seaton. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 61 


In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Seaton was called to the 


chair. 
The proceedings of the last meeting being read, the committee 


on Mr. Harmon’s plans of architectural drawings made a report; 
which was read and adopted. 

Mr. Davis moved that the further consideration of the fourth 
article of Mr. Harmon’s synopsis be indefinitely postponed; which 
was carried. 

Mr. Davis then offered the following resolution; which was 
adopted : 


Resolved, That, although the Board do not deem it expedient to adopt Mr. Har- 
mon’s plan of executing architectural drawings; yet, for the purpose of placing in 
the institution, a specimen of a peculiar art of drawing architectural designs, the Ex- 
ecutive Committee be authorized to engage Mr. Harmon to execute the elevation of 
the Smithsonian Institution in his peculiar style, with a view to placing it in the 
jnstitution, if the Regents shall, upon examination, approve of so disposing of it. 

The Secretary brought before the Board the subject of an acci- 
dent which had happened since the last meeting, in the unfinished 
part of the building. He stated that, at about 6 o’clock, p. m., on 
Tuesday, the 26th ultimo, a portion of the interior framing and 
floors of part of the main building, intended to contain the museum 
of apparatus, fell down into the basement. He had himself just 
before left the ground; but as soon as he heard of the occurrence 
he returned to the building, and after ascertaining the character of 
the accident, he addressed a letter to the architect, in New York 
requiring his immediate attendance. He next gave directions that 
the part of the building containing the fallen timbers should be 
closed, and that everything should remain in the same condition 
until the arrival of the architect. Mr. Renwick reached Washing- 
ton on Thursday morning, February 28th. Immediately after- 
wards, a meeting of the Building Committee was called, at which 
the state of the work was examined, and a request made that the 
architect, superintendent, and contractor, should each furnish a 
report on the cause of the accident. 

These reports were presented to the Board, and the following 
resolution, offered by Mr. Fitch, was adopted: 


Resolved, That the Building Committee be requested to take under consideration 
the reports of the architect, superintendent, and contractor, on the subject of the late 
accident ; that they associate with them Professor Bache, General Totten, the Secre- 
tary of the Institution, and some competent and entirely impartial architect or archi- 
tects; that they make a survey of the whole building, report the manner, faithfulness, 
and security in which the building contract has hitherto been executed, and upon the 
plan most proper in their estimation to repair the damages and finish that portion of 
the building in which the accident happened, and other unfinished portions thereof. 


The Board then adjourned, to meet again at the call of the Sec- 
retary. 


62 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


_ April 20, 1850. 

The Board of Regents held a meeting this day, at the call of the 
Secretary, at 10 o’clock, a. m., in the Vice-President’s room at the 
Capitol. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Davis, Fillmore, Fitch, Mason, and 
Seaton. 

The Chancellor being in the chair; the proceedings of the last 
meeting were read. 

The Secretary made a communication from Mr. Harmon, in 
which he requested to substitute a view of another building for 
that of the Smithsonian Institution in making the drawing, in his 
style, for the gallery of art. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, the subject was laid on the table. 

The committee, on the part of the Regents, charged with the 
examination of the building, consisting of the Building Committee, 
together with Messrs. Bache, Totten, and the Secretary, made a 
report, including the report of the commission of architects ap- 
pointed to examine the building; also the remarks of James Ren- 
wick, Jr., architect, upon the same. 

On motion of Mr. Fitch— 


Resolved, That the report of the committee on the building, and the accompanying 
documents, be recommitted for such further action as may be deemed necessary. Also— 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be directed to take legal advice as to the 
power possessed by the Regents, under the contract, and the course to be pursued 
should it be found necessary to declare it void; and that notice thereof be given to 
the contractor. 


On motion of Mr. Bache— 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents be transmitted to the Hon. E. G. 
Squier, Esq., United States chargé d’affuires at Guatemala, for the gift of aboriginal 
relics recently made by him to the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion, the Board adjourned, to meet at the call of the Sec- 
retary. 


June 1, 1850. 

The Board of Regents met this day, at the call of the Secretary, 
at 11 o’clock, a. m., in the Smithsonian building. 

Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Fitch, Hilliard, Pearce, Seaton, and 
Totten. 

The Chancellor took the chair, and the proceedings of the last. 
meeting were read. 

The Secretary laid before the Board a proposition from Francis 
Markoe, Hsq., relative to the deposit, in the Smithsonian building 
of his cabinet of minerals, with a view to their future purchase. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Colcock, it was— 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 638 


Resolved, That the Board decline the proposition of accepting the deposit with the 
view to a future purchase. 


The Secretary stated that the portrait of James Smithson, which 
was ordered to be purchased at a previous meeting, had been re- 
ceived from England; and also, that five volumes of an Encyclopedia, 
formerly the property of James Smithson, had been purchased 
through the Hon. Abbott Lawrence. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, it was— 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board be returned to the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, 
for the attention he has given to the interests of the institution abroad. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary and chairman of the Executive Committee be ap- 
pointed a committee, whose duty it shall be to report asystem of keeping and disburs- 
ing the funds of the institution. 


The Secretary next brought before the Board a proposition to ask 
Congress to receive from the institution $150,000, to be funded as 
an irredeemable 6 per cent. stock, to be added to the principal of 
the Smithsonian bequest. 3 

The following resolutions in reference to this, offered by Mr. 
Seaton, were adopted: 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be authorized to sell $200,000 of stock 
of accrued interest, or any part thereof, not less than $150,000, the proceeds to be de- 
posited to the credit of the Chancellor and Secretary, subject to be drawn at any time, 
with Corcoran & Riggs, at not. less than 4 per cent., provided that they shall give secu- 
rity therefor, in United States stock. 

Resolved, That whatever the premium on the above stock, when sold, shall amount 
to, it be deposited, subject to be drawn for the current expenses of the institution, on 
requisition in the usual form. 

Resolved, That it is expedient to enlarge the permanent fund of this institution, by 
the investment of such sums, not exceeding $200,000, as may have been or shall be 
received for accrued interest, or otherwise, in addition to the principal sum of the 
Smithsonian bequest, augmenting the principal sum to that amount; and that appli- 
cation be made to Congress to receive such sums, not exceeding $200,000, as may have 
been or shall be received for accrued interest, or otherwise, into the United States 
Treasury, upon the same terms on which the original bequest has been received. 


On motion of Mr. Pearece— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to communicate a copy of this resolution 
to Congress, and to request that provision be made by law, in accordance therewith. 


The Secretary next brought forward the subject of the contract 
for the building. The letter of J. M. Carlisle, Esq., the counsel 
employed to give an opinion of it, was read. 

On motion of General Totten, it was— 


Resolved, That the committee on the building be authorized to negotiate a compro- 
mise with the contractor, relative to the defective work and materials in the Smithso- 
nian building, and also with regard to a modification of the contract, subject to the 
approval of the Board of Regents at their next meeting. 


The Secretary laid before the Board a volume of magnetical and 
meteorological observations, made at Toronto, Canada, and pre- 
sented to the institution by the British Government. The Board 


64 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


being informed that the duration of the Toronto Observatory is 
limited by law, on motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be requested to acknowledge the receipt 
of the volume, with the expression of the hope of this Board that Her Majesty’s Gov- 
ernment may find it expedient to continue an institution of such utility to science. 


July 3, 1850. 

The Board met this day, at the call of the Secretary, in the Smith. 
sonian building, at 9 a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Coleock, Davis, Fitch, Hilliard, Mason, 
and Pearce. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

Mr. Lenox, elected mayor of Washington, and ex-officio Regent 
of the Smithsonian Institution, appeared and took his seat. 

The journal of proceedings of the last meeting was read and ap- 
proved. 

The Secretary presented the final report of the committee charged 
with the examination of the building, which was read as follows: 


Final Report of the Committee of the Regents charged with the examination of the 
building. 


Under the resolutions of March 2, and April 20, 1850, offered by Mr. Fitch, and 
also the resolution of June 1, 1850, offered by General Totten, the committee charged 
with examinations relative to the building submit the following report: 

In accordance with the first resolution of Mr. Fitch, the committee associated with 
themselves three distinguished architects, viz: Col. William Turnbull, of the United 
States topographical engineers; Edward B. White, Esq., of Charleston, South Caro- 
lina; and John R. Niernsee, Esq., of Baltimore, Maryland. These gentlemen were 
highly recommended as practical architects and engineers, of established reputation, 
and the committee have full confidence in their experience, judgment and integrity. 

The committee are indebted to the Hon. Alexander Evans, of Maryland, for an 
examination of the building, with reference to a comparison of the different reports ; 
and to Mr. Joel Downer, for an additional inspection and opinion as to the character 
of the timber and wood-work. In accordance with the second resolution of Mr. Fitch, 
they have also taken legal advice as to several points of the contract. 

After a careful study of the reports of the contractor, superintendent, Mr. Renwick, 
the commission of architects, and of Mr. Evans, also the written opinion of their 
legal adviser, the committee have unanimously arrived at the following conclusions, 
which they respectfully submit for the consideration and action of the Board: 

1. That the workmanship of the cut-stone of the exterior is good, and the masonry 
generally, though in some respects not of the best quality, is of a passable character 
with reference to the terms of the contract. 

2. That the interior of the main building is defective in the kind of materials orig- 
inally adopted, and to a considerable degree in the quality of the materials employed. 
These consist principally of wood, and are not of a proper character for a building 
intended to contain valuable deposits, many of which will be donations to the insti- 
tution, presented with the implied condition that they are to be properly secured 
against danger from fire. This mode of construction was probably adopted by the 
original Building Committee, in order to lessen the cost of the edifice, and to bring it 
within the sum appropriated by the Board. 

3. Although the committee are anxious to save the accrued interest, and to devote 
it to objects more in accordance with the spirit of the original bequest than the erec- 
tion of a costly building ; yet, they would recommend that the interior work of the 
centre building, as now existing, be removed, and that there be substituted for it a fire- 
proof structure, in accordance with the plan recommended in the reports of Mr. Ren- 
wick, and of the commission of architects. 

4. The completion of the building on this plan, according to the estimate of the 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 65 


commission, requires an additional outlay of about $44,000. To meet this additional 
expense, the committee recommend the adoption of the suggestion of their chairman, 
Col. Davis, that the exterior of the building and the interior of the towers be com- 
pleted in accordance with the plan, and within the time specified by the contract, and 
that the remainder of the interior be finished agreeably to the new plan, in the course 
of a number of years, and in such portions as can be paid for out of the annual interest 
of the Smithsonian fund, not otherwise appropriated. The object of this part of the 

roposition is to prevent the derangement of the plan of finance originally proposed 
by Dr. Bache, and adopted by the Board of Regents, viz: of saving oui of the accrued 
and accruing interest, after paying for the building, the sum of $150,000, to be added 
to the principal. 

5. By the addendum to the contract, the Regents have the power of stopping the 
building at any stage of its progress, on paying the contractor pro rata for the work 
done, according to the prices specified in the contract, and allowing for reasonable 
damages if the circumstances require the payment of them. The estimates in this 
case are to be made by the architect of the institution, or other architects selected by 
the Regents. But with reference to the quality of the work which has been done, it 
is the opinion of the legal adviser of the committee that the decision of the architect 
of the building is final, both with regard to the Regents and the contractor. 

6. In accordance with the forementioned stipulations of the contract, the committee 
have requested Mr. Renwick to furnish an estimate pro rata for completing the whole 
exterior of the building, and the interior of the towers, making deductions for mate- 
rials and workmanship which he would have condemned, had the building been com- 
pleted according to the original plan. The following is the decision of the architect, 
which has been agreed to by the contractor, with the understanding that nothing is to 
be paid him on account of profit on work omitted by the proposed change, viz: 


For finishing the whole exterior of the building, all the interior rooms of 
TDeMbOVersandvor they wines), phe; sumlof = 32.2 eee eee ees eee $185,154 


7. The committee recommend to the Board of Regents that they agree to this prop- 
osition, and that a resolution be adopted directing the contractor to proceed with the 
work in accordance therewith. In recommending this course to the Board, the com- 
mittee act in conformity with the advice of two of the commission of architects, viz: 
Mr. E. B. White and Mr. J. R. Niernsee, who undertook the examination in detail 
of the parts of the building, and gave an estimate as the basis of an equitable settle- 
ment. 

8. By adopting the above sum of $185,154, as the amount to be paid to the con- 
tractor, Mr. Renwick gives the following estimate of the cost of finishing the building 
in accordance with the fire-proof plan, viz: 


Peano MLOpOSem Contract -~ 222-225 2 5L- 9 lat tt = eee $185,154 
Expense of fire-proofing the entire centre building according to plans and 
BoimnefestOtminesanemibecis ma eee oe Ee ee 44,000 
Plastering centre building, $8,000 
Gallery fronts, Expenses common to both 2,000 
Staircase of Library and Museum, plans. 425 
Furniture of Gt a 4,700 
15,125 
EetACA TAC sae e ae ees ee Re ae ee ea nee Roe eee 200 
Materials now on the ground, but which may not be used -____---------- 1,000 
Total expense of the building, including fire-proofing-___--------------- 245,479 
9. The original contract, with the addition made to it by direction of the 
Pre enon Oonmmnbiee, | is 2 ee hes eye LS Se eee wee ees se $209,810 
URE NetcutaNaLe, Of fe-prootneg 22— = = = ae eas 44,000 


Thus we have for the cost of the building, according to the estimate of the 
COMMITS OIE Ss Soe NT Lea ee § EOE ee ee ae ee ee eee 253,810 


Norr.—The foregoing estimates are exclusive of the salaries of the architect and superintendent; 
also of the cost of the improvement of the grounds and part of the furniture. 

This last sum is greater than the preceding, by $8,331. The difference, according 
to the statement of Mr. Renwick, is due to the various deductions he has made on 
account of defective materials, imperfect workmanship, and changes in the plan. 

In conclusion, the committee are fully of opinion—and in this they are sustained 
by the commission of architects—that, by adopting the plan of fire-proofing proposed 


5 


66 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


by Mr. Renwick, and the proposition of the contractor, the building will be rendered 
safe and durable, at a very reasonable cost, considering the amount of work which has: 
been bestowed upon it. 

The committee do not consider it necessary to offer any remarks on the cause of the 
accident which led to these investigations. If these recommendations be adopted, the 
whole structure of the interior of the main building, in which the accident eccurred, 
_ will be exchanged for one more in accordance with the permanence and utility of the: 
edifice; and in this case they will consider the accident as a fortunate event. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

JEFFERSON DAVIS, Chairman. 
W. W. SEATON. 

BW Ri LLIARD: 

JOS. G. TOTTEN. 

ALEX. D. BACHE. 

JOSEPH HENRY. 


On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 


Resolved, That the report of the committee of the Board of Regents charged with 
the examination of the building, presented this day, be accepted ; and that the Build- 
ing Committce be directed to proceed with the work, in accordance with the recom- 
mendation thercof. 


The following resolution, offered by Mr. Davis, and amended by 
Mr. Fitch, was adopted : 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to advance to the contractor 
within the year ending 19th March, 1851, in addition to the sum which he is now 
allowed to expend upon the building within the aforesaid year, the sum of $17,980, 
in proportion to work done in addition to what would otherwise have been done, und 
on condition of his paying interest at the rate of six per cent. per annum upon the 
said advance from the time at which he receives it to March 19, 1851. 


The committee, consisting of the Secretary and chairman of the 
Executive Committee, to whom was referred a resolution directing 
them to report a system of keeping and disbursing the moncys of 
the institution, reported the following resolutions ; which were read, 
and, on motion, adopted : 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to appoint an assistant, to act as treas— 
urer, to take charge of the funds for the current expenses of the institution, who shall 
give security for the safekeeping of all money belonging to the institution which shall 
come into his possession : 

That the funds before mentioned be deposited, until otherwise ordered, with Messrs. 
Corcoran and Riggs, to the credit of the treasurer of the institution : 

That all bills presented for payment shall be audited and certified by the Secretary, 
on whose order the treasurer shall pay them : 

That the treasurer report to the Secretary, monthly, all payments made by him 
during the preceding month: 

That all the monthly accounts be examined and certified by the Executive Commit- 
tee quarterly. 

That the account books be kept in the Smithsonian building, so that the Seeretary 
and Executive Committee may have ready access to them. 


The Secretary then nominated Mr. Seaton as a suitable person to 
perform the duties of treasurer, and the nomination was unani- 
mously confirmed by the Board. 

The Secretary stated to the Board that Mr. Seaton would accept 
the office of treasurer, but would not consent to receive any com- 
pensation for his services. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 67 


The following resolution, offered by Mr. Mason, was unanimously 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board be, and they are hereby, tendered to the 
Hon. W. W. Seaton, late mayor of the city of Washington and ez officio Regent of 
the Smithsonian Institution, for his able and valuable services as a member of the 
Board, now terminated by the expiration of his term of office as mayor of Washing- 
ton. 


On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Friday morning, 5th 
instant, at 9, a. m. 


July 5, 1850. 
The Board of» Regents held a meeting this day, at 9 a. m., in the 
east wing of the Smithsonian building. 
Present, Messrs. Fillmore, Coleock, Davis, Fitch, and Lenox. 
The Secretary stated that vacancies in two committees of the 
Board were occasioned by the retirement of Mr. Seaton, where- 
upon, on motion of Mr. Fitch, it was— 


Resolved, That General Totten be appointed a member of the Executive Committee. 


Also, on motion of Mr. Davis, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Lenox be appointed a member of the Building Committee. 

The Secretary stated that, in order to the development of the 
plans of the institution, it was necessary that additional assistants 
should be appointed. With the officers now engaged, little more 
could be done than to attend to the general correspondence, which 
now extends to every part of the world, and the details of business, 
which have been continually increasing. The labor of reading 
manuscripts and attending to the press, would almost occupy the 
time of one individual. He therefore requested that he might be 
allowed to appoint an assistant in the department of natural history, 
to take charge of the museum and aid in the publications, &c. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, it was— 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to appoint an assistant seerctary in the 
department of natural history, to take charge of the museum, and to render such 
other assistance as the Secretary may require, at a salary of fifteen hundred dollars 
per annum. 

The Secretary thereupon appointed Professor Spencer I’. Baird 
under the foregoing resolution ; and, on motion, the Board approved 
the appointment. 

The Secretary then stated that Dr. Edward Foreman had been 
engaged during the past year as a general assistant; that he had 
been elected professor of chemistry in the National Medical College 
of this city, the duties of which, however, did not materially inter- 
fere with his labors in the Smithsonian Institution; and the Secre- 


68 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


tary requested that his connection with the institution might be 
placed on a more permanent basis. 
Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Fitch, it was— 


Reeolved, That the Secretary be authorized to appoint a general assistant, at a salary 
of twelve hundred dollars per annum. 


The Secretary thereupon, under the foregoing resolution, ap- 
pointed Dr. Edward Foreman ; and, on motion, the Board approved 
the appointment. 

The foilowing resolution, offered by Mr. Coleock, was adopted : 


Resolved, That a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars be appropriated for 
the current expenses of this year; the objects of the expenditure to be those desig- 
nated in the programme of the institution, and the allowance to each to be fixed by 
the Executive Committee. ° 


The Secretary presented to the Board a plan, by Professor Jewett, 
for stereotyping or electrotyping catalogues of libraries, by tiles, in 
a uniform style, and of forming a general stereotype catalogue of 
the public libraries of the United States. The Secretary stated that 
this was a proposition which appeared to him of great importance 
in carrying out the objects of the institution, and in rendering avail- 
able the aids to literary labor now in our country. He suggested 
that the proper course would be to refer it to the Secretary and 
Executive Committee, to be referred by them to a commission of 
literary gentlemen for examination. 

On motion, the subject was referred to the Secretary and Execu- 
tive Committee. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet again at the call of the 
Secretary. 


January 1, 1851. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 12 o’clock, noon, in ac- 
cordance with notice previously given. 

On motion, Mr. Hawley was called to the chair. 

The Secretary stated that a few days would be required to make 
up the accounts for the year just expired, and that a quorum of the 
Regents was not present. 

Whereupon, on motion, the meeting adjourned to Tuesday, 7th 
instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 7, 1851. 
The Board of Regents met this day, at 10 o’clock, a. m., accord- 
ing to adjournment. 
Present, Messrs. Bache, Davis, Fitch, Hawley, Hilliard, Lenox, 
Mason, Pearce, Rush, and Totten. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 69 


Mr. Hawley took the chair, and the proceedings of the last meet- 
ing were read. 

The Secretary made a statement relative to the election of a 
chancellor, the office being vacant by the elevation of Mr. Fillmore 
to the Presidency of the United States. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, it was— 


Resolved, That the Board proceed to elect, by ballot, a Chancellor of the Smithso- 
nian Institution, whose term of office shall continue until the 4th day of March, 1853. 


Tellers having been appointed, the votes were counted, and the 
Honorable eee B. Taney, Chief dusiice of the United States was 
declared unanimously elected. 

The report of the Executive Committee for the year 1850, was 
then presented, and read by Mr. Bache. 

On motion, it was laid on the table, until the Treasurer’s state- 
ment could be prepared. 

The reading of the Secretary’s annual report, relative to the 
operations of the institution for the past year, was then commenced. 

An account was given of the several memoirs presented during 
the past year, and copies of all that had been printed during the 
same time, were placed upon the table. 

The hour of adjournment having arrived, on motion, the Board 
adjourned to meet on Friday, the 10 instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 10, 1851. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock. 

The Honorable Roger B. Taney appeared and took the chair, as 
Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The following members were present, Messrs. Bache, Davis, Fitch, 
Hawley, Hilliard, Lenox, Mason, Pearce, Rush, Totten, and Mr. 
Seaton, Treasurer of the Institution. 

The Chancellor, on taking the chair, expressed his thanks for the 
honor conferred upon him by his election ; his regret that on account 
of the meetings of the Supreme Court, he had not previously been 
able to attend the sessions of the Board, though -he hoped in future 
to be able to do so; also the interest he felt in the institution, and 
his gratification with reference to its present condition. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were then read. 

The Building Committee presented their annual report, includ- 
ing a report from the architect. It was, on motion, accepted, and 
ordered to form a part of the Regents’ report to Congress. 

In connection with the report of the Building Committee, Mr. 
Lenox made a statement relative to a proposition for the erection 


70 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


of a foot bridge over the canal at Ninth or Tenth street, at the ex- 
pense of the corporation of the city of Washington, for facilitating 
the approach to the institution. He also stated that Mr. Ellet, the 
engineer, had offered to superintend, free of charge, the erection of 
a wire bridge at the place mentioned, and expressed his belief that 
a bridge could be constructed during the present year. 

Mr. Seaton, the treasurer, es a report of the moneys placed 
to his credit on account of the institution, and the manner 1a which 
they had been expended. At the request of Mr. Seaton, and on 
motion of Mr. Davis, the report was referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee for examination. 

The reading of the Secretary’s report was then proceeded with, 
including a statement relative to the foreign distribution of the 
first volume of Smithsonian Contributions, and the method of keep- 
ing the account of the exchanges with foreign societies; also an 
account of the progress made in the operations relative to meteo- 
rology. 

Specimens of the barometers, thermometers, rain gauges, and 
wind vanes prepared for the Smithsonian observers, were exhibited 
to the Board. 

The Board, on motion, then adjourned to meet on Saturday next, 
18th instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 18, 1851. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Colecock, Davis, Hilliard, Pearce, and 
Rush. The Chancellor being absent, Mr. Pearce was called to the 
chair. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read. 

Mr. Bache, on behalf of the Executive Committee, presented a 
detailed statement of all the expenditures from the beginning of 
the institution to the end of the year 1850, classified according to 
the programme of accounts before given. 

The Secretary stated, that in obedience to the instructions con- 
tained in the resolutions of the Board adopted June 1, 1850, the 
following petition relative to funding $150,000 of accrued interest 
had been drawn up for presentation to Congress ; but owing to the 
press of business of last session, and by the advice of the members 
of the Board belonging to the Senate and House of Representatives, 
it had not been presented up to the present time. 

Mr. Davis suggested that the petition be amended by inserting 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. Th 


the words “making in all a principal fund of $715,000,” at the 
close of the fourth paragraph ; which was agreed to. 
Amended, the petition reads as follows : 


To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives, in Congress assembled : 


GENTLEMEN: The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have directed 
me to transmit to your honorable body, the resolutions appended to this letter, and to 
solicit the passing of a law, in accordance therewith. 

It is known to your honorable body, that the original sum received into the United 
States Treasury from the Smithsonian bequest, was a little more than $515,000, and 
that at the time of the passage of the act incorporating the institution, $242,000 had 
accrued in interest, which sum or so much of it as might be deemed - necessary, the 
Regents were authorized to appropriate to a building. It is also known to your hon- 
orable body, that the act of incorporation directed that provision should be made for 
the establishment of a library and museum, together with the erection of a building 
on a liberal scale to contain them. 

While the Regents in their plan of organization obeyed these instructions, they also 
by virtue of the power invested in them, and in conformity with the terms of the 
bequest, adopted additional plans for the more immediate promotion of the inercase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men, by means of researches, publications, lec- 
tures, &c. 

In order, however, to carry out the several parts of this more extended plan, it 
was found absolutely necessary that the annual income of the institution should be 
increased. To accomplish this, it was resolved, instead of expending at once the 
$242,000 on a building, car efully to husband the same and to erect the building in the 
course of several years, in part out of the proceeds of the sum before mentioned, and 
in part out of such portions of the income of the original fund as could be spared 
from the ordinary operations of the institution. This scheme has been effectually 
earried out, and the Regents now ask to be allowed to place in the Treasury of the 
United States along side of the original bequest, and upon the same terms, never to 
be expended, the sum of $150,000 of acerued interest, and to be allowed: to add to this 
from time to time, such other sums as may come into their possession by donation or 
otherwise, until it, with.the sums thus added shall amount to $200,000, making in all 
a principal fund of a little more than $715,000. 

After this deposit of $150,000, the Regents will still have sufficient money on hand 
to finish the whole of the exterior of the building, and such portions of the interior 
in addition to those now completed, as may be wanted for several years to come, they 
then propose gradually to finish the remainder in such portions as may be wanted out 
of the annual accruing interest. 

The sole object of the request is the permanent investment and perpetual security 
of the accumulated fund, and when your honorable body is assured that the organi- 
zation and operations of the institution have received the approbation of the wise and 
good, not only in this country, but in every part of the world where literature and 
science are cultivated, the undersigned trusts that the request will be granted. 

And your petitioner will ever pray, &e. 

(Signed) JOSEPH HENRY, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


Resolutions of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, adopted at their 
meeting of June 1, 1850, and appended to the foregoing petition. 


Resolved, That it is expedient to enlarge the permanent fund of the institution, by 
the inv estment of such sums not exceeding $200,000 as may have been, or shall be 
reccived for accrucd interest or otherwise, in addition to the principal sum of the 
Smithsonian bequest, augmenting the principal sum to that amount, and that applica- 
tion be made to Congress to receive such sums not exceeding $200,000 as may have 
been or shall be received for accrued interest or otherwise into the United States 
Treasury upon the same terms on which the original bequest has been received. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to communicate a copy of this resolution 
to Congress, and to request that provision be made by law in accordance therewith. 


The Secretary also brought before the Board, the subject of the 
remainder of the Smithsonian bequest, left as the principal of an 


v2 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


annuity payable to Madame de la Batut, mother of the nephew of 
James Smithson. 

Mr. Rush gave an account of this annuity and stated that he had 
left the business in the hands of attorneys, to whom he had written 
in 1846. <A copy of this correspondence was read, and Mr. Rush 
was requested to communicate with the above mentioned persons 
relative to this business. 

The reading of the Secretary’s report was then continued, includ- 
ing Professor Jewett’s report on the library, illustrated by speci- 
mens of a new plan of stereotyping catalogues of libraries by sepa- 
rate titles. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Saturday, 25th instant, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 25, 1851. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Davis, Fitch, Lenox, Mason, Pearce and Taney. 

The Chancellor occupied the chair. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read. 

The reading of the Secretary’s report was then continued, includ- 
ing the report of Professor Baird on the Museum. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, 1t was— 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board be presented to Mr. Alexander Culbertson, 
for the liberal aid rendered by him in procuring specimens of natural history for the 
institution ; also, to Messrs. Edward T. Denig, Ferdinand Culbertson, and the other 
gentlemen of the American Fur Company mentivned in Professor Baird’s report for 
similar services. 

The concluding portion of the Secretary’s report was then read, 
giving an account of the lectures which had been delivered, and 
other miscellaneous operations. The Secretary then gaye an 
account of some experiments made with the Smithsonian apparatus. 
by Mr. Espy during the past year, and the connection which has. 
existed between this gentleman and the institution. An appropri- 
ation has been made for several years past by Congress for meteor- 
ology, out of which Mr. Espy has been paid. The appropriation 
was under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, who, in 
1848, directed Mr. Espy to co-operate in his labors with the Smith- 
sonian Institution. 

Mr. Lenox presented a communication from Mr. Seaton recom- 
mending the placing of a bell in one of the towers of the Smithso- 
nian building, and stating that a very valuable town clock could 
probably be obtained from the Treasury Department. 

On motion of Mr. Fitch, it was— 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 73 


Resolved, That Mr. Lenox be appointed a committee to inquire into and report 
upon this proposition. 

The Board then adjourned to meet again at the call of the Secre- 
tary. 


February 27, 1851. 

The Board of Regents met this evening at 6 o’clock, in the ante- 
room of the Senate Chamber. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Colcock, Davis, Fitch, Lenox, Mason, 
Pearce, and Totten. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce was called to the 
chair. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read. 

Mr. Bache, from the Executive Committee, offered the following 


resolution; which was adopted : 
Resolved, That during the year 1851, the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars be, 
and is hereby, appropriated to be expended under the direction of the Secretary, and 


with the advice of the Executive Committee for the expenses of the institution, and 
to carry out the several parts of the programme of organization. 


On motion of Mr. Mason, it was 


Resolved, That the report of the Secretary and of the Executive Committee be 
adopted, and form parts of the report of the Regents to Congress. 


On motion of Mr. Colcock, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be authorized to make the annual re- 
port of the Regents to Congress. 


A bill was presented to the Board from W. Fischer, for station- 
ery purchased in 1847 and 1848, on account of the Executive and 
Building Committee, prior to the present system of keeping ac- 
counts. 

On motion of Mr. Fitch, it was referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee for examination, and if found correct, for payment. 

The Secretary called attention to the statement in the report of 
the Executive Committee, that in the examination and re-arrange- 
ment of the accounts of the institution, there had been found a few 
eases in which payment had been made in accordance with the 
spirit of the resolutions of the Board, but which could be referred 
to no special appropriation. 

On motion of Mr. Fiteh, it was— 

Resolved, That these accounts be referred to the Executive Committee for examina- 
tion, and if deemed correct, for approval. 

The Secretary informed the Board that it was necessary to pub- 
lish a new edition of the programme of organization and suggested 


74 BOARD OF REGENTS.. 


the propriety of making a few verbal alterations in the text, and in 
the sentence beginning as follows: 

‘‘ Rewards [consisting of money, medals, &c., offered for original memoirs.’’] 

Of striking out the words included in brackets; which was agreed 
to. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 


Resolved, That the Seeretary be authorized to employ an accountaut at an annual 
salary of two hundred dollars, and to assign his duties, and that that there be paid to 
William B. Randolph, two hundred dollars for the arrangement of the accounts to 
date, as reported. 


On motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to appoint an agent abroad to conduct 
the exchanges of the institution, with a salary not to exceed one hundred and fifty 
dollars per annum. 


Mr. Davissubmitted the following resolution ; which was adopted: 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to inquire into the expedi- 
ency of providing buildings for the residences of the officers of the institution on the 
Smithsonian grounds, or other convenient location, if they deem expedient to report 
plans and estimates for such buildings to the Board at their next meeting. 


Mr. Lenox, to whom was referred the subject of procuring a 
clock and bell for the institution, reported that the use of a clock 
could be obtained free of expense to the institution, provided a 
bell of a large size could be arranged in connection with it, in one 
of the towers of the Smithsonian building; also, that he thought it 
probable that the corporation of the city of Washington would de- 
fray one-half of the cost of such a bell, provided that the institution 
would pay the other. 

Mr. Mason then offered the following resolution; which was 
agreed to: 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorjzed to purchase a bell, to be placed in one 
of the towers of the building to be attached to a clock, provided that the purchase 
be made in association with the authorities of the city of Washington, and that the 
size and tone of the bell be approved of by the Executive Committee and the said 
authorities, the sum to be paid on the part of this institution, not to exceed five hun- 
dred dollars. 


The plan of Mr. Downing for the improvement of the public 


Mall, including the grounds of the Smithsonian Institution, was — 


exhibited to the Board 
On motion, the Board then adjourned sine die. 


January 7, 1852. 
in accordance with the resolution of the Board of Regents of 
the Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of 
their annual meeting on the first Wednesday of January of each 
year, the Board met this day in the Smithsonian building, at 12 
o’clock, noon. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 75 


A quorum not being present, the Board adjourned to Saturday, 
the 10th instant. 


January 10, 1852. 

Agreeably to adjournment, the Board of Regents met this day at 
noon. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Fitch, Lenox, Mason, Pearce, and Rush, 
of the Board; and Mr. Seaton, treasurer. 

The Secretary informed the Board of the reappointment of Mr. 
Fitch, of Indiana, and Mr. Colcock, of Georgia, and the appoint- 
ment of Mr. Meacham, of Vermont, as Regents on the part of the 
House of Representatives of the present Congress. 

The Secretary also stated that the accounts and reports of the 
institution would be ready for presentation at the next meeting; 
whereupon, the Regents, after examining the several parts of the 
establishment, adjourned to meet on Saturday next at 10 o’clock. 


January 17, 1852. 

The Board met this day, agreeably to adjournment. 

Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Bache, Fitch, Lenox, 
Pearce, Rush, and ‘Totten, of the Board; and Mr. Seaton, treas- 
urer. 

The report of the Executive Committee was presented by the 
chairman, (Mr. Bache ;) was read, and ordered to lie on the table. 

The report of the Building Committee was presented by Mr. 
Lenox, chairman, and was read. 

On motion, the above reports were adopted. 

The annual report of the Secretary, giving an account of the 
condition of the institution and of the operations of the past year, 
was presented, and a part of the same read. 

Copies of the memoirs and reports published by the institution 
during the past year were placed on the table for the inspection of 
the Board. 

A letter from Gilbert Cameron, contractor for the building, ask- 
ing for an advance of moncy from the fund withheld as security for 
the proper performance of his contract; and a letter from James 
Renwick, Jr., architect, approving of the part payment of the same, 
were read; whereupon, on motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 


Resolved, That the Chancellor fill the places in the Building Committee which were 
occupied by Messrs. Davis and Hilliard. 


The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Rush and Fitch, who signified 
their acceptance. 


76 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


On motion of Mr. Totten, it was— 

Resolved, That the Secretary be added as a member of the Building Committee. 

The letters of Messrs. Cameron and Renwick were then referred 
to the Building Committee to be reported on at the next meeting. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to Saturday, the 24th instant, at 
11 o’clock, a. m. 


January 24, 1852. 

The Board met at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Bache, Colcock, Fitch, 
Lenox, Meacham, Pearce, Rush and Totten, of the Board; and 
Mr. Seaton, treasurer. 

The Building Committee, to whom were referred the letter of — 
Gilbert Cameron, making application for an advance of $10,000 
from the amount of percentage retained as security for the comple- 
tion of his contract, and also the letter of James Renwick, Jr., 
architect, reported that they had examined the subject, and re- 
quested to submit the following resolution; which, on motion, was 
adopted : 


Resolved, That in accordance with the recommendation of the architect, the Exec- 
utive Committee be authorized to advance to the contractor the sum of $6,000 from 
the amount retained as security for the completion of his contract. 


The Secretary brought before the Board the subject of the dispo- 
sition of the accrued interest. He stated that, since the last meet- 
ing of the Regents, he had conferred with Mr. Corcoran on the 
subject, and had received from him the following proposition, viz: 
Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs will give sixteen per cent. premium on 
the stock belonging to the institution, will allow five per cent. inte- 
rest on the whole sum including the premium, until an investment. 
can be made, and make a deposit of Government stocks as security 
for the safe keeping of the money. 

Whereupon, Mr. Pearce offered the following resolution ; which 
was adopted : 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be requested to sell $180,000 of stock 
of accrued interest upon the terms stated in the resolution of June 1st, 1850, and to 
deposit the proceeds of such sale with Corcoran & Riggs for the purposes, and on the 
security therein mentioned. 


Mr. Fitch offered the following resolution; which was adopted : 


Resolved, That Mr. Pearce be requested to have the memorial, relative to the re- 
ception of the accrued interest by Congress, taken from the files of the Senate and 
referred to the Committee of Finance. 


The reading of the Secretary’s annual report was then continued, 
including the report from Professor Jewett, in charge of the library, 
giving the details of the operations in this department during the 


‘4 


. 
v 
4 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. hall 


past year. Specimens of titles for catalogues, separately stereo- 


typed and printed, were laid before the Board. 
Mr. Rush offered the following resolution ; which was adopted : 


Resolved, That a copy of the special report of the Seeretary be furnished for publi- 
eation to the National Intelligencer immediately after it shall be sent to Congress. 


The Board then adjourned, to meet on Saturday, 31st instant, at 
10 o’clock. i 


January 81, 1852. 

The Board met this day at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Colecock, Mason, 
Meacham and Totten. 

The Secretary communicated to the Board a copy of the will of 
Thomas Wynns, late of Brooklyn, New York, deceased, which 
contains a contingent devise or legacy to the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion. It is as follows: 


In the name of God: Amen. 

I, Thomas Wynns, of the city of Brooklyn, county of Kings, and State of New 
York, being in feeble bodily health, but of sound and disposing mind, do make, pub- 
lish, and declare this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and declaring null 
and void all other and former wills by me made. 

First. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Charlotte, all my plate and 
household furniture, or such of it as she may select, and all my books and pictures 
she may desire. 

Second. I give, devise, and bequeath to my executors and trustees hereinafter 
named, or such of them as shall qualify themselves to act under this my will, the sur- 
vivors and survivor, all my estate, real and personal, and the rents and profits of my 
real estate upon the trusts hereinafter mentioned, that is to say, to pay to my said 
wife yearly and every year during her natural life the annual sum of fifteen hundred 
dollars lawful money of the United States of America, such payment to be made 
quarterly, and the first payment to be made at the termination of the first quarter, or 
three months after my decease. 

Further to apply to the use, maintenance, and education of my daughter, 
Charlotte Arthur, the annual sum of five hundred dollars, which annual sum may 
be increased in the discretion of my executors as the advancing age of my 
daughter may require, until her marriage, and upon her marriage she shall receive 
the whole income over and above the annuity to my wife during her natural life, and 
in case of her marriage the income shall be paid to her for her own use, upon her 
own receipt, without the control of her husband, and free from all his debts. Upon 
the decease of my said daughter the said real and personal estate, or the proceeds 
and accumulations thereof, shall be equally divided between or among her issue, 
share and share alike, the issue of children to stand in place of their parent; or if 
she should die without issue, ten thousand dollars shall be paid to my friend, John 
George Anderson, of Florida, and the residue to the Smithsonian Institute at Wash- 
ington, as I know no benevolent institution more useful or appropriate. A suflicient 
and ample fund shall, however, be always reserved to secure the annuity to my wife. 

Third. I nominate, constitute, and appoint my friends, John George Anderson of 
Florida, Edwin Coffin, of New York, and Charles A. Coe, of the same place, and the 
Rey. Francis Vinton, of Brooklyn, doctor of divinity, to be the executors of this my 
last will and testament and trustees as hereinbefore mentioned, and guardians of my 
said daughter, with full power of sale and conveyance, to such of them as may 
qualify, the survivors and survivor of them. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal. 


THOMAS WYNNS. [t. s.] 


Signed, sealed, published and declared by the testator for and as his last will and 
testament in our presence, who, at the same time, at his request, in his presence, and 


78 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


in presence of each other, have become witnesses hereto this 14th day of February, in 
the year 1851. 
JOSEPH VANNINI, 
102 Joraelimon street, Brooklyn. 
WILLIAM BETTS, 


of Jamaica. 
Codicil. 
I give and bequeath to my friend, Edwin Coffin, the sum of five thousand dollars, 
in trust for my daughter, Rosina, now at Turk’s island. 
his 
THOS. + WYNNS. 
mark. 


Witness: 
JoHN ARTHUR, JR., 
Fr. E. Linpsay. 
Brooxiyn, 21st Pebruary, 1851. 
‘Will proved March 8th, 1851. 


On motion of Mr. Colcock, it was— 


Resolved, That the said will be referred to Mr. Mason, with a request that he would 
correspond with an agent in New York, toascertain the ‘value of the estate so devised, 
and whether any and what measures may be necessary to preserve and secure the 
interests of the institution under the said will. 


The Secretary informed the Board that since the last meeting he 
had taken the certificates of the stock belonging to the institution, 
amounting to $180,000, from the safety vault of the Secretary of — 
the Senate, and had given them in charge to Messrs. Corcoran & _ 
Riggs on the terms prescribed by the Board at their last meeting. 

He also stated that the certificates were not yet finally transferred 
to the bankers, but stand in the name of the Chancellor and Secre- 
tary as security for the stock itself. On the proceeds of this stock, 
which at sixteen per cent. premium amounts to $208,000, the insti- 
tution is to receive interest at the rate of five per cent. per annum. 

The Secretary was requested to obtain from Messrs. Corccran & 
Riggs a written account of the agreement with reference to the 
aforementioned transaction. 

The Board then adjourned to Saturday, the 14th of February 
next. 


February 14, 1852. 

The Board met this day at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Colcock, Fitch, Lenox, 
Mason, Meacham, and Totten, of the Regents; and Mr. Seaton, 
treasurer, 

The Sceretary presented a written statement from Messrs. Cor- 
coran & Riggs relative to the sale of stock belonging to the institu- 
tion, and the deposit of the certificates of United States stock as 
security therefor. 

A proposition was submitted from Dr. H. eens of New York, 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 79 


to furnish designs for a monument in commemoration of James 
Smithson. An explanation of the designs exhibited was read. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 

Resolved, That Dr. Stone’s proposition lie on the table. 

The Secretary communicated a proposition from Henry Stevens, 
of London, to obtain facts relative to the life of James Smithson. 

The following preamble and resolution, submitted by Mr. Mason, 
was adopted : 


It being represented to the Board that Mr. Henry Stevens, now of London, has 
proposed to collect certain authentic materials in Europe, which may be useful for a 
future memoir of the life and character of James Smithson, the founder of the insti- 
tution, and without compensation for such services ; 

Resolved, That the Seerctary be authorized to accept the offer of Mr. Stevens, and 
to appropriate a sum not exceeding fifty dollars for this object. 


The Seeretary laid before the Board a communication from Joseph 
Bradley relative to claims of John Sniflfin, sub-contractor, against 
Gilbert Cameron, contractor for the Smithsonian building. 

On motion of Mr. Fitch, the letter was referred to the Building 
Committee. 

The conclusion of the Secretary’s annual report was read, con- 
taining a report by Professor Baird of the details of the statistics 
of the museum, of the printing of the publications, and of the 
exchanges; also an account of the operations relative to meteorol- 
ogy, the statistics of which are given in a report by Professor Fore- 


man. 


On motion of Mr. Fitch, it was 


Ordered, That a vote of thanks be presented to Sir Henry Bulwer, for his co-opera- 
tion in facilitating the transmission of the Smithsonian publications into Great Britain, 
duty free. The same to be signed by the Chancellor and Secretary. 


The Board then adjourned to Saturday, 21st instant. 


February 21, 1852. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Fitch, Lenox, Mason, 
and Totten, of the Board; and Mr. Seaton, treasurer. 

Mr. Mason, to whom was referred the will of the late Thomas 
Wynn, of Brooklyn, reported that he had written to Mr. J. I. Pat- 
ten, of New York, relative to the matter, and had received a com- 
munication, which he presented to the Board. It furnished a state- 
ment of facts relative to the will, with suggestions as to the course 
to be pursued byithe Board with reference to the bequest. 

The subject was again referred to Mr. Mason for further investi- 
gation. 

Mr. Lenox presented a report from the Building Committee on 


80 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


the letter of J. H. Bradley, Esq., relative to the unsettled claims of 
John Sniffin against Gilbert Cameron, contractor, with the accom- 
panying resolution, which was adopted : 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to inform Joseph Bradley, Esq., that 
although the Board of Regents cannot grant the application made in his letter of 10th 
February last, in behalf of John Snifiin, as in their opinion it would be an interfer- 
ence with the rights of the contractor, G. Cameron, yet that the Board will readily 
unite in any arrangement between the parties which will facilitate the settlement of 
the controversy between the said Sniffin and Cameron, not inconsistent with its own 
rights and duties in the business. 

The Secretary stated to the Board that the contract of Mr. Cam- 
eron would expire on the 19th of March, and suggested that the 
Board ought to determine whether the fire-proofing of the centre 
building should be immediately proceeded with; and also whether 
it would be advisable to provide a larger lecture-room, and make 
other changes for the better adaptation and security of the build- 
ing. 

All of which was referred to the Building Committee. 

The Board then adjourned to Saturday, 28th inst., at 10 o’clock, 


a. ™. 


February 28, 1852. 
The Board of Regents met this day, agreeably to adjournment. 
A quorum for the transaction of business not being present, the 
meeting adjourned to Saturday, the 1st of May next. 


May 1, 1852. 

The Board met this day, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Mr. Taney, Chancellor; Messrs. Bache, Fitch, Lenox, 
Meacham, Pearce, Totten, of the Board; and Mr. Scaton, treas- 
urer. 

Mr. Lenox, from the Building Committee, to whom was referred 
the subject of the completion of the building, reported as follows: 


That in the opinion of this committee it is advisable to proceed with the completion 
of the building as far as the funds will allow, and as rapidly as is consistent with 
good workmanship; and, in accordance with this opinion, they offer the following 
resolution : 

Resolved, That the Building Committee be authorized to contract for the finishing 
of the building, or so much of it as they may think at present necessary; and that 
they be allowed to make such changes in the interior as they may think best suited to 
the wants of the institution: Provided, They report the terms of any contract or con- 
tracts they may make, and the character of the changes which they may contemplate 
in the interior of the building, to the Board of Regents, before operations are com- 
menced under their contract. 


Mr. Bache, from the Executive Committee, presented the follow- 
ing resolution : 


Resolved, That during the year 1852, the sum of thirty thousand dollars out of the 
Smithsonian income be, and is hereby, appropriated to be expended under the direc- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 81 


tion of the Secretary, and with the advice of the Executive Committee, to defray the 
expenses of the institution, and to carry out the several parts of the programme. 


Mr. Meacham presented the following resolution; which was 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be authorized to make the annual re- 
port of the Regents to Congress. 


Parts of the third and fourth volume of Smithsonian Contribu- 
tions, so far as printed, were laid on the table for the examination 
of the Board; also a printed list of foreign correspondents. 

On motion, the thanks of the Board were presented to Dr. Charles 
G. Page for donations of apparatus. 

The Secretary laid before the Board the memorial of Josiah Hol- 
brook, requesting the publication of tracts by himself on agricul- 
tural geology and chemistry for general distribution. Referred to 
the Secretary and Executive Committee. Also, a petition from Miss 
Gilpin, relative to the establishment of a normal school for female 
teachers. Referred to the Secretary and Executive Committee. 

The Secretary stated that, since the most important part of the 
operations of the institution was transacted by letters, it became 
highly important that all correspondence, however trifling it might 
appear, should be carefully preserved, and in order to enforce this 
upon himself and upon all the assistants, he requested a specific 
resolution of the Board with reference to it. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Totten, it was 


Resolved, That all correspondence relative to the business of the institution be care- 
fully preserved in bound volumes, and that all such correspondence be open at the 
call of the Regents or of the Executive Committee through the Secretary. 


The Secretary brought before the Board the subject of copyright 
books. He stated that the system adopted was defective, that 
according to the present arrangement, while all the most worthless 
publications were sent and the institution put to the expense of 
furnishing certificates for those, many of the best works published 
in th2 country were not deposited. He further stated, that Profes- 
sor Jewett had proposed a plan for remedying the evil, to which he 
would ask the attention of the Board. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 


Resolved, That the subject of depositing copyright books in the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution be referred to the committee formerly appointed on that subject. 


On motion of Mr. Fitch, Mr. Meacham was appointed, in place 
of Hon. Jefferson Davis, on the committee relative to copyright 
books. 

The Secretary brought before the Board the subject of additional 
By aeation to Dr. J. G. Fliigel, of Leipsic. He stated that this 


82 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


gentleman had acted as the agent of the institution for all the libra- 
ries and learned institutions of central and northern Europe, and 
that about two hundred letters and copies of letters had been re- 
ceived from him. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 


Resolved, That one hundred and fifty dollars be added to the sum allowed to Dr. 
Flugel for the present year. 


The Secretary placed before the Board a letter from Lieutenant. 
Colonel Edward Sabine, R. A., of the Royal Society of London, of 
which the following is a copy: 


Roya SocrEry’s APARTMENTS, 
Somerset Housr, Lonpon, March 19, 1852. 


ie Dear Sir: I duly communicated to the Earl of Rosse, President of the Royal 
Society, your letter to me on the subject of the interchange of scientific publications- 
between the United States and this country, and the admission into England, duty 
free, of scientific books and memoirs presented to institutions or to individuals here, 
either by or through the Smithsonian Institution. I accompanied this communica- 
tion by a letter addressed to the president, which you will read in the enclosed printed. 
minutes of the council of the Royal Society of January 15, 1852. The subject has 
since been brought by the Earl of Rosse under the consideration of her Majesty’s 
government, who have shown, as might be expected, much readiness to meet, in the 
same spirit, the liberal example which has been set by the United States, in exempting 
from duty scientific books sent as presents from this country to the Smithsonian Insti-- 
tution, and through that institution to other institutions, and to individuals, cultivat- 
ing science in the United States. The mode which has been suggested by our Board 
of “Customs, for admitting duty free scientific publications designed for this country, 
and which, we hope, will receive the approval of the treasury, is, that a list should 
be furnished by the Royal Society of the names of all institutions and individuals to. 
whom such works may be expected to be addressed, when the custom-house officers 
will have directions to pass without duty all such publications having the names of 
such institutions or persons inscribed either on the cover or on the title page, which 
are sent to this country in packages directed to the Royal Society—the list to be 
amended or extended from time to time. The Royal Society will gladly take charge: 
of and distribute under these regulations the books which the Smithsonian Institution 
may send for institutions and individuals in this country, receiving them from the 
agent in London appointed by the Smithsonian Institution; and I shall be obliged by 
your furnishing me, at your earliest convenience, with a list, as complete as you may 
be able to make it, of the names of the institutions and persons to whom books or 
memoirs are likely to be sent. 

The Royal Society will also gladly receive and forward to their ultimate destination 
(where such assistance may be useful) packages containing publications of a similar 
description, designed for institutions and individuals on the continent of Europe; 
such packages being directed to the Royal Society, and stated on the outside of the: 
case or package to be.fr om the Smithsonian Institution. The customs’ duties will, in 
such cases, be either altogether remitted or returned on re-exportation. 

If it be a convenience to the cultivators of science in the United States, that publi- 
cations presented to them by institutions or individuals on the continent of Europe, 
or elsewhere, should be addressed to the Royal Society asa channel of communication, 
the same facilities will be given by the Board of Customs, and the Royal Society will, 
with pleasure, make the required arrangements. It will be necessary, in such cases, 
that packages arriving from the continent of Europe or elsewhere should be marked 
on the outside, ‘‘for the Smithsonian Institution,’’ and the foreign Secretary of the 
Royal Society should be apprised of their being sent. Expenses of freight would of 
course be defrayed by the agent of the Smithsonian Institution. 


I remain, my dear sir, with great respect and regard, very sincerely yours, 


EDWARD SABINE, 
Vice-President and Treasurer of the Royal Society. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 83 


The Executive Committee presented the following report and 
resolutions : 


The Executive Committee, to whom was referred the subject of inquiring into the 
expediency of providing buildings for the officers of the institution, report: 

That after due reflection they have come to the conclusion that it would conduce 
very much to the interests of the institution if the officers were provided with houses 
on the Smithsonian grounds, so that they might be present on all occasions, and be as 
much as possible at all times identified with the operations of the institution; yet, at 
present, while the main edifice is unfinished, they do not consider it advisable to incur 
the expense of additional buildings, and would therefore recommend that in lieu of 
the rent of a house, five hundred dollars be added to the. salaries of Professors Jewett 
and Baird, to be paid from the beginning of the present year. 

The committee has learned with regret that by the construction given by the Secre- 
tary to the resolution of the Board of Regents of December 4, 1846, an allowance less 
than was intended by that resolution has been received by him for house-rent, and 
offer a resolution to meet the case. 

A. D. BACHE, 


nats PEARCE, | teonutiee Committee. 
J. G. TOTTEN. 
The following resolutions were accordingly, on motion, adopted : 


Resolved, That in the opinion of the Board of Regents, the resolution of December 
4, 1846, was intended to make an allowance to the Secretary of five hundred dollars 
per annum, in lieu of a residence. 

Resolved, That in lieu of the rent of a house, there be added to the salaries of Pro- 
fessors Jewett and Baird, each, five hundred dollars per annum, from the beginning 
of the year to the present time. 


The Secretary stated that he wished to be on the safe side, and 
that he had no intention at present of claiming anything on account 
of previous house-rent. 

The Board then adjourned to Saturday, 22d instant. 


March 22, 1852. 

The Board met this day, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Fitch, Lenox, Meacham, Pearce, Totten, 
of the Board; and Mr. Seaton, treasurer. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, on motion, Mr. Pearce took 
the chair. 

Mr. Lenox, from the Building Committee, informed the Board 
that the work on the building by the present contractor was not 
quite completed, but might be expected to be so in about ten days. 
He also remarked upon the condition of a suit pending between 
Cameron and Sniffin, and its bearing upon the action of the Board. 

A bill of extra work, by G. Cameron, for flagging, &c., was pre- 
sented and referred to the Building Committee, to be audited and 
settled. 

The Secretary stated that Mr. Stanley, the artist, had deposited a 
gallery of Indian portraits in the west wing of the building, which 
had attracted many visitors. 

The Board then adjourned to Saturday, June 5th. 


84 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


June 5, 1852. 
The Board of Regents was notified to meet this day at 11 o’clock. 
A quorum not being present, the Board adjourned to August 7, 
1852. 


August 7, 1852. 

The Board of Regents met this evening at 7} o’clock. 

Present, Messrs. Coleock, Fitch, Pearce, and Totten. 

Mr. Maury, elected Mayor of Washington, and therefore ex officio 
Regent of the Smithsonian Institution, appeared and took his seat. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce teok the chair. 

Mr. Fitch, from the Building Committee, presented to the Board 
a letter from James Renwick, Jr., architect, informing the commit- 
tee that the building, so far as it was embraced in the contract of 
Mr. Cameron, was completed, and recommending that six thousand 
dollars be advanced to the contractor from the fifteen per cent. kept 
back, in advance of Mr. Renwick’s final certificate; also stating 
that it would take several days for him to make up his final award. 

Mr. Fitch stated to the Board that there was now a suit pending 
between Mr. Cameron and his sub-contractor; and that though the 
institution had no interest in this suit, the Regents had been in- 
formed that they were a party to the same. The Building Com- 
mittee, therefore, thought it advisable to refer this subject to the 
Board. 

In order to obtain further information on this point, it was, on 
motion, resolved, to postpone the consideration until the next meet- 
ing. 

Mr. Fitch, from the Building Committee, also presented an 
account from Mr. Renwick, for services from March 1 to June 1, 
1852; which the committee did not feel themselves authorized to 
pay without an order from the Board. 

Mr. Fitch also presented, from the same committee, a communi- 
cation from Mr. Renwick to the Board, relative to his compensa- 
tion, including another account for services to August 1, 1852. 

Mr. Fitch presented a resolution, relative to the payment of the 
accounts of Mr. Renwick, the consideration of which was post- 
poned to the next meeting. 

The Board then adjourned to Monday evening, August 9, at 74 
o’clock. 


August 9, 1852. 
The Board of Regents met this evening at 74 o’clock. 
Present, Messrs. Coleock, Mason, Maury, Pearce, and Totten, of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 85 


the Board, and Mr. Seaton, treasurer; and, by invitation, Mr. 
Lenox, late Mayor of Washington. 
In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce took the chair. 
The proposition to advance Mr. Cameron six thousand dollars 
from the fifteen per cent. retained by the Board, was brought up 
for consideration, and after a full discussion of the same, the fol- 
lowing resolution, offered by Mr. Mason, was adopted: 


Resolved, That the Building Committee be requested to settle the accounts of Mr. 
Cameron, pursuant to his contract, and that any balance that may be found due be 
id him, unless, in the discretion of the committee, under advice of counsel, it may 
deemed prudent by them to pay the money into court, in the pending suit to 
which the institution is a party, or to withhold it until further order of the Board. 


The resolution offered by Mr. Fitch, at the last meeting, relative 
to the accounts of Mr. Renwick, was taken up; and after being 
modified by General Totten, was adopted, as follows: 


Resolved, That Mr. Renwick, having reported by letter to the Building Committee 
that the Smithsonian building is eoniplered, be notified that his services as architect 
are no longer required by the Regents of this institution, and that the bills he has 
presented for his services up to the first of August, 1852, will be paid as soon as he 
shall have rendered to the Regents his final certificate of the completion of the build- 
ing, according to the terms of the contract with Dixon and Cameron, as modified on 
the 3d July, 1850; and if the building be not completed, the said bills shall be paid 
upon the rendition of his certificate, showing the extent to which it is completed, and 
the particulars in which it is unfinished ; together with any plans of the building, or 
papers, belonging to the institution, which may be in his possession. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to pay said bills, in accordance with the 
foregoing resolution. 


| The Secretary stated that the expiration of the term of service of 

Mr. Lenox, as a Regent, has caused a vacancy in the Building Com- 
mittee. 

The chair nominated Mr. Maury to fill the vacancy ; and, on mo- 
tion, the nornination was confirmed. 

The following resolutions, offered by Mr. Totten, were adopted : 


} 
! 
| Resolved, That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard, 
with deep regret, of thedeath of Mr. Andrew J. Downing, late superintendent of the 
_ grounds of the institution. 
| Resolved, That we entertain a grateful sense of the value of Mr. Downing’s ser- 
_ vices in the department to which he devoted his life; and while we bow with submis- 
' gion to this mysterious dispensation of Providence, we feel that his decease is an 
| irreparable loss to this institution, to the city of Washington, and in general a public 
calamity. 

aasiodd, That we tender to the family of the deceased the expression of our sincere 
sympathy in this time of their affliction. 
' Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to send a copy of these resolutions to the 
family of the deceased. 


The Board then adjourned sine die. 


| January 5, 1853. 
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 

Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 

annual meeting on the first Wednesday of January of each year, 


86 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


the Board met this day in the Regents’ room, over the south en- 
trance of the main building. 

Present, Messrs. Mason, Maury, Meacham, Rush, and Totten, of 
the Board; and Mr. Seaton, treasurer of the institution. Mr. 
Charlton, the new member appointed from the Senate of the United 
States, was present and took his seat with the Board. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Rush was called to the 
chair. . 

The Secretary informed the Board that there were two vacancies 
in the list of Regents, and that the Senate had passed a resolution 
to fill these, which was now before the House of Representatives 
for concurrence. Also, that there was a vacancy in the Executive 
Committee, which prevents the drawing of the semi-annual interest 
from the treasury and the settlement of the accounts of the past. 
year. 

On motion of Mr. Mason— 


Resolved, That the vacancy in the Executive Committee be filled by the nomination 
of the chair. 


Whereupon, Mr. Mason was appointed. 

The Secretary informed the Board that the accounts and reports 
relative to the operations of the last year would be ready for pres- 
entation at the next meeting. 

Whereupon, the Board adjourned to Saturday, the 15th instant, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 15, 1858. 
The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock, in the Regents’ 
room. | 
A quorum not being present, the meeting adjourned to 22d inst., 
at 11 o’clock, a. m. . 


January 22, 1858. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Charlton, Coleock, Maury, Meacham, Pearce, 
Rush, Totten; Mr. Seaton, treasurer; and Washington Irving, 
honorary member. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, and on motion of Mr. Rush, 
Mr. Pearce took the chair. 

The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

The Building Committee submitted their report; which was read 
and adopted. 

The Secretary presented the report and final decision of James 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 87 


Renwick, Jr., which was read; and, on motion of General Totten, 
referred to the Building Committee. 

The plans for finishing the interior of the centre building, by 
Captain B. 8. Alexander, Corps of Engineers, United States, were 
presented and examined. ~ 

On motion of General Totten, the following resolutions were 
adopted: 


Resolved, That the plans for finishing the interior of the centre building presented 
by Captain B.S. Alexander, Corps of Engineers, United States, be adopted by the 
Board of Regents, reserving the right, in behalf of the Building Committee, of alter- 
ing the details thereof to such an extent as may seem to them proper as the work pro- 
ceeds. 

Resolved, That Captain Alexander be requested to give to the general supervision 
of the execution of his plan such time as his public duties will permit, and that he be 
compensated therefor to such amount as to the Building Committee shall seem just 
and proper. 


The treasurer presented the details of the expenditures; which 
was, on motion, referred to the Executive Committee. 

The Secretary presented his report of the operations of the insti- 
tution for the past year; which was, in part, read. 

The Board then adjourned to Friday evening next, 28th instant, 
at 74 o’clock. 


January 28, 1853. 

The Board of Regents met this evening at 8 o’clock, in the Re- 
gents’ room. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Charlton, Coleock, Mason, Meacham, 

_and Totten, of the Board; and Washington Irving, honorary mem- 
ber. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, and on motion of Mr. Rush, 
Mr. Mason took the chair. 

The Secretary announced to the Board that Professor A. D. 
Bache, of Washington, had been re-elected, by a joint resolution of - 
the two Houses of Congress, a Regent for six years; and also that 
the Hon. John Macpherson Berrien, of, Georgia, had been elected a 
Regent for the same term. Mr. Bache being present, took his seat 
in the Board. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary made a statement relative to the expedition under 
the direction of Dr. E. K. Kane, United States Navy, and his want 
of instruments for magnetic observations in the Arctic seas, refer- 
ring at the same time to the expedition to Chili, of Lieutenant Gil- 
liss, United States Navy, to whom a timely and highly useful grant 


88 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


had been made by the Board, under similar circumstances, and 
which had been reimbursed to the institution. 

Mr. Rush offered the following resolution; which was adopted : 

Resolved, That a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars be, and the same is here- 
by, appropriated for the purchase of philosophical instruments to be used in the new 
expedition in search of Sir John Franklin in the Arctic seas, and which are to be 
committed to the charge of Dr. E. K. Kane, of that expedition. 

The Secretary presented the application of the Rev. Mr. Denni- 
son for the use of the lecture room for holding religious service 
therein ; which was referred to the Secretary. 

The Secretary presented the case of Stanley’s gallery of Indian 
portraits, for which, if they should be purchased by the Govern- 
ment, the use of the gallery of art was considered necessary as a. 
temporary place of deposit; also referred to the Secretary. 

The reading of the annual report was then continued, including 
the report of Prof. Baird, Assistant Secretary, relative to exchanges. 

Mr. Mason expressed a desire to resign his place as member of 
the Executive Committee, which he had accepted with a view to 
the reappointment of Mr. Bache as Regent, and his subsequent re- 
election as a member of the Executive Committee. 

The resignation of Mr. Mason was accepted, and Mr. Bache re- 
elected. 

A letter was presented from Gilbert Cameron, requesting, on 
account of his reputation, to be allowed to finish the centre build- 
ing, and claiming this privilege as a right under his general con- 
tract; referred to the Building Committee. 

The Board then adjourned to Thursday evening, February 3, at’ 
64 o’clock. 


Pebruary 3, 18538. 

The Board of Regents met this evening at 8 o’clock. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Charlton, Colcock, Mason, Maury, Mea- 
cham, and Totten, of the Board, and Washington Irving, honorary 
member. 

Mr. Mason took the chair. 

The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

The Building Committee, to which was referred the letter of Mr. 
Cameron relative to his right to the contract for finishing the centre 
building, reported progress, and presented a communication from 
Mr. James M. Carlisle upon this subject; which was then referred 
back to the committee. 

The Secretary presented a plan of a building for a magnetic 
observatory near the institution; stating, also, that instruments of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 89 


the best construction, now in the possession of the superintendent 
of the United States Coast Survey, would be furnished. 
Mr. Colcock offered the following resolution ; which was adopted : 


Resolved, That a magnetic observatory be erected, under the supervision of the 
Building Committee, at such place on the grounds of the institution as they may 
select, and according to a plan to be approved by them, and that the sum of eleven 
hundred dollars is hereby appropriated therefor. 


A communication from Captain Lefroy, R. A., was presented and 
read, relative to the discontinuan¢e of the magnetic observatory of 
Toronto, Canada West; referred to the Executive Committee and 
the Secretary, who were requested to memorialize the British Gov- 
ernment on the subject. 

The correspondence between the Secretary and Mrs. A. J. Down- 
ing, upon the transmission of the resolutions of the Board upon 
receiving information of the death of Mr. Downing, was read. 

The Secretary also informed the Board of the recent death of 
Sears C. Walker, Esq., and of Prof. C. B. Adams, of Amherst Col- 
lege, Massachusetts ; whereupon the following resolutions, offered 
by Mr. Bache, were adopted : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard with deep 
regret the announcement of the death of Sears C. Walker, Esq., whose communica- 
tions in the Smithsonian Transactions on the planet Neptune have attracted the notice 
and won the approval and admiration of astronomers throughout the world. 

Resolved, That the Regents offer to the family of Mr. Walker their condolence on 
the loss which they have sustained. 

Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian ae have heard with regret of 
the decease of their valued correspondent, Prof. C. B. Adams, which occurred ‘at St. 
Thomas, while he was engaged in making collections in natural history, to which 
science he was devoted ; and offer to his family their condolence on the loss which 
they have sustained. 


The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 12th instant, 
at 10 o'clock, a. m. 


February 12, 1853 

The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Fitch, Maury, Meacham, and Pearce, of 
the Board, and Washington Irving, honorary member. 

On motion, Mr. Pearce took the chair. 

The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Bache, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented a 
letter to be forwarded to the British Home and Coionial Govern- 
ments, to urge the continuance of the Toronto observatory. 

The Secretary presented to the consideration of the Board the 
necessity of making provision for the investment of the surplus 
fund in the event of the petition now before Congress relative to it 
not being acted on. 

The chair stated it to be the opinion of Mr. Corcoran, who had 


90 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


been present, that the State stocks of North Carolina would be a 
suitable and safe means of investment; referred to the Iixecutive 
Committee. 

The Secretary presented for the examination of the Board a 
manuscript memoir, by I. A. Lapham, relative to the mounds of 
Wisconsin, received from the American Antiquarian Society of 
Worcester, and mentioned in the sixth annual report. 

The Secretary presented the ease of the late Prof. C. B. Adams, 
whose draft for one hundred and fifty dollars had been honored by 
the institution. A letter from Thomas Bland, Esq., on the part of 
the family of Prof. Adams, was read, offering to refund the money 
or send to the institution a portion of the collections in natural 
history made by Prof. Adams in his last expedition. 

The subject was referred to the Secretary, with the understand- 
ing that the collections be accepted, and that the repayment of the 
money be not required from the executors of Prof. Adams. 

The Secretary presented the subject of the compensation of Dr. 
J. G. Fliigel, of Leipsic, the agent for Smithsonian Hou in 
Central Furope 

The following resolution, offered by Mr. Bache, was adopted : 


Resolved, That the compensation of Dr. J. G. Fligel, agent at Leipsic, for the 
reception and distribution of publications on the part of the Smithsonian Institution 
for Central Europe, be three hundred dollars per annum until otherwise ordered by 
the Board. 


The reading of the Secretary’s report was continued, including 
an account of the operations in meteorology during the past year ; 
also including the operations relative to the library, under the care 
of Prof. Jewett. 

An extensive collection of MS. bills, inventories, and other ac- 
counts of business in private English nee from 1632 to 1750, 
in fifty-four volumes, presented oe Mer. J. 0. Hallinvelly was laid on 
the table for examination; and, on motion, the following resolution 
was adopted : 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to transmit to Mr. J. O. Halliwell, of 
London, an expression of the grateful sense entertained by the Board of Regents of 
the munificent gift received from him, and of the honor done the institution by 
selecting it as a place of deposit for these interesting documents. 


The operations of the stereotyping department were presented by 
the Secretary, and a statement made of its capability of preparing 
and printing catalogues of all the libraries in the United States. 

On motion, the following preamble and resolution were adopted : 


Whereas a plan for stereotyping catalogues by separate titles, and for preparing 
and printing the catalogues of the various libraries in the United States in uniform 
style, and at greatly diminished cost, as well as for forming a general catalogue of all 
these libraries, was presented to the Smithsonian Institution and referred to two com- 


aimee = ; 


od 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 91 


missions—one to report upon the literary advantages of the plan, and the other upon 
the practicability of the means proposed for its execution : 

And whereas, on the recommendation of these commissions, the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution has incurred the expense of procuring type and apparatus, of educating work- 
men, and of developing and perfecting processes to be employed, so that all arrange- 
ments are now made for the successful prosecution of the work : y 

And whereas the first commission appointed to examine the plan, in their report 
recommended that, ‘‘in order that a beginning might be made in the execution of 
the plan under circumstances highly favorable to its success, the undersigned take the 
liberty of suggesting that it would be advisable for the Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution to obtain the requisite authority to prepare a catalogue of the library of 
Congress on the above described plan:’’? Therefore— 

Resclwed, That the Secretary of the Institution be requested to call the attention of 
the Library Committee of Congress to the above described plan, to inform them that 
the institution is now ready to execute the proposed work, and to invite their co-opera- 
tion in aid of an enterprise so important to the library of Congress, to all the libra- 
ries in the country, and to the great object of this institution, ‘‘ the increase and diffu- 
sion of knowledge.” 


Mr. Pearce, as chairman, presented from the Executive Commit- 
tee their annual report in relation to the finances and expenditures 
of the institution during the year 1852. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


March 12, 1853. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Colcock, Fitch, Mason, Maury, Totten, the Sec- 
retary, and W. W. Seaton, treasurer. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary brought before the Board the subject of the dispo- 
sition of the surplus fund, and stated that Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs 
had offered to allow interest at five per cent. if the deposit was 
continued with them. 

Mr. Fitch offered the following resolution; which was adopted : 


Resolved, That the surplus fund of $208,000 now on deposit with Corcoran & Riggs, 
be continued with them for twelve months, on their proposition to pay interest thereon 
at five per cent; provided, that a part thereof, not exceeding $58,000, may be with- 
drawn for building expenditures during the year, and that they deposit the same or 
equivalent securities to those now held therefor, to be approved by the Regents then 
in Washington, and the Secretary. 


Mr. Colcock offered the following resolution ; which was adopted : 


Resotved, That during the year 1853 the sum of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) 
out of the Smithsonian income be, and is hereby, appropriated, to be expended under 
the direction of the Secretary, and with the advice of the Executive Committee, to 
defray the expenses of the institution, and to carry out the several parts of the pro- 
gramme. 


The Secretary brought before the Board the question of making 
a new division of the income of the institution, rendered necessary 
-by the increased expenditure contemplated for finishing the centre 
building to hold the library and collections, and other causes. 

Mr. Fitch offered the following resolution ; which was adopted : 


Resolved, That the subject of the distribution of the income of the institution in 
the manner contemplated by the original plan of organization, be referred to a Select 


92 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Committee, to consist of Messrs. Pearce, Mason, Rush, Bache, Choate, Totten, and 
Maury, for a report at the next session of the Board of Regenis of such changes, if 
any, as in their cpinion are desirable; and that the same committee be instructed to 
report fixed regulations relative to the reception of donations, &c. 


General Totten offered the following resolution; which was 
adopted : | 


Resolved, That the Building Committee, and the Executive Committee jointly, be 
instructed to take into consideration and decide upon the propriety of making such 
alterations in the east wing of the Smithsonian building, as to conver\ it into a suita- 
ble dwelling for the Secretary, and that the Building Committee carry into effect the 
decision of the Joint Committee. 


The Board then, on motion, adjourned sine die. 


January 4, 1854. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual meeting on the first Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room. 

Present, Messrs. English, Mason, Maury, Stuart, Totten, and the 
Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, and on motion of Mr. Maury, 
Mr. Mason was called to the chair. 

The Secretary informed the Board of the reappointment of Mr. 
Meacham, of Vermont, and the appointment of Ton. William H. 
English, of Indiana, and Hon. David Stuart, of Michigan, as Re- 
gents of the Smithsonian Institution on the part of the House of 
Representatives of the present Congress. 

The Secretary stated that the accounts and reports of the Institu- 
tion would be ready for presentation at the next meeting; where- 
upon, the Regents, after examining the building, adjourned to meet 
on Saturday, 14th January, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 14, 1854. 

An adjourned mecting of the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution was held in the Smithsonian building on Satur- 
day, January 14th, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, English, Mason, Maury, Meacham, Pearce, 
Stuart, Taney, Totten, the Secretary, and W. W. Seaton, Hsq., 
treasurer. 

The Chanccllor, Hon. Roger B. Taney, took the chair. 

The proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary informed the Board that a meeting of the “ Estab- 
lishment”? had been called, by order of the President of the United 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 93 


States, in May last. The proceedings of the meeting were then 
read. 

Mr. Maury, on the part of the Building Committee, submitted its 
report; which was read and adopted. 

The treasurer, W. W. Seaton, Esq., presented the details of the 
expenditures during the year 1853; also, a general statement of the 
finances; which were, on motion, referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

The Secretary called the attention of the Board to the fact that a 
resolution had been adopted by the House of Representatives ap- 
pointing a committee of nine to inquire into the expediency of 
withdrawing the Smithsonian fund from the Treasury of the United 
States, and investing it in some safe stocks. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, the consideration of the subject was 
postponed until the Secretary should be called upon by the commit- 
tee of the House for information, and his report was presented to 
the Board. 

The Secretary presented his report of the operations of the insti- 
tution for the year 1853; which was in part read. 

On motion of Mr. Maury, it was— 


Resolved, That the vacancy existing in the Building Committee be filled by nomi- 
nation of the chair. 


Whereupon, Mr. William H. English was appointed. 
The Board then adjourned, to meet on Saturday, January 28th, 
at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 28, 1854. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Sat- 
urday, January 28th, 1854, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, English, Maury, Meacham, Pearce, Stu- 
art, Taney, Totten, of the Board; W. W. Seaton, Esq., treasurer, 
and the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary stated to the Board that Hon. Joseph R. Chandler 
had offered to present to the House of Representatives the petition 
of the Board, relative to funding the $150,000 of surplus income in 
the Treasury of the United States, and to move that it might be 
referred to the committee which had been appointed by the House, 
relative to the Smithsonian fund. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Pearce, the original memorial of 
the Board to Congress was referred to the Executive Committee, 


94 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


with instructions to make such modifications in the wording of it 
as in their judgment might be rendered necessary by present cir- 
cumstances. 

A petition was presented from Gilbert Cameron, the contractor 
of the building, requesting the payment of the money due him, 
which had been kept back on account of a law-suit between himself 
and one of the sub-contractors. 

In reference to the same, Mr. Maury, on behalf of the Building 
Committee, presented a letter from J. M. Carlisle, Esq., attorney of 
the Board, stating that the suit had been dismissed, and that the 
eourt had decided that the Board of Regents could hot be sued. 
Mr. Maury also presented, on the part of the Building Committee, 
a letter from Joseph H. Bradley, Esq., requesting that the money 
be retained by the Board until the before-mentioned law-suit was 
finally decided. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, the subject was referred to a commit- 
tee, with power to order the money to be paid, in whole or in part, 
if in their judgment it was thought proper. 

The chair appointed Messrs. Mason, Meacham, and Totten, as 
the committee. 


v 


The Secretary laid before the Board a bill from Henry Parish for . 


a copy of Canina’s work on Architecture, purchased by James 
Renwick, Jr., for the Institution in 1847, and now in the library, 
but which, according to an accompanying letter from Mr. Renwick, 
had never been paid. 

On motion of Mr. Meacham, the Secretary was directed to settle 
the bill, provided on examining accounts, no evidence could be 
found of its having been paid. 

The Building Committee exhibited to the Board the drawings for 
the new lecture-room. 

The Secretary read the continuation of his report relative to the 
publications, correspondence, magnetism, and meteorology. 

A number of letters received since the last meeting, and the an- 
swers to them, were read to illustrate the character of the corre- 
spondence of the institution. 


Mr. Meacham offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the Secretary and other officers of the Smithsonian Institution be 
directed to furnish the Board of Regents with estimates of appropriations necessary 
to be made in order to carry on the Institution the ensuing year, according to the laws 
for its organization. 

After some discussion, the resolution was postponed for further 
discussion until the next meeting. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINUS. 95 


On motion, the Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, Feb- 
ruary 11, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


February 11, 1854. 
A quorum not being present, the Board adjourned to meet on 
Saturday, February 18, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


February 18, 1854. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithso- 
nian Institution was held on Saturday, February 18, 1854, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, English, Maury, Meacham, Pearce, 
Taney, of the Board; and the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

A communication was read by the Secretary in reference to the 
Wynn estate; which, on motion of Mr. Pearce, was referred to Mr. 
Mason, to whom prior communications on the same subject had 
been referred. 

A memorial was presented from Dr. 8. Spooner, of New York, 
offering to present to the institution the original copper-plates of 
the Musée Francais and the Musée Royal, on condition that it 
would publish under his superintendence an edition of these works. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, the Secretary was directed, on the part 
of the Institution, respectfully to decline the proposition of Dr. 
Spooner, the Regents not considering themselves authorized to en- 
gage in such an enterprise. ; 

The Secretary stated to the Board that Professor Wilson, of the 
English Commission to the Exhibition of the Industry of all Na- 
tions at New York, had presented to the Smithsonian Institution a 
set of models, casts, and drawings, to be used in teaching the arts 
of design. 

The Secretary proposed to lend these to the Metropolitan Me- 
chanic’s Institute, of this city, for the use of its school of design ; 
which proposition was agreed to by the Board. 

The Secretary read the correspondence between the Smithsonian 
Institution and the California Academy of Natural Sciences, in 
which the latter authorize the former to purchase a full set of me- 
terological and magnetic instruments for the use of the society; 
the means of defraying the expense of the purchase having been 
generously provided by its president, Dr. A. Randall. 


96 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


A memoir on the ‘ Europo-American Physical Man,” was laid 
before the Regents, which had been submitted to the institution for 
publication since the last meeting of the Board. 

Professor Bache presented a specimen of the photographic reg- 
ister of the motions of the magnetic needle, taken at the magnetic 
observatory of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The Secretary informed the Board that the annual meeting of the 
United States Agricultural Society would be held on the 22d inst., 
in the Smithsonian Institution, and read the following extract from 
the address of the President of that Society : 


‘© Our location at the national capital gives us peculiar facilities for interecommuni- 
eation and for intercourse with members of Congress, representing all parts of our 
widely extended country. We may also secure many benefits from the Smithsonian 
Institution, whose objects are the general increase of knowledge and the promotion of 
science, objects so analogous to those of this association as to give importance to the 
question whether reciprocal benefits might not be expected from closer relations. By 
the courtesy of this institution we have been permitted to occupy their commodious 
apartments, and an inquiry should be made by our Executive officers, or a special 
committee, to ascertain what room or rooms can be obtained for the future accommo- 
dation of this society. We need a public building, or offices in some existing edifice, 
for our Corresponding Secretary and* Treasurer, for the preservation of our records, 
and of the agricultural seeds and products which are now in our possession, or may 
be hereafter required, and also for an agricultural library, museum, and cabinet.” 

On motion of Mr. Maury, the Secretary was authorized to offer 
such accommodations and facilities to the United States Agricultu- 
ral Society as the institution had at its disposal. 

The continuation of the Secretary’s report relative to the library, 
museum, and exchanges, was presented, but the reading was post- 
poned till the next meeting. 

The resolution offered by Mr. Meacham, at the last meeting of 
the Board, was then taken up for consideration. 

Mr. Pearce moved to amend it by inserting the ‘“‘ Executive Com- 
mittee and the Secretary,” in place of the ‘Secretary and the other 
officers of the institution.” 

On motion of Mr. English, the resolution and amendment were 
referred to the special committee, which was appointed at the last 
session on the distribution of the income of the institution, consist- 
ing of Messrs. Pearce, Mason, Rush, Bache, Choate, Totten, and 
Maury. 

As Mr. Choate had signified, in a letter to the Secretary, his ina- 
bility to attend the meetings of this committee, on motion, of Mr. 
English, his place was filled by the appointment of Mr. Meacham. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, February 25, at 
10 o’cloek, a. m. 


Sama 


JOURNAL OF PROCHEDINGS. oF 


February 25, 1854. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithso- 
nian Institution was held on Saturday, February 25, 1854, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Douglas, English, Maury, Mason, Meacham, 
Pearce, Rush, Stuart and the Secretary. 

Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, appointed from the Senate of the 
United States, as a Regent of the Institution, to fill the vacancy oc- 
-easioned by the expiration of the term of Hon. R. M. Charlton, 
appeared and took his seat in the Board. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce was ealled to the 
chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were then read and approved. 

The Secretary laid before the Board, for inspection, the proof- 
sheets and illustrations of a memoir, by John Chappelsmith, on the 
tornado which occurred near New Harmony, Indiana, in 1852. 

The Secretary stated that, in accordance with the resolution of 
the Board at its last meeting, the use of the lecture room of the 
institution had been given to the United States Agricultural Soci- 
ety, which had held its sessions there during the past week. 

The continuation of the report of the Secretary was read. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, March 4, 1854. 


March 4, 1854. 
A quorum not being present, the Board adjourned to meet on 
Saturday March 11, 1854, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


March 11, 1854. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Sat- 
urday, March 11, 1854, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, English, Maury, Mason, Meacham, Pearce, 
Totten, and the Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce was called to the 
ebair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The report of the Executive Committee in relation to the finances 
and expenditures of the institution during the year 1858 was pre- 
sented by the chairman, Mr. Pearce. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, the report was accepted. 

The committee, to which was referred the resolution of Mr. 
Fitch, is at the last session, and also the resolution offered by 


98 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Mr. Meacham, at the meeting of the Board, January 28, 1854, 
reported the following resolution, and stated that a full report on 
the general subject would be made hereafter : 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee and the Secretary of the Institution be 
instructed to submit to the Board of Regents, at the commencement of each and every 
year, an estimate, in detail, of all sums which will be required for the expenses of 
the current year, as a basis for specific appropriations to be made by the Board. 


On motion, the resolution was adopted. 

The Secretary stated to the Board that a memorial and resolu- 
tion, relative to funding $150,000 in the Treasury of the United 
States, had been submitted by Hon. Joseph R. Chandler to the 
House of Representatives, and had been referred to the committee 
previously appointed by the House to consider the expediency of 
withdrawing the Smithsonian fund from the Treasury of the United 
States and investing it in some safe stock. 


The Special Committee, to which was referred the subject of 


payment to Gilbert Cameron of the money due him which had 


been kept back on account of a law-suit between him and one of 


the sub-contractors, reported that they had ‘‘examined the question 
referred to them, and were of the opinion that the balance due 
Gilbert Cameron should be paid to him, and direct accordingly.” 

The Secretary stated that, in accordance with this direction, he 
had paid Mr. Cameron $10,000, but had reserved a part of the 
money until the account could be critically examined. 

A memorial from the American Philosophical Society to the 
Congress of the United States, praying “ that the President of the 
United States should be authorized to enter into such correspond- 
ence with the Government of Great Britain, as may secure, in a 
reasonable time, a proper uniformity of coinage, in the mode that 
may be found most discreet and convenient,” was laid before the 
Board for its co-operation and approval. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, the subject was referred to the Execu- 
tive Committee. 

A communication was read from Mr. J. R. Lambdin, President 
of the American Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, reeommend- 
ing that the Smithsonian Institution should procure moulds from 
the best and most useful specimens of the collection in the British 
Museum, known as the Elgin Marbles, and that, from these moulds, 
casts should be produced and sold at cost to such academies of art, 
&c., as may desire their possession. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, this subject was referred to the Execu- 
tive Committee. 


Saas 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 99 


The continuation of the report of the Secretary in relation to the 
museum, exchanges, &c., was read. 
The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


April 29, 1854. 

A special meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, called by the Secretary, at the request of Messrs. 
Meacham, English, and Stuart, was held on Saturday, April 29, 
1854, at 10 o’clock. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Douglas, Hawley, Maury, Meacham, 
Pearce, Taney, and the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Pearce, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented the 
following estimate of the appropriations to be made for the year 
1854. 

The Executive Committee recommend the following appropria- 
tions for the present year from the income of the institution : 


Sa TA ee a a a ee ee ee | one eee $7,000 00 
For expenses of the meetings of the Board -__---_|-__-_-_-~~- $250 00 
Serine and Nearness Le WO oo ee 600 00 
ck eee eee 500 00 
Hormtransportation and exchange, ___.__=-___-___._|.___-___. 1,600 00 
RECO TLO DY ere ee So eae 250 00 
Beeeencralonniniim os. [ioe ie a Be CER 600 00 
moecipparatas-—-——-— 2 2-2 ook ee | ee 350 00 
Peraticidentais wenerally <2 2. oo 835 00 
SALARIES GENERAL. 
Bear eATS Votre ee Dee i Ds $3,500 00 
RO Kegel ee ee Se Ce a tee 1,000 00 
PbeeCeCnen see ns Te ew os 200 00 
PUPIL O Rei aen ee eee ee oe 400 00 
crea wow ey cis Oe te ee ck 250 00 
BN etic karin ara resp ah ek oh a beet 865 00 
xtra) cleric hire. =. 222 24 Bib ethene haere Diet oe 300 00 
a 6,015 00 
—. 11,000 00 
PMT SonmAanicOnir butions 22s =e eee as ee ee eee 6,000 00 
meeports on- progress of knowledge --__.-----_.-2.-|---.-2--- 500 00 
Pteranublications sae Sse EEO: eee less Soe eee 250 00 
RM ONO OY = 88 ee ep 8 Se eet ee 3,000 00 
epetpatiien Onis 22: 5) fi ey echt ep ban tages oat east ee 100 00 
Be eT wren fees Sali AU peter NE en Sue ee Dok Be ee Bete 1,000 00 
— 10,850 00 
LIBRARY. 
Salary of Assistant Secretary _..-_...---.-------- 2,500 00 
Salaries of assistants in the library—one at $600, 
Aimdvanother at p54 Ost wane Bee seas eet eee, 61,140)00 
Seeley SLO tay O Oca eee ee Le UE hh ves | Eek 1,800 00 
MRT, tek OS eh a ae 160 00 
CBee a Be RE Ot 250 00 
SEMICON ye scree ue ee 150 00 


6,000 00 


100 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


MUSEUM. 
Salary of Assistant Secretary 22-22 225 "2/222 $2,000 00 
Mixplorations' <0 e) e eee e eeee 250 00 
Micohol, Seis tsk ase ee ee ee 250 00 
EANGSIStATICE OT) Lab OT ey eee een ey ne rne at 100 00 
JA PATA bUS (22s Ue A eee ee 100 0 
Trietdenitals Lee sen sa Rae ae Ue 100 00 
Catalocue (2u ase ee Se ee ee ee a 500 00 
Glass jars'-* at See es eet eee ee ere 250 00 
— $3,550 0 
$9,550 00 
Contingencies 2.2. este el os Se ee Meg toe SS 100 00 
38,500 00 


The committee have not recommended an equal distribution between the active op- 
erations on the one hand, and the library, museum, &c., on the other, because the 
compromise resolutions which require such equality of distribution do not go into 
effect until the completion of the building. 

J. A. PEARCE, 
A. D. BACHE, } Ezecutive Committee. 
J. G, LOLLTEN, 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, the above report was laid on the table. 

The Secretary presented the following letter to the Board, in 


compliance with which he had called this special meeting : 


WASHINGTON, April 18, 1854. 
Prof. JosppH Henry, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


In accordance with the provision of the third section of an act establishing the In- 
stitution, the undersigned request you to appoint a special meeting of the Regents on 
Saturday, the 29th instant, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

J. MEACHAM, 


W. H. ENGLISH, 
D. STUART. 

Mr. Meacham then stated the reasons why he had requested this 
special meeting. 

Mr. Pearce stated that the subject brought before the Board by 
Mr. Meacham was now under consideration by a Special Committee 
appointed by the Regents, which would be ready to report at the 
next meeting. ; 

On motion, the subject was postponed till the next meeting of 
the Board. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, May 18, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


May 13, 1854. 
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Sat- 
urday, May 13, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 
Present, Messrs. Bache, Hawley, Maury, Meacham, Pearce, Tot- 
ten, and the Secretary. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 10V 


The Chancellor being absent, Mr. Hawley was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were then read, and after cor- 
rection, approved. 

Letters from Hon. R. B. Taney, Chancellor of the Institution, 
and from Hon. Richard Rush, stating their inability to attend this 
meeting of the Board, were read by the Secretary. 

Mr. Pearce, chairman of the Special Committee, on the resolu- 
tions of Messrs. Fitch and Meacham, stated that it was ready to 
report, but as it was considered desirable to have a full meeting of 
the Board, when the subject should be discussed, he moved that 
the Board adjourn. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, 20th instant, at 
10 o’clock, a. m. 


May 20, 1854. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Sat- 
urday, May 20th, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Choate, Douglas, English, Hawley, 
Maury, Mason, Meacham, Pearce, Stuart, Totten, and the Secre- 
tary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Hawley was called to the 
chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Pearce, chairman of the Special Committee* appointed by 
the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, to which were 
referred the resolutions of Hon. Mr. Fitch and Hon. Mr. Meacham, 
relative to the distribution of the income of the Smithsonian fund, 
&c., made the following report: 


The committee, who were directed to report whether it is desirable to make any 
changes in the distribution of the income of the institution, in the manner contem- 
plated by the original plan of organization, report as follows: 

The distribution and application of the Smithsonian income should be made so as to 
answer most effectually and beneficially the purposes for which the institution was 
endowed and established. In making such distribution and application, the Regents 
should faithfully observe the requirements of the act of Congress establishing the in- 
stitution, and exercise no discretion but that which the law allows to them. 

The purpose of the institution is disclosed in the title of the act, in its preamble, 
and in its first section. The title is ‘‘An act to establish the Smithsonian Institution 
for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’”? The preamble states the 
bequest by James Smithson, of all his property to the United States, to found at 
Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, ‘‘an establishment for 
the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’’ It declares the acceptance of 
the trust; and ‘‘therefore, for the faithful execution of the said trust according to 
the will of the liberal and enlightened donor,’’ the first section constitutes an estab- 
lishment by the name of the Smithsonian Institution ‘‘for the increase and diffusion 
of knowledge among men.”’ 


* This committee consisted of the following Regents: Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. 
Richard Rush, Hon. John W. Maury, Gen. J. G. Totten, Prof. A. D. Bache, and the Hon. J. Meacham. 
The gentleman last named does not concur in this report. 


102 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The fifth section enacts that the Regents shall cause to be erected ‘a suitable build- 
ing of sufficient size, and with suitable rooms or halls for the reception and arrange- 
ment, upon a liberal scale, of objects of natural history, including a geological and 
mineralogical cabinet; also, a chemical laboratory, a library, a gallery of art, and 
the necessary lecture rooms,’”’ &c. This section points out certain means and instru- 
mentalities by which the institution is to ‘‘execute the trust’’ ‘according to the will 
of the liberal and enlightened donor.’’ But it does not limit the Regents to these 
means and instrumentalities. A large discretion is elsewhere given to them to employ 
other means and instrumentalities ‘‘for the promotion of the purpose of the testa- 
tor ’’—that is, ‘‘for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”’ 

The eighth section, in its last clause, directs an annual appropriation, from the in- 
terest of the funds belonging to the institution, ‘not exceeding an average of $25,000 
annually, for the gradual formation of a library composed of valuable works pertain- 
ing to all departments of human knowledge.”’ 

And the ninth section enacts that of ‘‘any other moneys which have accrued, or 
shall hereafter accrue, as interest upon the said Smithsonian fund, not herein appro- 
priated, or not required for the purposes herein provided, the said managers (Regents) 
are hereby authorized to make such disposal as they shall deem best suited for the 
promotion of the purpose of the testator, anything herein contained to the contrary 
notwithstanding.’’ 

Let us see, now, how far the Regents have complied with these requirements of the 
law. 

They have caused to be erected a building, which is, in the judgment of the Board, 


suitable, of sufficient size, of plain and durable materials, with suitable rooms for the’ 


reception and arrangement, upon a liberal scale, of the objects mentioned in the fifth 
section of the act. The building, it is true, is not yet completed in all its parts. This 
has been the result, partly of design, and partly of accident. As the law specified no 
period, within which the building should be completed, the time of its completion 
was necessarily within the discretion of the Regents. It was obvious that if they 
should not hurry its completion, but extend the work upon it through a series of vears, 
they would save a large amount of accruing interest, which, when the building 
should be finished, might be added to the permanent fund, whereby the means of 
accomplishing the purposes of the testator would be largely increased. An additional 
reason for this was, that the structure, thus slowly and cautiously erected, would be 
more solid and permanent. This policy, therefore, was adopted, and it was deter- 
mined that the building should be finished in five years. An accident, well known 
to the Board, and which, in the end must prove to have been fortunate, required a 
change in the plan of a part of the edifice, and a larger expenditure of money. This 
cause has further delayed the completion of the building. But during the present 
year it will be finished on the liberal scale required by the law, and one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars of accrued interest will be saved, to be added to the principal. 

In the meantime, the Regents have made appropriations of money for the various 
objects specified in the fifth section of the act, by which and other means they have 
complied as well with the letter as the spirit of the Jaw. A large and valuable col- 
lection of objects of natural history has been made, and, for the most part, classified ; 
a geological and mineralogical cabinet has been provided, and a chemical laboratory 
has been fitted up, in which researches and experiments have been made. The build- 
ing contains an apartment intended for a gallery of art; and some works of art, a 
valuable collection of engravings, have been purchased. 

A lecture room has been finished, and for several years lectures have been given, at 
the expense of the institution, on scientific and literary, abtruse and popular subjects, 
the admission to which has been free. A library of 12,000 volumes and 8,000 pam- 
phlets and parts of volumes has been acquired by purchase, exchanges, and other 
means, containing many rare and valuable works pertaining to all branches of knowl- 
edge, such as are not to be found in general libraries, and are most highly prized by 
men of science and research. 

This is a very good beginning, according to the plan, for the gradual formation of 
a library, which the act points out. 

Of the entire amount expended from the commencement of the institution, a little 
less than one-eighth has been given to researches and publications. Therest has been 
applied to the special objects mentioned in the act, and to the general expenses of the 
institution. 

In the act establishing the institution, Congress carefully and wisely forebore to fix 
the amount of proportion of the annual income which should be appropriated to any 
of the objects mentioncd in the fifth section. They did not even determine or limit 
the sum which should be expended on the building, nor have they in any manner indi- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 103 


ated that prominence should be given to any particular means or instrumentality for 
increasing and diffusing knowledge. AJ] this they have left to the discretion of the 
Regen‘s, to whom they intrusted the conduct of whe institution. They have, indeed, 
declared that annual appropriations should be made for the gradual formation of a 
library, and have provided that such appropriations shall not exceed $25,000 in the 
average. 

This is nothing but a limitation upon the discretion of the Regents, and can by no 
rule of construction be considered as intimating the desire of Congress that such sum 
should be annually appropriated. The limitation, while it prevented the Regents 
from exceeding that sum, left them full discretion as to any amount within the limit. 
The interest on the Smithsonian fund was about $30,000 per annum; and Congress 
could not but know that an appropriation of five-sixths of that amount per annum 
would leave a remainder entirely insuflicient to defray the salaries and ordinary ex- 
penses of an institution, such as was designed by the act, and that nothing would be 
left for the care of collections, the lectures, and other means of promoting the pur- 
pose of the testator. In short, the act points out certain instrumentalities to be em- 
ployed, in the execution of the trust, created by and for the purposes specified in the 
will of Smithson, and gives to the managers or Regents authority to dispose of all the 
income not required for the purposes specified in the act, in such manner as they shall 


-deem best suited for the promotion of the purpose of the testator. As Congress did 


not determine what portion of the income was to be applied to the purposes specified 
in the act, it follows that such determination is to be made by those to whom they 
intrusted the conduct of the business of the institution; and thus the Regents are 
clearly invested with the power of determining how much of that income is required 
respectively for library, for museum, for lectures, or for any of the objects specified in 
the fifth section, and what disposition they will make of so much of the income as 
they do not think requisite to apply to these objects. So the Regents of 1847, who 


adopted the plan of organization, understood the law. So they reported to Congress. 


The Board of Regents, however its members have been changed from time to time, have 


always so understood it; and Congress, to whom they have annually and faithfully 


reported their proceedings, have never questioned the propriety of the construction. 
In organizing the institution, different opinions indeed were entertained by differ- 


ent members of the Board, as to the most effectual means of promoting the purpose of 


Smithson. The conflict of opinions resulted in the adoption of certain resolutions, 
which have been called the ‘‘ compromise resolutions.’’ These, while they recognize 
the intention of Congress, and the duty of the Regents, to provide for the accumula- 
tion of specimens of art and objects of natural history, and the gradual formation of 
a library pertaining to all branches of knowledge, &c., also declare it to be expedient, 
and demanded by the will of Smithson, that, in the plan of organization, the increase 
of knowledge by original research should form an essential feature ; that for this end 
premiums should be offered for original papers containing positive additions to the 
sum of human knowledge; and that these and other suitable papers should be pub- 
lished, in transactions of the institution, periodically or occasionally, &e. The sev- 
enth of these resolutions is in these words: 


“Resolved, That for the purpose of carrying into effect the two principal modes of 
) purp ying p P 


executing the act and trust pointed out in the resolutions herewith submitted, the 


permanent appropriations out of the accruing interest shall, so soon as the buildings 
are completed, be annually as follows—that is to say: 

“First. Yor the formation of a library composed of valuable works pertaining to 
all departments of useful knowledge, and for the procuring, arranging, and preserv- 
ing of the various collections of the institution, as well of natural history, and 
objects of foreign and curious research, and of elegant art, as others, including sala- 
ries and all other gencral expenses connected with the same, excepting those of the 
first complete arrangement of all such collections and objects as now beleng to the 
United States in the muscum of the institution, when completed, together with one- 
half of the salary of the Secretary, the sum of fifteen thousand dollars. 

“Secondly. For the preparation and publication of transactions, reports, and all 
other publications of the institution, including appropriations for original researches 
and premiums for original papers; for the delivery of all lectures and payment of all 
lecturers, and for all general expenses connected with said lectures and publications, 
together with one-half of the salary of the Secretary, the remainder of the annually 
accruing interest ; it being understood that all general and incidental expenses not 
specially connected with cither of the above two great divisions of the plan of the 
institution shall be equally divided between them.”’ , 


It will be seen that this division of the income of the institution, between the two 


104 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


principal modes of executing the trust, was to be made so soon as ‘‘the buildings were 
completed,’’ and not before. 

As the building is not completed, this division is not yet obligatory under the com- 
promise resolutions. For some years the annual appropriations for the purposes of 
the institution were specific, and were applied accordingly. But during the last two: 
years they have been general, and a discretion has been exercised by the Secretary 
and the Executive Committee, which has resulted in applying to researches, publica 
tions, and lectures, an amount somewhat larger than that which has been applied to 
the library, museum, &c. But this is clearly no violation, as has been charged, of a 
compromise which is not, by its very terms, to go into effect until the completion of 
the building. 

The committee think it desirable that the appropriations should be specific, and 
have already so reported to the Board by a resolution submitted on the 11th of March, 
1854; and at the last meeting of the Regents the Executive Committee submitted es- 
timates of appropriations in detail for the present year. 

Before expressing an opinion on these resolutions, the committee deem it their duty 
at this time to remark upon the plan which was discussed seven years ago, but which 
is now revived, of devoting the greater part of the income to the accumulation of a 
great library; thus cither abandoning the active operations of research and publica- 
tions, or so restricting this means of increasing and diffusing knowledge as to deprive 
it of all sensible value. 

It has already been remarked that the language of the eighth section, which directs 
the gradual formation of a library, is not mandatory as to the amount which shall be 
thus expended, and that the ninth section authorizes the Regents, after applying so 
much of the income as may be required for the purposes mentioned in the act, to dis- 
pose of the residue of the interest upon the Smithsonian fund in such manner ‘as 
they shall deem best suited for the promotion of the purpose of the testator, anything 
herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.” It is manifest, from what has 
been said before, that these sections of the law leave to the Regents a large discretion 
as to the amounts to be applied to the objects specified in the act, and in the choice of 
other means for promoting the purpose of the testator. 

What, then, are the considerations which should govern them in rejecting this 
plan, which proposes a great library as the best and chief, if not the only, means of 
executing the trust created by the will of Smithson, and fulfilling their own duty 
under the law ? 


The ‘increase and diffusion of knowledge among men”’ are the great purposes of 


this munificent trust. To increase knowledge implies research, or new and active in- 
vestigation in some one or more of the departments of learning. To diffuse knowl- 
edge among men implies active measures for its distribution, so far as may be, among 
mankind. 

Neither of these purposes could be accomplished or materially advanced by the 
accumulation of a great library at the city of Washington. This would be to gather 
within the walls of a building here those fruits of learning which had been reaped: 
elsewhere. It would be the hiving of knowledge, not its increase and diffusion. It 
would be the collection of what philosophical inquirers, men of research, of observa- 
tion, and of original thought, had ascertained, conceived, or invented, and already 
published to the world. But it would not of itself add to the sum of human knowl- 
edge, it would not inerease the stores of learning, but only bring them together. It 
would develop no new truths, reveal no hidden laws of nature, but only contain the 
record of what might be already known; so that in no proper sense could it be said 
to increase knowledge. Neither would it diffuse knowledge, except within a limited 
sphere. ‘The institution would necessarily be local, for, although it might aid the few 
men of research residing in Washington, and such students and investigators as occa- 
sionally visited the city, it would fail to accomplish the more extensive purpose of the 
testator and of the law, since it could not be expected to draw hither the great body 
of such men. These must always be scattered over the country, engaged in pursuits 
which require their residence elsewhere, and with only occasional opportunities of 
aiding their inquiries by resort to the library of the Smithsonian Institution. While, 
therefore, a well-selected library of valuable books pertaining to all departments of 
learning may well be one of the means employed by the institution, its purpose re- 
quires other instrumentalities by which knowledge may be increased and diffused 
among men. We must never forget that both the will of Smithson and the act of 
Congress recognize that, as a nation is appointed the great dispenser of the fruits of 
his munificence, so these benefits are to be wniversal, and their recipients to be men 
everywhere and in all time. 

If the language of the will had been ‘to increase and diffuse knowledge among 


— 


ot Saw 


Ee 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 105 


the people of the United States,” a library would be but a feeble and imperfect instru- 
ment as an active agent, even for that limited purpose. The accumulation of books in 
the political centre of a great country, or even in the centre of population of a numerous 
people, would no doubt gratify the pride of the nation, and be attended with some 
profitable results. But such a library would not insure mental activity to inquirers 
who should live remote from its locality, and its relation to all increase of knowledge 
would be merely incidental. It would have no effective operation in the thirty-one 
States which constitute the nation or people of the Union, and instead of being diffu- 
sive in its nature, would be centralizing in its influence and passive in its character. 
Even if the will and the act of Congress were limited by the terms supposed, by no 
fair construction could the formation of a library be considered as an execution of the 
trust. But when we consider that the language of the will is not thus limited, and 
that the benefits of the bequest are intended for mankind, we cannot imagine how the 
establishment of a library could be considered as corresponding to the requisitions of 
a purpose so wide and liberal. That Smithson did not intend a library to be the 
prominent feature in the institution contemplated by his bequest, may be inferred 
from the fact that his will did not mention it, when a single word would have been 
sufficient for this purpose. And that Congress did not design to indicate a library as 
the principal object of the establishment which they founded by law to carry out the 
purpose of Smithson, will be made to appear by an examination of the enactment. 

In the construction of a law of Congress, the opinions expressed in the speeches of 
some of those who voted for it cannot be taken as the opinion of all or even of the 
major part of them, but the act must be construed according to the general import 
and evident intention of all its parts. 

If we can construe the law from its own provisions, it would be exceedingly unsafe 
and improper to interpret it by reference to the opinions of a portion only of those 
who voted for it, being the minor part of them. To do this would be to make the 
opinions of a few control the acts and intentions of the majority as expressed in the law, 
and in effect to give to those few the law-making power. In the present case the evi- 
dent intention was to carry out the purpose of Smithson’s will, namely: ‘‘ the increase 
and diffusion of knowledge among men.”’ 

The title of the act, its preamble and provisions, would have been palpably absurd, 
if their object had been only or chiefly to found a great library. To describe a library 
as an institution “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men,” would 
be a preposterous abuse of terms. So, too, ‘‘to erect a suitable building of sufficient 
size, with suitable rooms or halls for the reception and arrangement, upon a liberal 
scale, of objects of natural history, geological, mineralogical, and botanical speci- 
mens, classed and arranged, so as to facilitate the study of them, with a chemical 
laboratory, lecture rooms, &c.,’’ as provided in sections five and six, is wholly incon- 
sistent with the idea of an institution of which a library is to be the principal agent. 

It is true that the eighth section of the act authorizes an application of an annual 
sum, not exceeding $25,000, for the gradual formation of a library. This is in great 
disproportion to the various objects before recited in the act, and if it had been man- 
datory, would have made the general authority and discretion given to the Regents 
in the ninth section absurd and nugatory, and would indeed have equally defeated 
the other provisions before mentioned. Such an appropriation, if made, would estab- 
lish a great library, but not such an institution as is indicated by the title of the bill, 
or warranted by its various provisions. Instead of a Secretary with assistants, it 
should have provided for a librarian, with an assistant as secretary, and assistant 
librarians. Instead of providing for a building on a liberal scale, with suitable rooms 
or halls for a chemical laboratory, lecture rooms, &¢., not indicating the library as of 
paramount importance, but, according to the order of enumeration, placing it after 
other objects, the law would have declared it to be of primary importance, and desig- 
nated the other objects as incidental or subsidiary to the library. The act, in its vari- 
ous terms and provisions, does not seem to have been the result of plans entirely 
harmonious and consistent, but bears some marks of conflicting opinions; and the 
large discretion allowed in the ninth section appears to have been intended to give to 
the Regents the authority to reconcile and determine those difficulties, which Congress 
could not avoid or provide for, to their own satisfaction. 

Nothing, however, seems to be clearer than that the Legislature did not intend a 
public library to be the principal instrument of the institution. The third section 
enacts that ‘the business of the institution shall be conducted at the city of Wash- 
ington by a Board of Regents.’”? The terms of Smithson’s will required that Wash- 
ington should be the locality of the institution ; but if this section had reference to a 
penlic library, absorbing almost the whole interest of the fund, would such language 

ave been employed? If a library at Washington was to be established, it was 


106 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


wholly unnecessary to provide that the business of the institution should be conducted 
there, since the business of a library must be conducted where it is placed. The use 
of this language would seem to imply active transactions and not to refer to books. 
The application of $25,000 annually (five-sixths of the whole income at the date of 
the act) to the purchase of books, would be inconsistent with and subversive of the 
whole tenor of all that precedes the eighth section. Section ninth is singularly com- 
prehensive, and appears to indicate a consciousness, on the part of the framers of the 
bill, that its provisions might be proved by experience to be incongruous. 

For this they provided the true remedy, by investing the Regents with full power 
to use their judgment in the premises, subject only to the purpose of the will of 
Smithson, and so much of the law as was mandatory and peremptory, ‘‘all other pro- 
visions to the contrary notwithstanding.” 

On the whole, therefore, the committee think that neither the law nor the will of 
Smithson required the Regents to consider a great library as the paramount object of 
the institution. 

Its purpose requires means of exciting and sustaining research, of stimulating and 
directing original inquiries, the results of which constitute an increase of knowledge, 
and the publication of which diffuses it. 

Scientific researches are often supposed by the uninformed to be of little or no real 
importance, and indeed are frequently ridiculed as barren of all practical utility. But 
nothing is more mistaken than this. The most valuable and productive of the arts 
of life, the most important and wonder-working inventions of modern times, owe 
their being and value to scientific investigations. By these have been discovered 
physical truths and laws, the intelligent application of which to practical inventions 
has given immense benefits to the world. The germs of these valuable improvements 
and inventions have been found and developed by scientific research, the original 
forms of which have often seemed to the many to be as idle and useless as they were 
curious. A proposition relating to the pendulum, which for many years remained 
only a curious theoretical relation, ultimately furnished a unit for the standard meas- 
ures of States and nations. The discovery that a magnetic needle could be moved by 
a galvanic current, seemed for a long time more curious than useful, and yet it con- 
tained the germ of all that was afterwards developed in the telegraph. It has been 
well remarked that numerous applications and inventions always result from the dis- 
covery of a scientific principle ; so that there are many Fultons for every Franklin. 

There is no branch of industrial art which does not owe, for the most part, its im- 
proved processes to such investigations, although-the artisans who employ them are 
often ignorant of their true source. Smithson, who was hiinself a man of science 
and research, and a contributor to the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Soci- 
ety, well knew this. The members of Congress who framed the law were not igno- 
rant of it; and the provisions for a chemical laboratory, and collections of natural 
history, proved that they looked to the prosecution of such inquiries under the aus- 
pices of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Wisely, therefore, did the first Board of Regents propose, in order to INCREASE 
KNOWLEDGE— 


First. To stimulate men of talent to make original researches, by offering suitable 
rewards for memoirs containing new truths, and to publish these and such other 
papers of suitable character as shouid be offered to the institution. 


Second. To cause particular researches to be made by competent persons. 
And in order to DIFFUSE KNOWLEDGE— 


First. ‘‘To publish occasionally a series of practical reports on the progress of the 
different branches of knowledge.”’ 

Second. ‘“‘'To publish occasionally separate treatises on subjects of general inter- 
est.” 


The results which have been produced by the institution have received the appro- 
bation of the learned in every part of the civilized world, and fully justify the wis- 
dom of the plan adopted by the Regents, and successfully carried into operation by 
the Secretary. 

As a proof of this, we need only state the following facts given in the last report of 
the Regents to Congress : 


“The institution has promoted astronomy by the aid furnished the researches 
which led to the discovery of the true orbit of the new planet, Neptune, and the de- 
termination of the perturbations of this planet, and the other bodies of the solar 
system, on account of their mutual attraction. It has also aided the same branch of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 107 


science, by furnishing instruments and other facilities to the Chilian expedition, under 
Lieutenant Gillis; and by preparing and publishing an ephemeris of Neptune, which 
has been adopted by all the astronomers of the world. 

“Tt has advanced geography, by providing the scientific traveler witl annual lists 
of the occultations of the principal stars, by the moon, for the determination of Iong- 
itude; by the preparation of tables for ascertaining heights with the barometer; and 
by the collection and publication of important facts relative to the topography of dif- 
ferent parts of the country, particularly of the valley of the Mississippi. 

“Tt has established an extended system of meteorology, consisting of a corps of 
several hundred intelligent observers, who are daily noting the phases of the weather 
in every part of the continent of North America. It has imported standard instru- 
ments, constructed hundreds of compared thermometers, barometers, and psychrom- 
eters, and has furnished improved tables and directions for observing with these 
instruments the various changes of the atmosphere, as to temperature, pressure, mois- 
ture, &c. It has collected, and is collecting, from its observers, an extended series of 
facts which are yielding deductions of great interest in regard to the climate of this 
country and the meteorology of the globe. 

‘The institution has advanced the science of geology, by its researches and original 
publications. It has made a preliminary exploration of the remarkable region on the 
Upper Missouri river, called the Bad Lands, and is now printing a descriptive memoir 
on the extraordinary remains which abound in that locality. It has assisted in explo- 
rations relative to the distribution in this country of the remains of microscopic ani- 
mals found in immense quantities in different parts of the United States. 

“Tt has made important contributions to botany, by means of the published results 
of explorations in Texas, New Mexico, and California; and by the preparation and 
publication of an extended memoir, illustrated with colored engravings, on the sea- 
plants of the coast of North America. 

“Tt has published several important original papers on physiology, comparative 
anatomy, zoology, and different branches of descriptive natural history ; and has 
prepared and printed, for distribution to travelers, a series of directions for collecting 
and preserving specimens. 

“ It has advanced terrestrial magnetism, by furnishing instruments for determining 
the elements of the magnetic force to various exploring expeditions ; and by publish 
ing the results of observations made under its direction at the expense of the Govern- 
ment. 

“Tt has collected and published the statistics of the libraries of the United States ; 
and perfected a plan of stereotyping catalogues, which will render effective, as a com- 
bined whole, all the scattered libraries of the country. 

“The institution has also been instrumental in directing attention to American 
antiquities, and has awakened such an interest in the subject as will tend to the col- 
lection and study of all the facts which can be gathered relative to the ancient inhab- 
itants of this continent. It has also rendered available, for the purposes of the eth- 
nologist and: philanthropist, the labors of our missionaries among the Dakotas, by 
publishing a volume on the language of this tribe of Indians; and has done good 
service to comparative philology by the distribution of directions for collecting Indian 
vocabularies. 

“Tt has established an extended system of literary and scientific exchanges, both 
foreign and domestic, and annually transmits, between the most distant societies and 
individuals, hundreds of packages of valuable works. It has presented its own pub- 
lications, free of expense, to all the first-class libraries of the world, and thus rendered 
them accessible, as far as possible, to all persons who are interested in their study. 
No restriction of copyright has been placed on their republication; and the truths 
which they contain are daily finding their way to the general public, through the 
labors of popular writers and teachers. The distribution of its publications and its 
system of exchanges has served not only to advance and diffuse knowledge, but also 
to increase the reputation, and consequently the influence, of our country ; to pro- 
mote a kindly and sympathetic feeling between the New World and the Old—alike 
grateful to the philosopher and the philanthropist. 

“These are the fruits of what is called the system of active operations of the insti- 
tution, and its power to produce other and continuous results is only limited by the 
amount of the income which can be appropriated to it, since each succeeding year has 
presented new and important fields for its cultivation. All the anticipations indulged 
with regard to it have been fully realized; and, after an experience of six years, 
there can now be no doubt of the true policy of the Regents in regard to it.’’ 


Reports of a more popular character have been published, or are in preparation, 


108 BOARD OF REGENTS. ¥ 


which are well calculated to diffuse knowledge. Such is the report on the recent im= 
provements in the chemical arts, by Messrs. Booth & Morfit, prepared and published 
under the direction of the institution. The Secretary has said of it, “that though 
chiefly intended to benefit the practical man, yet it will be found interesting to the 
general reader, as exhibiting the cotemporaneous advance of science and art, and the 
dependence of the latter upon the former for the improvement of its most important 
processes.”’? Among the subjects of which it treats, may be mentioned fuel and fur- 
naces, glass-making and pottery, cements, metals and their manufacture, chemicals, — 
textile fabrics, mineral and organic manures. This work has been stereotyped, and — 
besides those which are distributed on the plan of exchange, copies are offered for 
sale at the mere cost of printing, paper, and commission. Another report which is in 
preparation, on the forest trees of North America, giving their economical and orna- 
mental uses and values, their history, mode of propagation, &c., &c., will supply to 
agriculturists a work of great interest and importance which has long been a desider-_ 
atum. Other reports have been prepared, and will be ready for the press as soon ag 
the funds can be appropriated for printing them. 

Te committee need not repeat in detail all the parts of the plan of organization, 
but may mention that it included the exchange of the published transactions of the 
institution, with those of literary and scientific societies and establishments, and pro- 
vided for a museum and library, to consist of a complete collection of the transactions 
and proceedings of all the learned societies in the world, of the more important cur- 
rent periodical publications and of other works necessary to scientific investigations; 
thus employing the instrumentalities pointed out in the law, as means of increasing 
and diffusing knowledge, entirely consistent with, and necessary to, the plan of re- 
search and publication. 

This plan is no longer experimental; it has-been tested by experience ; its success is 
acknowledged by all who are capable of forming a correct estimate of its results; and — 
the institution has every encouragement to pursue steadily its system of stimulating, 
assisting, and publishing research. 

Whether the equal division of the income of the institution, according to the plan 
of the compromise resolutions, should be observed after the completion of the build- 
ing, is a question submitted to your committee for report, and proper to be decided by 
the Board during the present year. The committee think that while moderate appro- 
priations should be annually made for the gradual increase of the library, and for 
other objects specified in the fifth section of the act establishing the institution, so as 
to carry out in good faith the intention of Congress, it is not advisable to make the 
equal division of the income as proposed by the compromise resolutions. 

The public generally, and even the Regents most probably, do not know how small 
the funds of the institution are in proportion to what is required of it, and the expense 
necessarily connected with so large a building. 

The Secretary has stated in his report that the general expenses—viz: meetings of 
the Regents and committees, lighting and heating of the building, postage, transpor- 
tation, stationery, general printing, apparatus, incidentals, and general salaries—have 
gradually increased, and will grow larger when the building shall be completed and 
entirely occupied. Last year these expenses amounted to $12,000. Besides this, the 
salaries of the assistants and pay of attendants in the library and museum are $5,740! 
per annum. 

The salaries are as follows: 


General Salaries. 


That of the Secretary (per anntum)_—- =o ee eee $3,500" 
@l ork sue Se es ae A eee eA reese ee 1,000: 
Book-keeper i680 2 eh es ee aed ee ee 200 
PUATUM GOR eas SRLS Ry Be 5 ee a soe Se a 2 OLR ec a 400° 
PWD OTOL a2 AW VR eR or Oo 250 
VV eu tee Taira Sara fe Se ee ee Fi 865. 
5,715 

Salary of assistant in charge of the library ----_._----------- $2,500 
An assistant to the assistant in the library -----------_------ 600 
AM OtHerrASsistan ts 22) ene Le cieea shoe ee cee ve apnea 540 

$8,640 
Salary of assistant in charge of the museum -~~---.----~--_--.--_-_. 2,000 
SANBRTS UIA CE 70 CLA) ON) 1 STENTS CULT IN ee ee 100 


Total of permanent salaries at the present time---___.__.-------_ ---.---- 11,455 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 109 


Together, the salaries and general expenses before mentioned amount to more than 
half the interest of the original fund, and to nearly half of the interest on that fund, 
augmented by $150,000 of accumulated interest, which the Regents propose to add to 
it, so as to make the permanent fund $665,000. The whole or the greater part of the 
interest on this addition to the original fund will be required during the present year 
for the building, and when that shall be finished, a considerable sum will be necessary 
to fit up and furnish the great central portion, which is to be chiefly occupied by the 
library and museum. It may be assumed that not less than $15,000 will be demanded 
for this purpose. But supposing the building to be completed and furnished, and the 
whole income at command for the operations of the institution, and assuming that the 
salaries and general expenses will not increase, but remain as they were last year, at 
$17,740, there will be at the disposal of the Regents, for all operations and purposes, 
including lectures, researches, publications, purchase of books for the library, bind- 
ing, explorations for the benefit of the museum, apparatus, and the purchase of ob- 
jects of art, a sum between $22,000 and $23,000. It will readily be perceived how 
inadequate this sum is to the rapid accumulation of a library, of collections for the 
museum and gallery of art, for lectures and those active operations which lead directly 
to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Even this fund may be expected to be 
diminished by the greater expense which will attend the occupation of the entire 
building and the increased and constantly increasing collections. 

The museum increases so rapidly by the deposit of Government collections, by do- 
nations, exchanges, and the receipt of specimens from special explorations aided by the 
institution, that very small, if any, annual appropriations are required for it. But 
the expense of the care and exhibition of an increasing collection swells from year to 
year, while the Smithsonian funds are not so increased. The great object of the mu- 
seum should be to furnish to men of science, eminent in their several departments, the 
means of advancing knowledge in these departments, by submitting specimens of new 
objects to their examination. If the expenditure could be borne, it would scarcely be 
desirable to increase the number of officers connected with the museum, so that the 
various branches of natural history might be fully represented; but considering the 
limited funds of the Smithsonian Institution, such an idea is not to be entertained. 

On the contrary, the collections made should, in general, at all events, be referred 
for examination and description to the men most eminent in the country, and the re- 
sults should be published in a manner worthy of their labors by the institution. 

A larger but still a moderate appropriation for the library, varying as circumstances 
may require, should be annually made. It may be desirable, occasionally, to make 
larger investments in books, as when a library of special value and peculiar suitable- 
ness may be in the market, and within the means of the institution. But this should 
be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the Regents at the time. 

It is not believed to be advisable to accumulate in the Smithsonian Institution great 
masses of books, without reference to their peculiar character and value. What we 
want, and what the act of Congress contemplates, is not a collection of everything 
which learned dullness and literary folly as well as real wisdom and sound science 
have put into print—a vast and unwieldly repertory, in which the trash as well as the 
precious may be found—but a library of valuable books pertaining to all departments 
of human knowledge. The exchanges will gradually furnish us with much that an- 
swers to this description, and moderate appropriations will supply, quite as rapidly as 
necessary, whatever besides may be requisite to constitute a valuable library of re- 
search in all departments of human knowledge. The library now consists of 12,005 
volumes, besides 8,095 pamphlets and parts of volumes, and 1,874 maps, and 1,431 
engravings. 

In his report to the Secretary, of January, 1858, Professor Jewett stated that the 
library had nearly doubled in size during the year 1852, and that its greatest increase 
had been by exchanges. He said ‘they may be considered as the first fruits of a sys- 
tem of scientific and literary exchange established and sustained by the institution. 
They show, also, that the benefits derivable from its connection with the system of 
active operations had not been over-estimated. 

‘“ A considerable portion of the money expended in publications, returns in the shape 
of books for the library. These again are constantly increasing the efficiency and in- 
terest of the publications. The value of the books received by exchange cannot be 
estimated by their number, or even their nominal price. 

“They are works of the first importance to the scientific student and which it is 
very difficult to procure by purchase, even with large funds at command.” 


Professor Baird estimated the value of the works thus received, during the year 
1852, at from $4,000 to $5,000. If we estimate the future receipts from the system of 


110 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


exchange at half that sum annually, and suppose an appropriation in money of equal _ 
amount for the purchase of books, the growth of the library will be quite as rapid as 
was that of the library of Congress during the twenty-five years prior to the late fire, _ 
and its annual increase in value more than double that of the Congressional Library 
before the period mentioned. or several years before 1825, the ordinary appropria- — 
tions of Congress for their library were not more than $2,000 per annum. Since that 

period they have been $5,000. J 

The Committee of Organization, in their report submitted in 1847, recommended 
such a selection of books as would ‘‘ make the Smithsonian Library chiefly a supple- — 
mental one,’’ and ‘to purchase for the most part valuable works which are not to be — 
found elsewhere in the Union.” 

Of course, this was not to be a universal rule, and not to exclude standard works 
of authority and reference. They particularly desired to see the library so supplied 
with important works on bibliography, so that it might become the centre of literary 
and bibliographical reference for the whole country. This desire has always beem 
entertained by the Regents, and much has already been done towards this object. 
The collection of printed and manuscript catalogues has already been commenced 
with this view, and should be steadily followed up. It is believed that the appropri- 
ations suggested, together with the exchanges and occasional special appropriations, 
will, in a reasonable time, not only secure this object, but make the library the most 
important collection of valuable books, pertaining to all departments of knowledge, 
to be found in our country. 

Suggestions have been made to the committee of certain alterations, in the organi- 
zation of the institution, which your committee think not warranted by the letter and 
spirit of the law, and in conflict with the seventh section, which defines the duties - 
and powers of the Secretary. That section admits of only one interpretation. Its. 
terms are direct and explicit, and its objects are expressly and pointedly set forth. 
The entire property of the institution is placed by it in the Secretary’s hands, and he 
is distinctly constituted the responsible agent of the Board of Regents. He is ‘to: 
make a fair and accurate record of all their proceedings, to take charge of the build- 
ing and property of the institution,’”’ to discharge the duties of librarian and keeper 
of the museum. This language clearly shows the intention of the framers of the law 
to secure unity of action, to admit of no separate and independent departments, as is 
often the case in other institutions. All the duties enumerated are devolved solely 
on the Secretary, and though other persons may be employed, they are merely his as- 
sistants, the offices being emphatically one. The Secretary alone is authorized to act ; 
and if the business of the institution demanded no more than the mind and labor of 
one man might be competent to perform, there would be no occasion for the employ- 
ment of anyone else. 

The law is declaratory and positive in charging the Secretary with the enumerated 
duties, and therefore invests him, and him alone, with the corresponding powers. 
But as it must have been manifest that no Secretary could be able of himself to per- 
form personally everything required for the discharge of his enumerated duties, pro- 
vision is made for aid to him, in the clause which says that he ‘‘ may, with the consent 
of the Board, employ assistants,”’ &. 

The positions of the persons so employed are determined by the word which desig- 
nates them in the clause authorizing their employment. They are called “ assistants.” 
To whom? Not to the Regents, but to the Secretary. Their position is necessarily 
subordinate and as their duties are those of assistants to their principal, they can no 
more be independent of him than they can be superior to him. This construction is 
so manifestly proper, that it would seem to require no argument to justify it. But if 
anything further were wanted, it may be found in the fact that the Secretary is to 
employ them in and about that very business with which he is charged and for which 
he alone is responsible. The character of this part of the section is permissive. He 
is not required to employ any one, but is permitted to employ persons to assist him, 
provided he satisfy the Board that their services are necessary as aids to him. 

In another part of the same section provision is made for the payment, and if need 
be the removal, of the Secretary and his assistants, and in this connection they are 
spoken of as officers; but by no ingenuity of construction can that word, in this con- 
nection, be held to assign them special duties or confer any separate authority. 

Thus careful has Congress been to provide an efficient system of operations which 
can only come from harmony of purpose and unity of action. 

This view of the intention of Congress, so clearly expressed in the law, would be 
directly contradicted by the plan which has been suggested, of organizing the institu- 
tion definitely into several departments, placing at the head of these departments 
different assistants, establishing their relative positions, prescribing distinct duties for 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 111 


them, assigning certain shares of the income to be disbursed by them, and stating 
their authority, privileges, and remedies for infringement of their official rights, or of 
the interests intrusted to their care. All this would tend not to secure a loyal and 
harmonious co-operation, to a common end, of the assistants with the Secretary, but 
to encourage rivalry, to invite collision, to engender hostility, to destroy subordina- 
tion, to distract the operations of the institution, to impair its efficiency, and to destroy 
its usefulness. 

The committee are satisfied, too, that the expenditures of the institution would be 
unprofitably increased by organizing it into several departments, with authority to 
the head of each denartment to expend the money appropriated to it. The tendency 
would be to more subdivisions of duty, to an increase of assistants, by the introduc- 
tion first of temporary and then of permanent employés, until, as the collections oTrew 
larger and the persons charged with their care became more numerous, the greater 
portion of the income would be absorbed in salaries. Thus the munifience intended 
to increase and diffuse knowledge among mankind would be chiefly expended in sala- 
ries and official emoluments. 

Already the committee think it would be well to consider whether it might not be 
consistent with the proper working of the institution to limit and reduce some of 
these expenses. 

While the committee desire to preserve and increase the library and museum, as 
already stated; they think it would be well to repeal the seventh resolution, passed by 
the Board of Regents on the 26th January, 1847, which has already been recited. 

They recommend that in the future the appropriations should be made without ref- 
erence to any fixed rule of distribution or division between the different operations 
and objects of the institution, and that the Board, while making specific appropria- 
tions, should apportion them according to their opinion of what is necessary and 
proper, giving to each object such sum as its intrinsic importance and a compliance in 
good faith with the law may seem to demand. 

Thus they will be enabled to economize by postponing or limiting some operations 
and preferring others, by applying the funds to those objects which at the time appear 
most pressing, and which promise the most prompt, far-reaching, and beneficial ac- 
tion. 

In conclusion, the committee adopt the following remarks and recommendations, 
which they extract from a paper submitted to them by the Secretary, and desire that 
they may be considered as part of this report: 


‘Tf one-fourth of the whole income is devoted to the museum, additional assistants 
will be required for the care and management of the specimens, while the withdrawal 
of Professor Baird from the publications and exchanges will require more help in that 
quarter. ; 

‘t Besides the necessary expenditure for cases and furniture for the library, appropri- 
tions may be made for carrying on the catalogue system; for printing reports on 
libraries ; for the publication of a library manual; for the preparation and publica- 
tion of bibliographies; for completing sets of transactions, and the purchase of other 
books for the operations of the institution ; also, for printing a catalogue or list of 
books in the library. 

‘Tn addition to the sum which will be necessarily required for the cases and furni- 
ture of the museum, a small sum may annually be appropriated for collecting partic- 
ular desiderata in natural history, to be presented to other institutions as well as 
preserved in this; for purchasing instruments and models to illustrate particular 
branches of knowledge, or to assist in the prosecution of special lines of research, 
which may serve as samples to artisans in this country, or be used in investigations. 

‘‘ Models may also be obtained for multiplying casts of the most celebrated speci- 
mens of ancient and modern art. 

‘« Appropriations for all these objects cannot be made in the same year, but discre- 
tion, as I have said before, should be used as to the time when it would be the most 
advisable to make the expenditure in each particular case. 

‘*« As few operations as possible ought to be carried on‘in the building of the insti- 
tution. Printing, stereotyping, engraving, &c., can be done at a cheaper rate by 
contract ; these require expensive superintendence ; and workmen, as a general rule, 
cannot be expected to do as much for public institutions as for a private individual. 
Besides this, much time must be lost in the interval of the publication of the different 
articles ; and when it is necessary, on account of the exhaustion of the appropriation, 
to stop for the year, this can only be done by disbanding the workmen, while the in- 
terest on the cost of the apparatus remains. 

‘‘These remarks also apply to calculations and reductions of observations, which, 


12 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


in many cases can be distributed to professors in colleges, who, for a small addition to 
their salaries, will furnish results which could not be procured in the institution for 
many times the same sum. 

‘“The maxim stated in the programme, namely, that few individuals ought to be 
permanently supported by the institution, should be constantly kept in view, and the 
greatest caution exercised in adding new members to the permanent corps. 

‘“‘The institution, in order to produce the greatest amount of useful effect with a 
given expenditure of income, must be a unit in plan anda unit in purpose. Each 
assistant must not merely have regard to the advancement of his own specialty, but 
the good of the whole; and though he may be assigned a specific duty, he should be 
ready and willing, at the call of the Secretary, to render service in any other. With- 
out a system of government which will insure this, not only the usefuluess of the 
institution will be greatly abridged, but its very existence jeoparded.”’ 


The committee submit to the Board the following resolutions : 


Resolved, That the seventh resolution, passed by the Board of Regents on the 26th 
of January, 1847, requiring an equal division of the income between the active oper- 
ations and the museum and library, when the buildings are completed, be and it is 
hereby repealed. 

Resolved, That hereafter the annual appropriations shall be apportioned specifically 
among the different objects and operations of the institution, in such manner as may, 
in the judgment of the Regents, be necessary and proper, for each, according to its 
intrinsic importance, and a compliance in good faith with the law. 

Respectfully submitted. 
JAMES A. PEARCE, Chairman. 


Mr. Mason offered the following resolution ; which was adopted: 


Resolved, That the report of the Special Committee just made be laid on the table 
for further consideration, and that the papers referred to in the report be communi- 
cated to the Board for their examination ; and that said report, and such report of a 
minority of the committee as may be made in the recess of the Board, be printed. 

On motion of Mr. English, the Board then adjourned, to meet on 


Saturday, the 8th of July, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 


July 8, 1854. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Sat- 
urday, July 8, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Douglas, English, Hawley, Mason, Pearce, 
Rush, Stuart, Totten, Towers, and the Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Hawley was called to the 
chair. 

John T. Towers, Esq., mayor elect of the city of Washington, 
appeared and took the seat in the Board vacated by Mr. Maury, 
late mayor. 

The Secretary laid before the Board the sixth volume of Smith- 
sonian Contributions to Knowledge. 

Mr. Mason, from the Select Committee, on the resolutions of 
Messrs. Fitch and Meacham, offered the following resolution : 

‘The Secretary of the institution and of this Board is, by the seventh section of 
the act ‘to establish the Smithsonian Institution,’ required to discharge the duties of 
‘librarian and keeper of the museum,’ having, with the consent of the Board of Re- 


gents, power to employ assistants, the better to enable him to discharge those duties ; 
for a better construction whereof— 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 118 


‘« Be it resolved, That whilst power is reserved in the said section to the Board of 
Regents, to remove both the Secretary and his assistants, in the opinion of the Board, 
power, nevertheless, remains with the Secretary to remove his said assistants.” 


Mr. English moved to amend the resolution by inserting the 
words “with the consent of the Board of Regents,’ after the words 
“< nower, nevertheless, remains with the Secretary.” 

Mr. Stuart moved that the consideration of Mr. Mason’s resolu- 
tion be postponed till the next meeting of the Board. On this 
question the yeas and nays were demanded. 

Those voting in the affirmative: 


Yras.—Messrs. Douglas, English, Stuart, Towers—4. 
Nays.—Messrs. Bache, Hawley, Mason, Pearce, Totten—5. 


So the motion was not carried. 
The question was then taken on the amendment offered by Mr. 
English to Mr. Mason’s resolution, and the yeas and nays taken ; 


Yeras.—Messrs. Douglas, English, Stuart, Towers—4. 
Nays.—Messrs. Bache, Hawley, Mason, Pearce, Totten—5. 


So the amendment was lost. 

Mr. Douglas moved a postponement of the subject for a week 
from next Friday. 

The yeas and nays were taken on this motion: 


Yeras.—Messrs. Douglas, English, Stuart, Towers—4. 
Nays.—Messrs. Bache, Hawley, Mason, Pearce, Totten—5. 


So the motion was lost. 

The question was then taken on Mr. Mason’s resolution; which 
was adopted : 

Yuas.—Messrs. Bache, Hawley, Mason, Pearce, Rush, Totten—6. 

Nays.—Messrs. Douglas, English, Stuart, Towers—4. 

Mr. Stuart moved to postpone the consideration of the resolu- 
tions appended to the report of the Select Committee on the reso- 
lutions of Messrs. Fitch and Meacham till the next annual session. 

A division was called for—ayes 8, noes 6. 

So the motion was lost. 

Mr. Douglas moved to postpone the consideration for two weeks. 

A division was called for—ayes 4, noes 6. 

So the motion was lost. 

Mr. English moved that the Board adjourn. 

This motion was withdrawn to allow the chairman of the Execu- 
tive Committee, Mr. Pearce, to bring forward the appropriations 
for the year recommended by the committee, and reported to the 
Board, April 29, 1854. 

On motion, the appropriations, as reported by the Executive 
Committee, were yes 7, noes 3. 

8 


114 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Secretary stated to the Board that he had employed Mr. 
Lorin Blodget to reduce and discuss the meteorological observations 
collected by the Smithsonian Institution, and that some misunder- 
standing had arisen between this gentleman and himself as to the 
adjustment of his claims in reference to the work, which he pro- 
posed to refer to the Executive Committee, and if necessary to 
a commission of examination, one of whom might be appointed by 
the Secretary, another by Mr. Blodget, and a third by the two per- 
sons so appointed. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to investigate and settle the 
business presented to the Board by the Secretary. 

Mr. English then renewed his motion to adjourn. 

Adopted—ayes 6, noes 4. 

The Board then adjourned sine die. 


January 3, 1855. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual meeting on the first Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room. 

Present, Messrs. Bache, Berrien, Douglas, Mason, Pearce, Rush, 
Towers, and the Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce was called to the 
chair. 

The Seeretary informed the Board of the re-election by joint reso- 
lution of Congress of Ion. Rufus Choate, of Massachusetts, and 
Ion. Gideon Hawley, of New York, as Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution for six years ensuing. 

On motion of Mr. Mason the Board adjourned to meet on Friday, 
January 12, at 10 o’clock, a. m., and the Secretary was requested to 
inform the absent members of the Board that the report of the 
Sclect Committee on the distribution of the income would then be 
taken up for consideration. 


January 12, 1855. 
An adjourned mecting of the Board of Regents of the Smithso- 
nian Institution was held on Friday, January 12, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 
Present, The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Ber- 
rien, Choate, Douglas, English, Ilawley, Mason, Meacham, Pearce, 
i e e a\y 
Rush, Stuart, Totten, Towers, Professor Ifenry, Secretary, and Mr. 
Seaton, Treasurer. 


Cais | 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 115 


The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

A communication from J. W. Simonton, Washington editor of 
the New York Daily Times, and 8. Thayer, of the New York Evening 
Post, asking permission to attend the meetings of the Board to 
report its proceedings, was read. 

Mr. Meacham moved that the request be granted ; which was lost. 

The order of the day being the consideration of the report and 
resolutions of the Select Committee on the distribution of the in- 
come, the first resolution was read, namely : 


Resolved, That the seventh resolution passed by the Board of Regents on the 26th 
of January, 1847, requiring an equal division of the income between the active opera- 
tions and the museum and library when the buildings are completed, be, and is here- 
by, repealed. 


Remarks were made by Messrs. Choate, Pearce, Douglas, and 
Berrien. 

On motion of Mr. Mason the yeas and nays were ordered. 

The question was then taken on the adoption of the first resolu- 
tion as follows : 


YEAS—The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Berrien, Hawley, Mason, 
Pearce, Rush, and T'otten—8. 
NAYS—Messrs. Choate, Douglas, English, Meacham, Stuart, and Towers—6. 


The second resolution was then read : 


Resolved, That hereafter the annual appropriations shall be apportioned specifically 
among the different objects and operations of the institution. in such manner as may, 
in the judgment of the Regents, be necessary and proper for each, according to its 
intrinsic importance, and a compliance in good faith with the law. 


The question being taken on this resolution it was adopted. 


YEAS—The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Berrien, Hawley, Mason, 
Pearce, Rush, Totten, Towers—9. 
NAYS—Messrs. Choate, Douglas, English, Meacham, and Stuart—5. 


Mr. Meacham then offered the following resolution, which was 
the first reported by him in his minority report, namely : 


Resolved, That a compliance in good faith with the letter and spirit of the charter 
of the Smithsonian Institution, requires that a large proportion of the income of the 
institution should be appropriated ‘ for the gradual formation of a library composed 
of valuable works pertaining to all departments of human knowledge.” 


The question being taken-on this resolution it was lost. 


YEAS—Messrs. Choate, Douglas, Meacham, and Stuart—4. 
NAYS—The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Berrien, English, Haw- 
ley, Mason, Rush, Pearce, and Totten—9. 


Mr. Meacham’s second resolution was then read, namely : 


Resolved, That the expenditures for the library shall be made under the direction 
of a “library committee ” of three members, to be annually elected by the Board of 
Regents from members not upon the Executive Committee, or upon other committees 
which may be appointed to superintend the affairs of other departments or objects of 
the institution. 


The question being taken on this resolution it was lost. 


116 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


YEAS—Messrs. Choate, Douglas, and Meacham—3. 
NAYS—The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Berrien, English, Haw- 
ley, Mason, Pearce, Rush, Stuart, and Totten—10. 


On motion of Mr. Pearce the following resolution was adopted : 


Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chancellor to confer with 
a Committee of the Establishment as to suitable means of communication between 
the two bodies, and to report thereon at a subsequent meeting of the Regents. 

The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Mason, Douglas, and Totten. 

A communication from Gilbert A. Cameron was read; which, 
on motion, was referred to the Building Committee. 

The treasurer then made a statement of the condition of the 
finances of the institution; which was referred to the Executive 
Committee. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, 13th January, at 
10 o’clock. 


January 18, 1855. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithso- 
nian Institution was held on Saturday, January 13, at 10 o’clock, 
2, I. 

Present, The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Ber- 
rien, Choate, English, Hawley, Mason, Meacham, Pearce, Rush, 
Totten. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Pearce, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented the 
estimate of appropriations for the year 1855; which, on his motion, 
was laid on the table for the present. 

Mr. Pearce, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented the 
following report in relation to the case of Mr. Blodget, which had 
been referred to that committee by the Board: 


Ata meeting of the Board of Regents held Saturday, July 8, 1854, the Executive 
Committee was authorized to investigate and settle the business presented to the Board 
by the Secretary, in reference to the adjustment of the claims of Mr. Lorin Blodget. 

The committee having investigated the matter referred to them, present the follow- 
ing report in part: 

Mr. Blodget was employed by the Secretary of the Institution to aid him by such 
labors in relation to the meteorological observations under the direction of the Smith- 
sonian Institution as the Secretary might assign. The rates of compensation for these 
services were fixed from time to time by the same officer, and Mr. Blodget is entitled 
to no other compensation than that paid to him. His footing in the institution was 
simply that of a temporary employee of the Secretary, in whose hands rested the de- 
termination of his duties, pay, and duration of service. Employed and paid for these 
services in connection with the meteorological operations, the fruits of his labors belong 
exclusively to the institution. 

In addition to these payments the committee is prepared on receiving satisfactory 
statements or vouchers from Mr. Blodget of reasonable expenses incurred during any 
journeys he may have made with the consent of the Secretary for objects connected 
with his duties in meteorology in the institution, to refund the amount, as also any 
moneys which may appear to the satisfaction of the committee to have been paid out 
by him and not already repaid for clerical or other services connected with the mete- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 117 


orological observations of the Smithsonian Institution, and for which an equivalent 
advantage has been received. 
J. A. PEARCE, 


JOS. G. TOTTEN, } Executive Committee. 
A. D. BACHE, 


Communications and a memorial from Mr. Blodget to the Board 
were then read, and ordered to lie on the table. 

The report of the Executive Committee was then adopted unan- 
imously. 

It being stated to the Board by Mr. Choate, on behalf of Mr. C. 
C. Jewett that he did not design, for reasons stated by him, to ask 
the action of the Regents at their present meeting on his memorial 
of the 8d July last, communicated to the Board through the Secre- 
tary, Mr. Mason moved that the said paper be returned by the Sec- 
retary to Mr. Jewett. 

On motion the memorial to the Board was then read. 

Mr. Choate then requested permission in behalf of Mr. Jewett to 
withdraw the memorial; which was granted. 

The Secretary then stated to the Board that he had deemed it his 
duty since its last session to remove Mr. Charles C. Jewett from the 
office of assistant to the Secretary. He deeply regretted the neces- 
sity which he had been under to exercise this authority, declared to 
be vested in him by the Board, and for the present he rested his 
reasons for the act on the character of a paper, submitted by Mr. 
Jewett to the Select Committee on the distribution of the income, 
and upon the opinion in regard to that paper expressed by the com- 
mittee to which it was submitted. 

Mr. Pearce offered the following : 


The Secretary having stated to the Board that since the last meeting of the Regents 
in 1854, he had removed Mr. Jewett, under the authority declared to be vested in him 
by the resolution of July 8, 1854. 

fesolved, That while the Board regret the necessity of Mr. Jewett’s removal, they 
approve of the act of the Secretary. 

Resolved, That this approval by the Board is not deemed by them to be essential to 
the validity of the act of the Secretary in so removing Mr. Jewett. 


The Board then adjourned to meet on Monday, January 15th, at 
10 o’clock. 


January 15, 1855. 
The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock. 
Present, the Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Ber- 
rien, Douglas, Hawley, Mason, Pearce, Rush, Towers, and Totten. 
The Chancellor took the chair, and the minutes of the last meet- 
ing were read and approved. 


118 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Mr. Pearce’s resolutions offered at the last meeting on Saturday 
were then taken up. 

The question being taken on the first resolution, it was adopted. 

YEAS—The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Berrien, Hawley, Mason, 


Pearce, Rush, Totten—8. 
NAYS—Messrs. Douglas, Towers—2. 


The second resolution was then taken up and adopted. 


YEAS—The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Se Hawley, Mason, 
Pearce, Rush, Totten—8. 

NAYS—Messrs. Douglas, Towers—2. 

On motion of Mr. Rush, Mr. John T. Towers was elected to fill 
the vacancy in the Building Committee. 

The report of the Executive Committee, making estimates of ap- 
propriations for the year 1855, &c., was then taken up and adopted. 

On motion of General Totten, the following resolution was 
adopted : 

Resolved, That in case the sum required for the completion of the Smithsonian 
building should exceed the amount appropriated for the same, that the Building Com- 
mittee have authority to pay for any unavoidable excess out of funds on deposit to 
the credit of the institution. 

The report of the Building Committee was then read, and on 
motion adopted. 

A memorial and printed pamphlet from John Lord, of Portland, 
Maine, was read and ordered to lie on the table. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, January 27, at 
10 o’clock, a. m. 


January 27, 1855. \. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithso- 
nian Institution was held on Saturday, January 27, 1855, in the 
Regents’ room. 

Present, the Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Pearce, 
Stuart, Towers, Totten. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The following communication was read : 


Houser or REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, January 26, 1855 


Sir: Tam instructed by the Special Committee of the House of Representatives, 
raised in conformity with the accompanying resolution, to request you to inform the 
Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution that the committee is ready to pro- 
ceed to the disch: irge of its dutics—and that any communication the Board may think 
proper to make will be most respectfully entertained. 

The committee will meet on Thursday, February 1, at half past 7 o’clock, p. m., in 
the rooms of the Hon. W. H. Witte, at the Nationa] Hotel. 

The presence of an authorized representation of the Board, during the investiga- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 119 


tion of the matters referred to the Committee, would aid us in the performance of the 
duty imposed by the order of the House of Representatives. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
CHARLES W. UPHAM, Chairman. 
Professor Joserm HENRY, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


Copy of resolution of House enclosed. 
‘‘Housr oF REPRESENTATIVES UNITED States, 


** January 17, 1855. 
‘¢ On motion of Mr. Meacham— 


* Resolved, That the letter of Hon. Rufus Choate, resigning his place as Regent of 
the Smithsonian Institution, be referred to a Select Committee of five, and printed; 
and that said committee be directed to inquire and report to this House whether the 
Smithsonian Institution has been managed, and its funds expended, in accordance 
with the law establishing the institution; and whether any additional legislation be 
necessary to carry out the design of its founders, and that said committee have power 
to send for persons and papers. 


“The Speaker thereupon appointed Mr. Upham, of Massachusetts ; Mr. Witte, of 
Pennsylvania; Mr. Taylor, of Tennessee; Mr. Wells, of Wisconsin; and Mr. 
Puryear, of North Carolina, the said committee.” 


On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 


Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chancellor to represent the 
Board of Regents before the committee of the House of Representatives. 


The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Pearce, Mason, Bache, Rush, 
and the Secretary, as the committee. 

The Secretary laid before the Board his annual report. 

Communications, and a bill of charges from Lorin Blodget, were 
read, and, on motion of Mr. Stuart, referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

Communication from G. Cameron, the contractor for the build- 
ing, was read, and referred to the Building Committee. 

Communication from J. M. Stanley, artist, offering to dispose of - 
his Indian gallery, was read, and, after remarks, on motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed respectfully to decline the offer made to 
the Board by Mr. Stanley. 


A communication relative to the Geographical and Commercial 
Gazette was read, and referred to the Executive Committee. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, February 10, at 
10 o’cloclx, a. m. 


February 10, 1855. 
Present, Messrs. Bache, Mason, Pearce, Totten, and the Secre- 
tary. There being no quorum, adjourned to Saturday, February 17. 


February 17, 1855. 
Messrs. English, Pearce, Totten, Towers, and the Secretary 
present. There being no quorum, adjourned to meet on Saturday, 
February 24. 


120 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


February 24, 1855. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held on 
Saturday, February 24, 1855, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, The Chancellor, Roger B. Taney, Messrs. Bache, Doug- 
las, English, Pearce, Totten, Seaton, Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

A report entitled ‘‘ Report of the Hon. James Meacham, of the 
special committee of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, on the distribution of the income of the Smithsonian 
fund,” &c., was presented, and, on motion, laid on the table. 

On motion of Mr. English, the following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That three persons be appointed a committee of finance, who shall inquire 
into the safety and propriety of the present investment of the funds ‘of the institution, 
not in the Treasury of the United States, and who shall have the authority to with- 
draw the said funds from the present place of deposit, and invest them otherwise in 
the name of the Regents of the Institution. 

The Chancellor appointed Messrs. English, Pearce, and Mason as 
the committee. 


The following report was read : 

The committee to whom was referred the resolution of the ‘‘ Estab- 
lishment,” proposing a conference by committee with the Board of 
Regents, for the purpose of determining the mode of communica- 
tion between the establishment and the Board of Regents, submit 
the following report 


That they have met and conferred with the committee appointed for that purpose 
by the Establishment, and have. after consultation, agreed upon the following resolu- 
tions, to be reported by the committees to their respective constituencies, and the com- 
mittee recommend that they be adopted by the Board of Regents, and made a part of 
ie by-laws. 

The general communication between the institution and the Board of Regents. 
shail be made through their common secretary. 

2. The secretary will regularly communicate to each body all ee acts of either as 
ae concern the other respectively, or may require their joint action. 

. When either body may desire any special communication with the other, it will 
pr ue a conference by committee. 

All which is respectfully submitted. 

J. M. MASON, Chairman. 

January, 1855. 


The report of the committee was approved. 
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Douglas, and adopted 
by the Board : 


Resolved, That all correspondence of this institution with any person or society shalk 
be conducted by the Secretary, and no assistant or employee shall write or receive any 
official letter or communication pertaining to the affairs of the institution, except 
under the authority and by the direction of the Secretary, and all such correspondence 
shall be duly registered and recorded in such manner as the Secretary shall direct. 


The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 121 


January 2, 1856. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual meeting on the first Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room at 12 0’clock m. 

Mr. Rush was requested to take the chair. 

The Secretary stated that, owing to the House of Representatives 
not having elected a Speaker, no Regents had yet been appointed to 
fill the vacancies in the Board from that body. 

There being no quorum present, the Board adjourned to meet on 
Saturday, January 12th, at 12 m. 


January 12, 1856. 
A meeting of the Board was held this day at 12 0’clock. 
Present, Messrs. Mason, Rush, Totten, Bache, Seaton, Treasurer, 
and the Secretary. 
There being no quorum present, the new Regents not yet having 
been appointed, the Board adjourned to meet on Saturday, January 
26th. 


January 26, 1856. 
A meeting of the Board was held this day at 12 m. 
Present, Messrs. Pearce, Mason, Rush, Totten, and the Secretary. 
There being no quorum, the Board adjourned to meet at the call 
of the Secretary, as soon as the vacancies should be filled by Con- 
gress. 


March 1, 1856. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board was held this day at 12 m. 

Present, Messrs. Pearce, Mason, English, Warner, Totten; Seaton, 
Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Pearce was called to the chair. 

The Secretary announced the election, by joint resolution of the 
Senate and House of Representatives, of the Hon. George E. 
Badger, of North Carolina, and Professor Cornelius C. Felton, of 
Massachusetts, as Regents to fill the vacancies occasioned by the 
death of the Hon. John Macpherson Berrien, and the resignation 
of the Ion. Rufus Choate. 

Also, the appointment, by the Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, of the Hon. W. H. English, of Indiana, Hon. H. War- 
ner, of Georgia, and the Hon. B. Stanton, of Ohio, as Regents on 
the part of the House. 


122 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Mr. Seaton, Treasurer, presented the statement of reccipts and 
expenditures for the year 1855, which was referred to the Executive 
Committee. 

The Secretary presented and read his report of the condition and 
operations of the Institution for the past year, which was accepted. 

It being announced by the Secretary that the Ilon. J. Macpher- . 
son Berrien, one of the Regents, had departed this life since the 
last annual session of the Board, Mr. Mason offered the following 
resolutions, accompanying them with remarks suitable to the occa- 
sion : 

Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard, with deep 
and sincere regret, that since their last annual meeting, the Hon. J. Macpherson Ber- 
rien, late one of their associ: ites, has departed this life: 

Resolved, That whilst deploring the severance of so enlightened and able a coadju- 
tor from the trust committed to the Regents of the Institution, they sympathize with ~ 
the country in the loss it has sustained by the death of an eminent and virtuous citi- 
zen. 

Resolved, That, in testimony of their high respect for the memory of their late 
associate, the members of this Board will wear the customary badge of mourning for 
the period of thirty days. 


Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the journal, and a copy of them 
be transmitted to the family of the deceased. 


The Board then adjourned till Saturday, March 8, at 11 o’clock, 
2.1; 


March 8, 1856. 

The Board of Regents met at 11 o’clock a. m. 

Present, The Chancellor, Hon. R. B. Taney, and Messrs. Pearce, 
English, Warner, Totten, and the Seeretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. 

Mr. English presented the report of the- Building Committee for 
the year 1855; which was read and adopted. 

Mr. Pearce presented the annual revort of the Executive Commit- 
tee, containing an account of the finances, the receipts and expendi- 
tures during the year 1855, the estimates for appropriations for 
1856, &¢., which was read and adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, the following resolution was adopted: 


Resolved, That, in order to give sufficient time to make up the accounts for the year, 
the annual meeting of the Bourd shall hereafter be held on the third Wednesday of 
January, instead of the first. 


The Secretary presented a Jetter from Joseph H. Patton, Esq., of 
New York, relative to the Wynn estate; which, after several docu- 
ments relating to the subject had been read, was referred to Mr. 
Mason, to whom former communications on this business had been 
submitted. 

It was stated by the Secretary that Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 123 


were not desirous to retain in their hands the extra funds of the 
institution; whereupon, after remarks as to the proper disposition 
of the money, on motion of Mr. Warner, it was— 

Resolved, That the committee appointed on the 24th of February, 1855, be directed 


to inquire and report upon the propriety and manner of permanently investing the 
money of the institution now in the hands of Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs. 


The Secretary read a communication from Frederick Gotteri, of 
Malta, received through the Department of State, relative to the 
establishment of a school for the instruction of persons in this 
country in silk culture and manufactures. 

On motion, the letter was referred to the Commissioner of Pat- 
ents. 

A communication from John Phillips, Esq., Assistant General 
Secretary of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, 
was read, containing the following extract from the proceedings of 
that body: 


“A communication from Professor Henry, of Washington, having been read con- 
taining a proposal for the publication of a catalogue of philosophical memoirs scat- 
tered throughout the transactions of societies in Europe and America, with the offer 
of co-operation on the part of the Smithsonian Institution, to the extent of preparing 
and publishing, in accordane¢e with the general plan which might be adopted by the 
British Association, a catalogue of -all the American memoirs on physical science, the 
committee approve of the suggestion, and recommend that Mr. Cayley, Mr. Grant, 
and Professor Stokes, be appointed a committee to consider the best system of arrange- 
ment, and to report thereon to the council.” 


The Secretary having stated to the Board that a number of the 
steamship and railroad companies had granted special facilities to 
the institution, in forwarding its packages free of cost, and particu- 
larly in granting a free passage to its agent sent to California to 
make collections in natural history, &e. 

On motion of General Totten, the following resolution was 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the Secretary, on the part of the Regents of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, return thanks to the United States Mail Steamship Company, M. O. Roberts, 
president; Pacific Mail Steamship Company, W. H. Aspinwall, president; South 
American Mail Steamship Company, Don Juan Matheson, president ; Mexican Gulf 
Steamship Company, Harris & Morgan, agents; and the Panama Railroad Company, 
David Hoagley, president, for their liberality and generous offices in relation to the 
transportation, without charge, of articles connected with the operations of the insti- 
tution. 


The Secretary read the following letter : 


HAMILTON COLLEGE, 
CLINTON, OnrIpA County, N. Y., February 2, 1856. 
To the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution : 

The trustees of Hamilton College, in the State of New York, made, on the 22d day 
of July, 1854,a contract with Messrs. C. A. Spencer & Co., of Canastota, in the same 
State, for the construction of an ‘equatorial telescope of the first class, with all the 
mountings and other incidents necessary and usual thereto.” 

There is a provision in this agreement, that ‘‘when the telescope and work are 


124 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


finished and put up in the observatory, the whole is to be submitted to the examina- 
tion of three men of science, to be agreed upon by the parties, and their judgment 
and decision as to the character of the telescope and the whole work, and whether the 
contract has been fully performed on the part of the builders, shall be final and con- 
elusive.” 


The instrument is now nearly completed. The diameter of the object-glass is thir- 
teen and one-half inches. 

The undersigned, as a committee in behalf of the college, request that the above- 
named examining board of scientific nen may be appointed by your body. They ask 
this for the following reasons : 

First. This telescope is the largest ever constructed in this country—constructed in 
the face of many obstacles, with an adverse public opinion. If it be equal to instru- 
ments made in Europe, its construction is a triumph of American genius in a hitherto 
untried field. The contractors, if successful, deserve that their success should be made 
known through some medium whose judgment shall be rigid and impartial, and shalk 
have a character to be respected abroad as well as at home. 

Again. The funds for the construction of this instrument, and the observatory to 
which it is attached, were contributed in various sums by many persons interested in 
the advancement of science, and scattered throughout the State of New York. To 
these persons our institution pledged itself to secure a first-class instrument. The col- 
lege corporation desires to satisfy them by an announcement from an authoritative 
quarter that it has faithfully fulfilled the trust, and that the contractors have produced 
the exact instrument provided for in the specifications of the contract. 

Furthermore, as persons interested in the advancement of science, and desirous that 
telescopes hereafter built in this country may be thoroughly and satisfactorily tested, 
the undersigned, in behalf of the college, would be glad to establish a precedent, which 
might lead the purchasers of other astronomical instruments to submit the question of 
their proper construction to your body, as being an institution central in its position 
and national in its character. 

We are authorized to state that the contractors join with the corporation in this 
application. 

Should this proposition be accepted by you, we would like to receive notice to that 
effect, and of the names of the gentlemen who may be selected as such committee. 

CHARLES AVERY, 

ORIN ROOT, 

OTHNIEL 8S. WILLIAMS, 

THEODORE W. DWIGHT, 
Committee. 


On motion of Mr. English, the following resclution was adopted : 


Resolved, That the letter of the committee of the trustees of Hamilton College be 
referred to Messrs. Bache, Totten, and Henry, with authority to comply with the re- 
quest contained in said letter. 


The following letter from the Corresponding Secretary of the 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences was read : 


AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, 
Boston AND CAMBRIDGE, Massacuuserts, August, 1855. 
My Dear Sir: The following extract from the record of the annual meeting in 
May last has just been furnished me by the recording secretary : 


‘¢ Professor Agassiz referred to the allusion in the librarian’s report to the Smithso- 
nian Institution, and expressed in strong language his sense of the indebtedness of 
the scientific world to that Institution, for its enlightened efforts to diffuse knowledge, 
particularly as a medium of exchange of publications. In conclusion, he moved that 
the thanks of the Academy be presented to the Smithsonian Institution, for its efficient 
agency in effecting for the Academy its exchanges with societies and individuals, which 
was unanimously adopted.” 

I have great pleasure in forwarding to you the vote of the Academy, in obedience 
to its instructions. 

And I remain, very respectfully, your obedient, faithful servant, 

ASA GRAY, 


Corresponding Secretary. 
Professor HENRY, 


Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 125 


- The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 22d instant, 
at 11 o’clock a. m. 


March 22, 1856. 

The Board of Regents met this day, at 11 o’clock. 

Present, Hon. R. B. Taney, the Chancellor, Messrs. Mason, Doug- 
las, English, Warner, Totten, Towers, Seaton, Treasurer, and the 
Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Mason stated that he had made an examination of the papers 
referred to him relative to the Wynn estate. 

After some remarks respecting the proper course to be pursued, 
on motion of Mr. Douglas, it was— 


Resolved, That Messrs. Mason and English be appointed a committee to draught a 
bill, and present it to Congress at their discretion, asking the authority for the Insti- 
tion to receive funds or legacies, and for power to sue and be sued. 


The Secretary presented the subject of the removal of the collec- 
tion of objects of natural history, now in the Patent Office, to the 
Smithsonian building. 

The Secretary presented to the Board a manuscript work on 
bibliography by Mr. Ludewig, which had originally been offered to 
the Smithsonian Institution, but which Mr. Triibner, a liberal and 
intelligent publisher in London, had now undertaken to present to 
the world at his own expense. 

The following letter from Mr. Stone, of Washington, was read: 


Mount PLEASANT, 
WASHINGTON City, February 18, 1856. 


Dear Sir: Some time since I spoke to you of the propriety and advantage of pro- 
curing from Europe copies in plaster of the best antique and modern statues and bas- 
reliefs. Having since reflected on the importance of cultivating a taste for the fine 
arts in our country, I now communicate to you my views, knowing that the object 
will find in you a zealous friend and advocate. 

I am aware, to undertake what is required will subject you to some trouble and 
opposition, owing to the absence of that knowledge, to procure which your exertions 
are solicited. 

As the country advances in science, the elegancies of life are in demand; decora- 
tions, ornaments, &c., in every fabric, find purchasers, and the higher the state of 
refinement, the more is art required. To meet this demand, it is requisite that we 
should have the advantage of seeing what has already been done in sculpture to serve 
asa basis. Thus, we may not only cultivate the talent of the artist, but the taste of 
the consumer, and thus the arts will meet with proper encouragement. 

It is not expected that all who study from the models will acquire equal eminence ; 
still all who work with zeal will be improved and find employment in the various 
branches of trade that require cultivated talent, as in works of design, including the 
various factories for using the loom for wool, cotton, or silk, potteries, including por- 
celain ware, founderies, &c. Painters, architects, and sculptors are usually thought 
to be those only benefitted by schools of art; but it is not so; they are a few among 
the thousands who will be prepared to give beauty and elegance to every fabric of 
manufacture known in the mechanic arts. 

On examination it will be found that the cultivation of the art of design will thus 
be of immense value to the country. On application being made by our minister in 
Rome, casts would be permitted to be taken from the moulds in the possession of the 


126 BOARD OF REGENTS.: 


Government, the cost of which would be trifling. The statues would decorate the 
Smithsonian building, and many could be so placed as to appear as accessories to it. 

If a school of design is formed, it may be independent of the Institution. But 
should the Smithsonian Institution deem it of sufficient importance, and consider it 
as one of the means of diffusion of useful knowledge among men, and grant an occa- 
sional lecture as on other subjects, it would accomplish much, and Congress may be 
made to feel that the interests of the country demand their fostering care in regard to 
the arts. I think you will find that ours is the only Government that has not seen 
and felt the importance to manufacturers of cultivating the fine arts. The great strife 
with manufacturers is to obtain elegance and beauty without interfering with dura- 
bility. Beauty and symmetry should be made essentials in the manufacture of the 
simplest articles, as they may be attained without interfering with more substantial 
qualities. Articles manufactured with elegance and good proportion will always be 
preferred to those of only equal strength and durability, of uncouth form. It is true 
that we may manufacture from forms and patterns produced by the forethought and 
liberality of other nations, and still be inferior to what our own genius would produce, 
were the facilities of cultivation in the fine arts made equal with those of other 
nations. The free institutions of our country cause men to rely in a measure on their 
own resources, thus early develuping and practising those inventive powers so peculiar 
to our people. We are not bound down by the local laws and prejudices of societies 
as in the Old World. Here a man, if he pleases, is his own carpenter, mason, or 
smith. His inquiring mind and ingenuity lead him to undertake and accomplish 
what he desires. How little will be required to cultivate talent and produce men who- 
will record the history of their country in marble or imperishable bronze—in the 
language of nature, always to be understood. Our monuments and antiquities will 
not carry with them the odor of royalty and nobility, but forms of elegance and 
beauty. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
WILLIAM J. STONE. 
Prof. Henry, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


The Secretary exhibited a new form of meteorological blanks 
which he had prepared for the joint use of the institution and the 
Patent Office, and also a simple form of the rain-gauge, of which a 
number had been ordered for distribution to different parts of the 
country. They are so constructed as to be readily transmitted by 
mail. 

The Secretary presented the following resolutions, which had 
been unanimously adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education, 
at a meeting held in March last: 


‘Whereas the Illinois State Board of Education concur in the opinion of the nec- 
essity and importance of the meteorological observations to be made, in accordance 
with the system established by the Smithsonian Institution, of simultaneous observa- 
tions in every State of this Union; and whereas that institution has undertaken to 
collect and digest all the observations which may be made on this continent; there- 
fore— 

‘* Resolved, That we will co-operate with said institution in order to obtain full and 
reliable reports from the various sections of this State. 

“ Resolved, That each member of this Board select some competent and reliable 
person in his congressional district to take charge of the observations in said district, 
and from time to time report the same to the Secretary of our Board. , 

‘‘ Resolved, That a committee of four be appointed by the President to memorialize 
the Legislature for an appropriation to aid in the purchase of a set of meteorological 
instruments for each Congressional district in our State. 

“ Resolved, That be appointed actuaries, in behalf of this Board, to 
collect and prepare specimens of the natural history and products of our State, and to 
co-operate with that department of the Smithsonian Institution.” 


The blank in the last resolution was filled with the names of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 12h 


Robert Kennicott, of Cook county; Dr. J. Niglas, of Peoria 
county; and W. F. M. Arny, of McLean county. 

The Sceretary also presented from the author a manuscript trans- 
lation of a memoir on the origin of the human race, by Baron 
Muller, of Marseilles, France. 

IIe also exhibited a copy of the great work on Egypt by Lepsius, 
presented to the library by the Prussian Government; a very ex- 
pensive and valuable work on Russian antiquities, from the Impe- 
rial Library at St. Petersburg; a portfolio of colored engravings to 
illustrate the Mosque of St. Sophia, Constantinople, from the 
Sultan; and other valuable donations and articles received in ex- 
change. 

The Board then adjourned, to meet at the call of the Secretary, 
and afterwards visited the different parts of the building. 


June 18, 1856. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 11 o’clock, in the hall of 
the institution. 

Present, Ion. R. B., Taney, Chancellor, Hon. J. A. Pearce, W. 
Il. English, Il. Warner, A. D. Bache, William B. Magruder, and 
the Secretary; and, by special invitation, Mr. W. W. Corcoran. 

The Secretary stated that Dr. W. B. Magruder, having been 
elected Mayor of the city of Washington, is ex officio a Regent of 
the institution, and therefore takes his seat in the Board. 

Mr. English, from the Finance Committee, made the following 
report : 


The Committee on Finance, charged by the resolution of March 8, 1855, with the 
duty of inquiring into and reporting upon the propriety and manner of permanently 
investing the moncy of the institution now in the hands of Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs, 
respectfully report: 

Ist. That in the judgment of the committee the best disposition to make of said 
fund would be to add it to the funds of the institution already in the Treasury of the 
United States, and to that end, your committee recommend that application be made 
to Congress for an act authorizing such addition. 

2d. As the money is at present yielding the institution no interest, your committee 
further recommend, that for the time being, and until favorable action can be pro- 
cured by Congress in relation to receiving said extra fund into the United States 
Treasury, the same be invested under the direction of the Finance Committee, in 
the stocks and bonds of such sound interest paying States, and at such rates as the 
Board of Regents may select and determine. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 


The following resolutions were offered : 


Resolved, That the report of the Committee on Finance be concurred in, and that 
the Chancellor appoint a committee to make application to Congress for an act author- 
izing the receipt of the extra fund into the Treasury of the United States. 

And further be it resolved, That until such action by Congress can be procured, the 
Committee on Finance invest said fund, in the name of the Regents of the Smithso- 
nian Institution, in such bonds and stocks as are mentioned in the following table, and 


128 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


at such rates, including brokerage, as will not exceed one per cent. above the rates 
mentioned in said table, viz: 


35,000 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds at 95 cents. 
36,000 Pennsylvania 5 fe CMa Ome 
36,000 Indiana 5 a Cy ain Oosa 
36,000 Missouri 6 ce oS ehptelsy, CC 


On motion of Dr. Magruder, the report of the committee was 
accepted, and the resolutions were adopted. 

The Chancellor appointed Hon. J. A. Pearce, of the Senate, and 
Hon. H. Warner, of the House of Representatives, a committee to 
make application to Congress for an act authorizing the receipt of 
the extra fund into the Treasury of the United States. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


July 9, 1856. 

The Board of Regents met this day in the committee room of the 
Library of Congress. 

Present, Hon. J. A. Pearce, James M. Mason, 8. A. Douglas, W. 
Hf. English, H. Warner, A. D. Bache, and the Secretary. 

The Secretary stated that Mr. Corcoran had informed him that 
he could not purchase the stocks directed to be bought by the Board 
at its last meeting at the prices limited by the resolution of June 
18, 1856. 

On motion of Dr. Magruder, it was— 

Resolved, That the Secretary, under the direction of the Committee on Finance, be 
instructed to purchase the said stocks at the market rate, and if any of said stocks 


have advanced in price, the Secretary, under the instruction of said committee, may 
invest in other stocks at discretion. 


The Board then adjourned sine die. 


January 21, 1857. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual meeting on the third Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the hall of the institution. 
' Present, Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. W. H. English, Hon. B. Stan- 
ton, Professor Bache, and the Secretary. 

No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Sat- 
urday, January 24, 1857, at 11 o’clock, a. m. 


January 24, 1857. 
The Board met this day at 11 o’clock, a. m. 
Present, Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. W. H. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 129 


English, Hon. B. Stanton, Hon. George E. Badger, Hon. W. B. 
Magruder, Professor C. C. Felton, and the Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Pearce was called to the 
chair. 

The minutes of the meetings of June 18, 1856, July 9, 1856, and of 
January 21, 1857, were read and approved. 

Hon. Mr. English, from the Committee -on Finance, presented 
the following report: 


The Committee on Finance, charged by resolutions of the Board of Regents with 
the duty of permanently investing the extra fund of the institution, beg leave to re- 
port that, in accordance with the resolution of July 9th, 1856, there have been pur- 
chased stocks and bonds of the States of Indiana, Virginia, and Tennessee, amounting 
in the aggregate to $185,500, and at a cost of $119,400, from which should be deducted 
the interest, accrued at date of purchase, say $1,000, leaving the net cost to the insti- 
tution $118,400. 

The annual interest upon these stocks and bonds amounts to $7,880, whereas, the 
interest upon the purchase money, as heretofore invested, was but $5,920, making an 
annual gain to the institution in the item of interest of $1,460. 

For further and full particulars, the committee refer to the following report made 
to them by the Secretary of the Institution : 


To the Commitice on Finance of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 


GENTLEMEN: In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Regents, adopted 
July 9th, 1856, authorizing the Secretary, under the direction of the Committee on 
Finance, to purchase State stocks for the institution with the extra fund, I respect- 
fully submit the following report : 

With the assistance of the Hon. Mr. English, and under the direction of the Com- 
mittee on Vinance, there have been purchased— 

Inp1ana five per cent. bonds, amounting to-_---_..--------- $75,000 for $63,000 00 


and under the direction of the committee and through 
the agency of Messrs. Riggs & Co., 


VIRGINIA six per cent. bonds, amounting to ------..--____- 63,500 for 49,832 50 
including commission, and also of 
PN MESSHI six per cent. bonds/_-2 2.452.225 Lene 7,000 for 6,567 50 


There remains of the extra fund in the hands of Riggs & Co., $600, which, together 
with the $5,000 drawn from this fund in 1855, to meet payments on the building, and 
which may be repaid from the balance now in the Treasury, will make the $125,000 
intended to be invested. 


The interest for six months received at the beginning of this year on these 


PRCCASUOC ICS WAS eS ak a ee $3,690 00 
The interest received from Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs on the extra fund 

provions..0) the! Investment w9s,!.22) 4 0212 225k Lee ee 2,533 383 

Total interest on the extra fund, during 1856_--_-.--.-----._______- $6,223 33 


The stock now owned by the institution will yicld, during the present year, (1857,) 
an interest of $7,380. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 

JANUARY 21, 1857. 

On motion of Dr. Magruder, the report was accepted and adopted, 

The statement of the treasurer, for 1856, was presented and re- 
ferred to the Executive Committee. 

Hon. Mr. English presented the report of the Building Commit- 
tee, which was accepted. 

On motion of Dr. Magruder, the Secretary was authorized to 

9 


130 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


have the cisterns referred to in the report of the Building Commit- 
tee securely arched over with brick, and one of them to be properly 
arranged for an ice-house. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Monday morning, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 


January 26, 1857. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 10 o’clock 
a. m. 

Present, Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. James M. Mason, Hon. 8. 
A. Douglas, Hon. William H. English, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, 
Professor C. C. Felton, and the Secretary. | 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 


Resolved, That the funds of the institution deposited with Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs, 
for the current expenses of the institution, be placed in the hands of Messrs. Riggs & 
Co., successors to Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs. 


Mr. Pearce presented the report of the Executive Committee, 
showing the receipts and expenditures for the year 1856, and the 
estimates of appropriations for the year 1857. 

The Secretary then presented the annual report of the operations 
of the institution during the year 1856, which was read in part. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Wednesday, January 28th, 
at 64 o’clock, p. m. 


January 28, 1857. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this evening, at 64 
o’clock, p. m. 

Present, Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. B. Stanton, 
Hon. H. Warner, Professor C. C. Felton, Professor A. D. Bache, 
Hon. George HE. Badger, and the Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary concluded the reading of his report. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, the report of the Secretary was ac- 
cepted. 

The report of the Executive Committee was then taken up and 
adopted. 

The Secretary presented various communications, &¢c., to the 
Board. 

Adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 131 


March 16, 1857. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 11 o’clock 
a.m. 

Present: Hon. R. B. Taney, Chancellor, Hon. John C. Breckin- 
ridge, James M. Mason, 8. A. Douglas, Gen. Jos. G. Totten, Prof. 
A. D. Bache, Wm. B. Magruder, and the Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Chancellor, Chief Justice Taney, then presented the follow- 
ing communication : 


WasHineton, March 16, 1857. 

GENTLEMEN: When the Board of Regents was originally organized it was deemed 
proper that the Vice-President of the United States for the time being should be 
elected as the Chancellor. The Institution exists under the authority of Congress, 
and they have made certain officers of the government ex officio Regents. The Vice- 
President is the highest in rank of the officers thus designated; and it would seem to 
be peculiarly proper that the one who presides over the deliberations of one branch 
of the national legislature should also preside over the deliberations of a scientific 
institution which the nation has brought into existence and fosters. 

Unfortunate events have for some time past left the Government without a Vice- 
President elected by the people. And when that office was vacant the Regents con- 
ferred on me the office which had always before been filled by the Vice-President. And 
when I accepted it I regarded the appointment as a temporary one. The reason for 
the appointment has now happily ceased, and I desire to give the Regents an oppor- 
tunity of restoring the original plan of organization, in which I fully concurred 
when it was adopted. 

I therefore resign the office of Chancellor of the Institution, and at the same time 
return my thanks for the honor which the Regents bestowed upon me in electing me 
to that office. 

But my resignation will not lessen the interest I feel in the institution. On the 
contrary, every year’s experience has more and more convineed me of its usefulness 
and efficiency in promoting the objects of its founder, and I shall always be ready to 
offer my humble aid if I can be useful in advancing its prosperity and success. 

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, 

R. B. TANEY. 

To the REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


Mr. Breckinridge, Vice President of the United States, moved 
that the present Chancellor, Chief Justice Taney, be re-elected to 
that office, expressing his unwillingness to assume the position 
which had been so long and so ably filled by its present occupant. 

The motion was adopted unanimously, whereupon Judge Taney 
remarked that he was anxious to serve the Institution to the best of 
his ability, and he could not decline this expression of the confi- 
dence of the Board, if they insisted on his retaining the office of 
Chancellor. 

The Secretary announced that, by joint resolution of the Senate 
and House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Rush, of Pennsylva- 
nia, and Gen. Joseph G. Totten, of the city of Washington, had 
been re-elected Regents for six years; also that the President of 
the Senate had re-appointed Hon. James A. Pearce and Hon. James 
M. Mason, Regents for the same period of time. 


132 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Secretary announced to the Board that, since its last meeting, 
three distinguished men of science, correspondents of the Institu- 
tion, had deceased, namely: Prof. J. W. Bailey, Dr. HE. K. Kane, 
and Mr. W. C. Redfield. 

On this announcement Prof Bache offered a series of appropri- 
ate remarks, referring to their eminent services in the promotion 
of science. 

Gen. Totten offered the following resolutions, which were 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard with regret 
the announcement of the death of Prof. Jacob W. Bailey, whose communications to 
the Smithsonian Contributions have attracted the notice and won the approval of 
naturalists throughout the world. 

Resolved, That the Regents offer to the family of Prof. Bailey their condolence on 
the loss which they have sustained. 


Mr. Douglas offered the following resolutions; which were 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, in common with the 
whole country, have heard with deep regret of the death of one of their esteemed 
collaborators, Dr. E. K. Kane, to whom was committed by this institution. a set of 
philosophical instruments for the purpose of research in the polar regions, which he 
used, and carefully returned at the hazard of his life, with a series of observations of 
great value to science. 

Resolved, That the Regents offer to the family of Dr. Kane, their condolence on 
the loss which they have sustained. 


Prof. Bache offered the following resolution ; which was adopted ; 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have heard with regret 
of the decease of their valued correspondent, William C. Redfield, of New York, 
whose labors in meteorology have rendered his name familiar to men of science in 
every part of the civilized world, and offer to his family their condolence on the loss 
which they have sustained. 

A communication from Dr. Robert Hare was read, relative to the 
practical construction of minute weights and measures. 

On motion of Dr. Magruder; the following resolutions were 
adopted : 

Resolved, That a copy of the communication of Dr. Hare be transmitted to the 
Secretary of the Treasury, with the recommendation of the Board of Regents that 
the instrument offered by Dr. Hare be received by the Government, and placed in 
the office of weights and measures. 

Resolved, That the communication of Dr. Hare be inserted in the appendix to the 
report of the Regents to Congress. 

A communication from J. A. Johnson, Hsq., of Maryland, rela- 
tive to an “International Geographic and Scientific Commission ” 
was read and referred to the Executive Committee and the Secre- 
tary. 

The Secretary made a communication to the Board, relative to 


an article which had been published by Prof. 8. F. B. Morse, con- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 1383 


taining charges against his moral character and his scientific rep- 
utation. 
The Chancellor made a few remarks, confirming Prof. Henry’s 
statement as to the advice he had given him respecting this attack. 
On motion of Mr. Mason, the following resolution was adopted : 


Resolved, That the communication of the Secretary and accompanying documents 
be referred to a committee, to examine and report upon it at the next session of the 
Board of Regents. 


Whereupon the Chancellor appointed Messrs. Mason, Pearce, 
Felton, and Douglas, as the committee. 
The Board then adjourned sine die. 


January 20,1858. 
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual meeting on the third Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room. 
No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Thurs- 
day, January 28, 1858. 


January 28, 1858. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 10 
a. m., in the Smithsonian Institution. 

Present, Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Vice-President of the 
United States, Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. George 
HK. Badger, Prof. A. D. Bache, Prof. C. C. Felton, Mr. Seaton, 
Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor the Vice-President was called 
to the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary stated that, since the last meeting of the Board, 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives had appointed Hon. 
William UH. English, of Indiana, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, of Ohio, 
and Ion. L. J. Gartrell, of Georgia, as Regents for the term of 
their service as members of the House. 

The Treasurer presented a statement of the receipts and expen- 
ditures during the year 1857, and also a general statement of the 
funds; which were referred to the Executive Committee. 

The following communication was presented : 


WASHINGTON, January 23, 1858. 
GENTLEMEN: The undersigned offers for sale, and respectfully suggests to your 
honorable Board the propriety of purchasing, the gallery of Indian portraits now, 
and for some years past, in the Smithsonian Institution. 


134 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


He proposes to sell the whole collection described in the catalogue published by the 
institution, one hundred and fifty-two in number, for the sum of twelve thousand 
dollars—one-third of the same cash and the remainder at two equal annual instalments $ 
or, if it should be preferred, one-fourth down and the residue in three equal annual 
instalments. 2 

The undersigned commenced his labors in this work in 1842, and devoted the best 
years of his life in travelling through the region of our country peopled principally 
by the red man—through the wilds of Oregon and what is now Washington Terri- 
tory. All of the portraits are accurate likenesses of prominent chiefs and braves, 
and readily recognized by men who have had intercourse with the various tribes of 
Indians. 

Since 1852 he has cherished the hope (but has not been able to realize it) that Con- 
gress would authorize the purchase of this collection. He has, up to this time, made 
sacwifices—such as one believing in the merit of his own work, and whose zeal in 
persevering through arduous and unremitting toil to accomplish it, alone would make— 
to keep this collection together. He will not affect the modesty of refraining from ex- 
pressing his belief that no other gallery (aside from what artistic merit the public 
may award it) possesses the interest, in a national point of view, that this does. 
Some of the chiefs represented are no longer living; and, to the little we know of 
their history it will be some satisfaction to add the perpetuation of their features. 
These were taken from life and in the character they themselves preferred to be 
handed down to the gaze of future generations. 

The price at which he offers this collection will not more than cover the outlay in 
cost of material, transportation, insurance, travelling expenses, &c., and will not 
afford him any compensation for his time and labor. Taking, as he humbly con- 
ceives, the intrinsic value of these Indian portraits into consideration, he will receive 
no pecuniary profit by their disposal on the terms named. 

His ardent desire that they should be preserved, as a national work, in some place 
at the capital of our country; his failure heretofore to induce Congress to agree to 
their purchase, and the more pressing reasons of liabilities now maturing, impel 
him to make this proposition. Your honorable Board are again requested to consider 
it and communicate your answer at as early a day as is convenient. If the purchase 
of the portraits is not authorized by you, he will be compelled to expose them at 
public auction in time to have the proceeds available by the Ist of May next. 

The undersigned will take this occasion to tender his acknowledgments to the Board 
and Professor Henry for the use of the hall in the institution where the gallery now 
is, and for other courtesies, which he will always appreciate. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
J. M. STANLEY. 


The Hon. BoarpD or REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


On motion, this communication was referred to a special com- 
mittee, and Messrs. Felton, Douglas, and Badger were appointed. 

The Secretary laid before the Board a present from Miss Contax- 
aki, of Greece, consisting of a volume of drawings, &c., illustrating 
the celebrated works of art in her own land, together with the fol- 
lowing letters : 


WASHINGTON, November 23, 1857. 


Sir: During my last trip to the east I was charged by Miss Elizabeth B. Contax- 
aki, a native of the isle of Crete, with an ‘‘ornamental album,’’ which she desired 
me to present, through you, to the Smithsonian Institution. In forming the work, 
this lady designed it as a contribution to the Universal Exhibition at Paris, in 1855, 
worthy of the classic renown of the ancient city of Athens. {o ardent is her admir- 
ation of the United States and its institutions that she wishes it to be permanently 
placed in this country, and having a high appreciation of you as an American states- 
man, and your reputation as a classical scholar, she desired that I would request you 
to offer it in her name to the Smithsonian Institution. 

The ‘Classical Bouquet,” as it is entitled, consists of illustrations of the principal 
monuments and places in the kingdom of Greece, to which are added a few from her 
native isle of Crete, not yet emancipated from the Moslem yoke. These illustrations 
are explained by quotations from the ancient Greek authors in the original language, 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 135 


beautifully illuminated; whilst many of the pages are adorned with flowers culled 
from the spots which the drawings represent. 

Miss Contaxaki is the sole originator and authoress of it, assisted in its execution by 
native artists of Greece. The beauty of the finish, and the faithfulness and accuracy 
of the quotations from Hesiod, Homer, Xenophon, Plato, and others, show that the 
present sons and daughters of the renowned ancient city of Minerva are not insensi- 
ble of the glory that was once attached to her name, nor incapable of appreciating 
those monuments of art, science, and literature, which still survive. 

Feeling assured that, as an eminent classical scholar, you will fully appreciate the 
worth of the Classical Bouquet, I beg to present it, through you, to the Smithsonian 
Institution, in her name. 

With sentiments of the highest respect, I remain your obedient servant, 

CHARLES 8S. SPENCE. 

Hon. Lewis Cass, 

Secretary of State. 


WasHINGTON City, November 25, 1857. 

Str: I send you herewith a splendid album, together witha letter from Mr. Spence, 
explanatory of the circumstances of its execution and transmission to this country. I 
perform the duty of presenting it to the Smithsonian Institution with great pleasure, 
for it is a finished specimen of taste and art, worthy of a prominent place in your in- 
teresting collection. Mr. Spence has so well described it, that any further reference 
to it on my part is unnecessary. 

I am, dear sir, respectfully yours, 
LEWIS CASS. 

Prof. Henry, 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington City. 

On motion, the work was referred to Professor Felton, to report 

a resolution expressive of the high appreciation of the gift on the 

f the Board, and a 1 f acknowled Miss C 
part of the Board, and a letter of acknowledgement to Miss Con- 
taxaki. 

A letter was read from Sir George Simpson, expressing the desire 
and intention of the agents of the Hudson’s Bay Company to co- 
operate with the Smithsonian Institution in procuring specimens of 
natural history, and in the prosecution of scientific researches. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, 30th instant, at 


11 o’clock, a. m. 


January 30, 1858. 

The Board of Regents met this day in the hall of the institution, 
at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Hon. J. C. Breckinridge, Vice-President of the United 
States, Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. J. M. Mason, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, 
Hon. W. H. English, Professor A. D. Bache, Professor C. C. Felton, 
Mr. Seaton, Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

The Vice-President took the chair. 

The minutes were then read and approved. 

The minutes of the last meeting of the ‘‘ Establishment”? were 
read for information, according to the by-laws of that body. 

The Secretary stated to the Board the action of Congress at its 
last session, relative to the construction of cases in the Smithsonian 


136 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


building for the Government collections, and also the decision of 
the Attorney General respecting the law. 

The Secretary then presented the annual report of the operations, 
expenditures, and condition of the institution during the year 1857 ; 
which was read. 

The Board then visited the rooms of the building, the collections, 
&e., and adjourned. 


April 10, 1858. 


The Board of Regents met this day at 11 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Hon. J. M. Mason. Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. George E. 
Badger, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, Hon. L. J. Gartrell. . 

Mr. Mason was called to the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

The report of the Building Committee for the year 1857 was read 
and accepted. 

The report of the Executive Committee was presented, together 
with the estimates for the year 1858. 

Communications relative to the care of the Government collec- 
tions, the Wynn estate, the publications, investigations, and other 
operations of the institution, were read. 

On motion of Mr. Badger, the Secretary was directed to have the 
windows and other parts of the east wing of the building put in 
good order. :; 

The following report from Professor Felton was presented. 


Report on the present of Miss Contaxaki. 


The Secretary laid before the Board a volume received from Greece, and sent as a 
gift to the Smithsonian Institution, together with the letter of une Hon. Mr. Spence, 
late United States Minister to Constantinople, to the Secretary of State, and the letter 
of the Hon. Lewis Cass, the Secretary of State, to Professor Henry, the Secretary of 
the Institution. The volume and the correspondence were referred to Professor 
Felton. 

The volume was transmitted from Athens, Greece, through Mr. Spence. It was 
designed and executed by a Greek lady of rare literary accomplishments, Miss Eliza- 
beth B. Contaxaki, assisted by six Greek gentlemen, resident in Athens. It contains 
sketches of the principal ruins in that city, and views of the most famous historical 
places there and in other parts of Greece, correctly drawn and delicately colored, to- 
gether with the passage, from the classic authors, in which the objects and places are 
described or referred to, translations of the passages, and extracts from English and 
French writers on the same subjects. The book is adorned with exquisitely drawn 
vignettes, and emblematic devices, and with specimens of the wild flowers which 
grow in the places described, carefully preserved and pressed, and attached to the 
leaves. The volume is bound in blue velvet, and tastefully decorated with silver. It 
is put in an elegantly and richly carved case, made of olive wood from the olive 
groves near Athens, where stood, in ancient times, the academic groves of Plato’s 
school. The body of the case is made of the trunk of the tree, and the ornamental 
portions, of the root, which is of darker and richer color. This beautiful gift, there- 
fore, combines a great variety of objects, possessing, from their associations with the 
loftiest achievements of Hellenic genius, a deep and singular interest, and forming a 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 137 


most appropriate memorial of the country from which European art, education, phi- 
losophy, and letters took their rise. 

Miss Contaxaki, the tasteful designer of this memorial, is a native of the island of 
Crete. At the time of the outbreak of the Greek revolution her father was a landed 
proprietor there, and, in common with the great body of the Hellenic race, lost most 
of his property by the rapacity and tyranny of the Turks. His family was dispersed, 
and his daughter Elizabeth became an inmate in the family of the Rev. Dr. John H. 
Hill, the American missionary, who established himself in Athens at the close of the 
war for the benevolent and enlightened purpose of aiding the Greeks to reconstruct 
the shattered edifice of civilization by establishing the school, which still continues to 
dispense the blessings of education among the children of its first pupils in that illus- 
trious capital. Residing with Dr. Hill for many years, and educated chiefly under 
“his superintendence and care, Elizabeth became known to many American travellers 
in the East, by whom she has often been mentioned with a cordial appreciation of her 
accomplishments and merits. ‘Their personal relations have naturally inspired her 
with a warm interest in the United States, heightened by the sympathies of the citi- 
zens of America in the regeneration of her country, and the substantial aid furnished 
by them to Greece in the hour of her utmost need. Recently Miss Contaxaki, after a 
visit to Constantinople, where she was received with distinction, has returned to her 
native island, which is under the government of the Pacha of Egypt, and, by her 
learning and ability, has succeeded in recovering, through the Moslem tribunal, a por- 
tion of her paternal estate. 

The volume now presented to the Smithsonian Institution was sent to the great 
Paris Exhibition of 1855, where it excited much admiration, and gained a diploma 
for its accomplished author. She has now transmitted it for permanent deposit 
among the treasures of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States. 

The Regents of the Institution accept the gift with great pleasure, not only on ac- 
count of its rare beauty, its intrinsic value, and the many interesting associations it 
suggests with that famous city, called by Milton ‘tthe eye of Greece, mother of art 
and arms,’’ but also as an expressive symbol of the hearty good will for the American 
republic, cherished by the enlightened spirit of a nation which has so honorably vin- 
dicated its right to the glories of an illustrious descent by re-establishing the institu- 
tions of freedom and learning on the soil where, in ancient times, they earliest flour- 
ished, and with unexampled splendor. 

The committee recommends the adoption of the following resolutions by the Board: 

Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution accept, with gratitude, 
the splendid memorial volume presented by Miss Elizabeth B. Contaxaki, and that 
they recognize in the beauty, taste, and art displayed in its general execution and 
style of its embellishment, a pleasing indication that the genius which placed the 
ancient Greeks at the head of the civilization of the world still survives in their de- 
scendants. 

Resolved, That a copy of the above report, and of these resolutions, be transmitted, 
with a letter of acknowledgement from the Smithsonian Institution, to Miss Contax- 
aki, the accomplished donor, 


On motion the report was accepted and the resolutions adopted. 
The Board then adjourned. 


May 19, 1858. 

The Board met this day in the Vice-President’s room, United 
States Capitol, at 94 o’clock. 

Present, the Chancellor, Hon. Roger B. Taney, Hon. John C. 
Breckinridge, Vice-President of the United States, Hon. James M. 
Mason, Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. W. H. Eng- 
lish, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, Professor A. D. Bache, and the Sec- 
retary. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

Mr. Pearce explained the report of the Executive Committee and 


138 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


the estimates for the year 1858; and, on motion, they were adopted. 

The following report was presented from Professor Felton, of the 
committee to whom was referred the communication of Mr. J. M. 
Stanley. 


Report on the proposition to purchase the Indian Gallery. 


The Secretary laid before the Board a letter from Mr. J. M. Stanley, painter of the 
gallery of Indian portraits now on deposit with the Smithsonian Institution, propos- 
ing to sell them to the Institution for the sum of twelve thousand dollars. 

The committee appointed to consider and report upon the subject respectfully repre- 
sent that, while they are fully sensible of the great historical and ethnological value 
of this collection of portraits, and of their characteristic excellence, they are yet of 
opinion that it would be inexpedient to withdraw the sum mentioned from the funds 
necessary to carry on the scheme of active operations, which has been so ably inaugu- 
rated and, thus far, so successfully executed. The income of the Smithsonian fund 
should not be scattered among different and disconnected objects, and the sum _neces- 
sary for the purchase of the gallery cannot be spared, without crippling for a time, 
at least, the regular operations of the Institution. 

Among the Contributions to Knowledge several important works relating to the 
aboriginal inhabitants of America have been published by the institution and circu- 
lated over the civilized world. 

Grammars and dictionaries of the Indian languages may be mentioned as of special 
interest and of great value to the science of comparative philology. Their language 
will probably pass away, and the races speaking them disappear; but the works to 
which we allude will preserve, for future investigators of the science of philology, 
the characteristic form in which their thoughts were expressed, and will have an im- 
portant bearing, not only on general ethnological inquiries, but on the philosophy of 
the human mind. These volumes have been eagerly sought and studied by the most 
eminent comparative philologists of Hurope, and have, by universal consent, contrib- 
uted materially to the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men in that depart- 
ment of science. 

But though your committee are of opinion that the purchase of this gallery would 
interfere with the present plan of operations, and that it would not so directly tend 
to the increase and diffusion of knowledge, they would earnestly express the opinion 
that, in a national point of view, the value of these portraits can hardly be over-esti- 
mated. 

They represent forty-three different tribes, and are taken from the leading person- 
ages in them. The artist has studied carefully the peculiarities of the tribes, the 
characteristic expressions of the individuals, their natural attitudes and actions, their 
several styles of costume and ornament, and has reproduced, with artistic skill, all 
these particulars. To this interesting enterprise he has given ten of the best years of 
his life, having traversed, with great labor and inconvenience, the principal regions 
inhabited by the subjects of his pencil. The number of portraits, including that of 
the artist, enumerated in the catalogue, is one hundred and fifty-two, The price for 
which they are offered is much below their real value, being less than $80 a piece. 
At the proposed rate the artist will receive no compensation for his time and labor, 
and barely enough to defray the cost of material, transportation, traveling expenses, 
and insurance. 

The number of the tribes represented so faithfully in this gallery, and the promi- 
nence of the individuals, render the collection very complete and satisfactory, as pre- 
senting a general view of the characteristic features of the red man. These circum- 
stances make it important that the gallery should be preserved entire. Its peculiar 
value consists in its comprehensive character no less than in the fidelity of its indi- 
vidual details. Centuries hence, when most all of the tribes here represented shall 
have disappeared, as the New England tribes, for example, have nearly disappeared, 
this gallery will be an object of the profoundest interest to the student of man, the 
historian, the philosopher, and the statesman. 

The relations between the Government of the United States and the Indian tribes 
form one of the most delicate and important subjects of national legislation. The 
Government has not only endeavored to deal with the red men in a liberal and pater- 
nal spirit, but has done much towards illustrating their character and condition by 
the publication of costly works embodying the observation: and researches of investi- 
gators who haye devoted themselves to Indian studies. It appears to your committee 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 139 


that, to purchase this collection, and to place it in some secure situation easy of access 
to visitors at the capital, would be an act worthy of the enlightened liberality of Con- 
gress. The cost would be insignificant, and the value of the collection would increase 
in all future time. No place is so suitable for its permanent deposit as the city of 
Washington, and no guardianship so appropriate as that of the Government of the 
United States. 

Your committee recommend to the Board that the subject of the purchase of Mr. 
Stanley’s Indian gallery be brought respectfully to the attention of Congress, as a 
measure eminently deserving a favorable consideration in its bearings upon the history 
of the aboriginal tribes of America, and as a monument of deep and lasting interest 
to the people of the United States. 


The report was accepted, and laid on the table for the present. 

The Secretary stated that Mr. Putnam having resigned the agency 
of the Smithsonian publications in New York, Messrs. D. Appleton 
& Co. had been appointed his successors. 

The Secretary announced that since the last meeting of the Board 
the death of Dr. Robert Hare, of Philadelphia, had occurred, who 
was one of the principal benefactors of the institution, and its first 
honorary member. 

Professor Bache gave an account of the life, character, and scien- 
tific researches of Dr. Hare, and offered the following resolutions : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have learned with deep 
regret the decease of one of the earliest and most venerated honorary members of the 
establishment, Robert Hare, M. D., of Philadelphia, late professor of chemistry in 
the University of Pennsylvania. 

Resolved, That the activity and power of mind of Dr. Hare, shown through a long 
and successful career of physical research, the great fertility of invention, the happy 
adaptations to matters of practical life, and the successful grappling with questions of 
high theory in physical science, have placed him among the first in his country of the 
great contributors to knowledge, clarum et venerabile nomen. 

Resolved, That while we deplore the loss of this great and good man, who has done 
so much to keep alive the flame of science in our country in past days, we especially 
mourn the generous patron of our institution, the sympathizing friend of the youth 
of some of us, and the warm-hearted colleague of our manhood. 

Resolved, That we offer to the bereaved family of Dr. Hare our sincere condolence 
in the loss which they have sustained by his death. 


The resolutions were adopted. 

The report of the Secretary for 1857 was then accepted. 

Professor Felton, in behalf of the Special Committee, to whom 
the following communication of Professor Henry, of March 16th, 
1857, together with accompanying documents, &c., were referred, 
presented a report. 


Communication from Prof. Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, relative 
to a publication by Prof. Morse. 


GENTLEMEN: In the discharge of the important and responsible duties which de- 
volve upon me as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, I have found myself ex- 
posed, like other men in public positions, to unprovoked attack and injurious misrep- 
resentation. Many instances of this, it may be remembered, occurred about two 
years ago, during the discussions relative to the organic policy of the institution ; but, 
though very unjust, they were suffered to pass unnoticed, and generally made, I pre- 
sume, no lasting impression on the public mind. 

During the same controversy, however, there was one attack made upon me of such 
a nature, so elaborately prepared and widely circu.ated by my opponents, that, though 
I have not yet publicly noticed it, I have from the first thought it my duty not to 


140 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


allow it to go unanswered. I allude to an article in a periodical entitled ‘‘ Shaffner’s 
Telegraph Companion,’’ from the pen of Professor 8. I’. B. Morse, the ceiebrated in- 
ventor of the American electro-magnetic telegraph. In this, not my scientific repu- 
tation merely, but my moral character was pointedly assailed; indeed, nothing less 
was attempted than to prove that in the testimony which I had given in a case where 
I was at most but a reluctant witness, I had consciously and wilfully deviated from 
the truth, and this, too, from unworthy and dishonorable motives. 

Such a charge, coming from such a quarter, appeared to me then, as it appears now, 
of too grave a character and too serious a consequence to be withheld from the notice 
_ of the Board of Regents. I, therefore, presented the matter unofficially to the Chan- 
cellor of the Institution, Chief Justice Taney, and was advised by him to allow the 
matter to rest until the then existing excitement with respect to the organization of 
the institution should subside, and that in the meantime the materials for a refutation 
of the charge might be collected and prepared, to be brought forward at the proper 
time, if I should think it necessary. | 

The article of Mr. Morse was published in 1855, but at the session of the Board in 
1856 I was not prepared to present the case properly to your consideration, and I now 
(1857) embrace the first opportunity of bringing the subject officially to your notice, 
and asking from you an investigation into the justice of the charges alleged against 
me. And this 1 do most earnestly, with the desire that when we shall all have 
passed from this stage of being, no imputation of having attempted to evade in silence 
so grave a charge shall rest on me, nor on you, of having continued to devolve upon 
me duties of the highest responsibility, after that was known to some of you individu- 
ally, which, if true, should render me entirely unworthy of your confidence. Duty 
to the Board of Regents, as well as regard to my own memory, to my family, and to 
the truth of history, demands that I should lay this matter before you, and place in 
your hands the documents necessary to establish the veracity of my testimony, so 
falsely impeached, and the integrity of my motives, so wantonly assailed. 

My life, as is known to you, has been principally devoted to science, and my in- 
vestigations in different branches of physics have given me some reputation in the 
line of original discovery. I have sought, however, no patent for inventions, and 
solicited no remuneration for my labors, “but have freely given their results to the 
world, expecting only, in return, to enjoy the, consciousness of having added, by my 
investivations, to the sum of human knowledge, and to receive the credit to which 
they might justly entitle me. 

I commenced my scientific career about the year 1828, with a series of experiments 
in electricity, which were continued at intervals up to the period of my being honored 
by election to the office of Secretary of this Institution. The object of my researches 

was the advancement of science, without any special or immediate reference to its 
application to the wants of life or useful purposes in the arts. It is true, neverthe- 
less, that some of my earlier investigations had an important bearing on the electro- 
magnetic telegraph, and brought the science to that point of development at which it 
was immediately applicable to Mr. Morse’s particular invention. 

In 1831 I published a brief account of these researches, in which I drew attention 
to the fact’of their applicability to the telegraph; and in 1832, and subsequently, 
exhibited experiments illustrative of the application of the electro-magnet to the 
transmission of power to a distance, for producing telegraphic and other effects. The 
results I had published were communicated to Mr. Mor se, by his scientific assistant, 
Dr. Gale, as will be shown on the evidence of the latter; and the facts which I had 
discovered were promptly applied in rendering effective the operation of his machine. 

In the latter part of 1837 I became personally acquainted with Mr. Morse, and at 
that time, and afterwards, freely gave him information in regard to the scientific 
principles which had been ‘the subject of my investigations. After his return from 
Hurope, in 1839, our intercourse was renewed, and continued uninterrupted till 1845. 
In that year, Mr. Vail, a partner and assistant of Mr. Morse, published a work pur- 
porting to be a history of the telegraph, in which I conceived manifest injustice was 
done me. I complained of this to a mutual friend, and subsequently received an 
assurance from Mr. Morse that if another edition were published, all just ground of 
complaint should be removed. A new emission of the work, however, shortly after- 
wards appeared, without change in this respect, or further reference to my labors. 
Still I made no public complaint, and set up no claims on account of the telegraph. 
I was content that my published researches should remain as material for the history 
of science, and be pronounced upon, according to their true value, by the scientific 
world. 

After this, a series of controversies and lawsuits having arisen between rival claim- 
ants for telegraphic patents, I was repeatedly appealed to, to act as expert and witness 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 141 


in such cases. This I uniformly declined to do, not wishing to be in any manner in- 
volved in these litigations, but was finally compelled, under legal process, to return 
to Boston from Maine, whither I had gone on a visit, and to give evidence on the 
subject. My testimony was given with the statement that I was not a willing wit- 
ness, and that I labored under the disadvantage of not having access to my notes and 
papers, which were in Washington. That testimony, however, I now reaffirm to be 
true in every essential particular. It was unimpeached before the court, and exercised 
an influence on the final decision of the question at issue. 

I was called upon on that occasion to state, not only what I had published, but 
what I had done, and what I had shown to others in regard to the telegraph. Ii 
was my wish, in every statement, to render Mr. Morse full and scrupulous justice. 
While I was constrained, therefore, to state that he had made no discoveries in 
science, I distinctly declared that he was entitled to the merit of combining and 
applying the discoveries of others, in the invention of the best practical form of the 
magnetic telegraph. My testimony tended tg establish the fact that, though not 
entitled to the exclusive use of the electro-magnet for telegraphic purposes, he was 
entitled to his particular machine, register, alphabet, &c. As this, however, did not 
meet the full requirements of Mr. Morse’s comprehensive claim, I could not but be 
aware that, while aiming to depose nothing but truth and the whole truth, and while 
so doing being obliged to speak of my own discoveries, and to allude to the omissions 
in Mr. Vail’s book, I might expose myself to the possible, and, as it has proved, the 
actual, danger of having my motives misconstrued and my testimony misrepre- 
sented. But I can truly aver, in accordance with the statement of the counsel, Mr. 
Chase, (now Governor of Ohio,) that I had no desire to arrogate to myself undue 
merit, or to detract from the just claims of Mr. Morse. 

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, 
JOSEPH HENRY. 

To THE BoARD OF REGENTs. 


The Chancellor, Chief Justice Taney, corroborated Prof. Henry’s 
statement as to his advising a delay in noticing the publication re- 
ferred to until the public mind should be more settled in regard to 
the policy of the institution, and the discussions which had arisen 
in Congress in reference to it should be ended. 

He stated that it would be seen by the report of the decision of 
the Supreme Court, in the case in which Professor Henry was a 
witness, that, in the opinion of the court, Professor Morse had pro- 
duced no testimony that could invalidate the testimony of Professor 
Henry, or impair in any degree its weight, and gave full credit to 
it in the judgment it pronounced. 


REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS ON THE 
COMMUNICATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY. 


Professor Henry laid before the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution a communication relative to an article in “ ShafE 
ner’s Telegraph Companion,” bearing the signature of Samuel F. 
B. Morse, the inventor of the American electro-magnetic telegraph. 
In this article serious charges are brought against Professor Henry, 
bearing upon his scientific reputation and his moral character. The 
whole matter having been referred to a committee of the Board, 
with instructions to report on the same, the committee have attended 
to the duty assigned to them, and now submit the following brief 
report, with resolutions accompanying it: 

The committee have carefully examined the documents relating 


142 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


to the subject, and especially the article to which the communica- 
tion of Professor Henry refers. This article occupies over ninety 
pages, filling an entire number of Shaffner’s journal, and purports 
to be “a defense against the injurious deductions drawn from the 
deposition of Professor Joseph Henry, (in the several telegraph 
suits,) with a critical review of said deposition, and an examination 
of Professor Henry’s alleged discoveries bearing upon the electro- 
magnetic telegraph.” 

The first thing which strikes the reader of this article is, that its 
titie is a misnomer. It is simply an assault upon Professor Henry ; 
an attempt to disparage his character; to deprive him of his honors. 
as a scientific discoverer; to impeach his credibility as a witness 
and his integrity asa man. It is a disengenuous piece of sophistical 
argument, such as an unscrupulous advocate might employ to per- 
vert the truth, misrepresent the facts, and misinterpret the language 
in which the facts belonging to the other side of the case are stated. 

Mr. Morse charges that the deposition of Professor Henry ‘ con- 
tains imputations against his (Morse’s) personal character,” which 
it does not, and assumes it as a duty “to expose the utter non-reli- 
ability of Professor Henry’s testimony ;” that testimony being sup- 
ported by the most competent authorities, and by the history of 
scientific discovery. He asserts that he “is not indebted to him 
(Professor Henry) for any discovery in science bearing on the tele- 
graph,” he having himself acknowledged such indebtednesss in the 
most unequivocal manner, and the fact being independently sub- 
stantiated by the testimony of Sears C. Walker, and the statement 
of Mr. Morse’s own associate, Dr. Gale. Mr. Morse further main- 
tains, that all discoveries bearing upon the telegraph were made, 
not by Professor Henry, but by others, and prior to any experi- 
ments of Professor Henry, in the science of electro-magnetism ; 
contradicting in this proposition the facts in the history of scientific 
discovery perfectly established and recognized throughout the sci- 
entific world. 

The essence of the charges against Professor Henry is that he 
gave false testimony in his deposition in the telegraph cases, and 
that he has claimed the credit of discuveries in the sciences bearing 
upon the electro-magnetic telegraph which were made by previous 
investigators; in other words, that he has falsely claimed what does 
not belong to him, but does belong to others. 

Professor Henry, as a private man, might safely have allowed 
such charges to pass in silence. “But standing in the important po- 
sition which he occupies, as the chief executive officer of the Smith- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 143 


sonian Institution; and regarding the charges as undoubtedly con- 
taining an impeachment of his moral character, as well as of his 
scientific reputation; and justly sensitive, not only for his own 
honor, but for the honor of the institution, he has a right to ask 
this Board to consider the subject, and to make their conclusions a 
matter of record, which may be appealed to hereafter should any 
question arise with regard to his conduct in the premises. 

Your committee do not conceive it to be necessary to follow Mr. 
Morse through all the details of his elaborate attack. Fortunately, 
a plain statement of a few leading facts will be sufficient to place 
the essential points of the case in a clear light. 

The deposition already referred to was reluctantly given, and 
under the compulsion of legal process, by Professor Henry, before 
the Hon. George 8. Ilillard, United States Commissioner, on the 
7th of September, 1849. 

The following is the statement of the Hon. 8. P. Chase, (now 
Governor of Ohio,) one of the counsel in the telegraph cases, in a 
letter to Professor Henry, dated Columbus, Ohio, November 26th, 
1856 : 


In the year 1849, I was professionally employed in the defense of certain gentlemen 
engaged in the business of telegraphing between Louisville and New Orleans, against 
whom a bill of complaint had been filed in the circuit court of the United States for 
the district of Kentucky. The object of the bill was to restrain the defendants, my 
clients, from the use in telegraphing of a certain instrument called the Columbian 
Telegraph, on the ground that it was an infringement upon the rights of the com- 
plainants under the patents granted to Professor Morse. It therefore became my 
duty, in the preparation of their defense, to ascertain the precise nature and extent of 
their rights. With this view I calied upon you, in August or September of that 
year, for your deposition. It was taken before George S. Hillard, Hsq., a United 
States Commissioner for the district of Massachusetts, in Boston. I remember very 
well that you were unwilling to be involved in the controversy, even as a witness, 
and that you only submitted to be examined in compliance with the requirements of 
law. Not one of your statements was volunteered. They were all called out by 
questions propounded either verbally or in writing. I was not sufficiently familiar at 
the time with the precise merits of the case to know what would or would not be im- 
portant, and therefore insisted on a full statement, not merely of the general history 
of electro-magnetism as applied to telegraphing, but of all your own discoveries in 
that science having relation to the same art, and of all that had passed between your- 
self and Professor Morse connected with these discoveries or with the telegraph. You 
could not have refused to respond to the questions propounded, without subjecting 
yourself to judicial animadversion and constraint. Nothing in what you testified, 
or your manner of testifying, suggested to me the idea that you were animated by any 
desire to arrogate undue merit to yourself, or to detract from the just claims of Prot. 
Morse. 

S. Fo CHASE. 


Previous to this deposition, Mr. Morse, as appears from his own 
letters and statements, entertained for Professor Henry the warmest 
feelings of personal regard, and the highest esteem for his character 
asa scientific man. In a letter, dated April 24, 1839, he thanks 
Professor Henry for a copy of his “valuable contributions,” and 


144 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


says, ‘I perceive many things (in the contributions) of great inter- 
est to me in my telegraphic enterprise.” Again, in the same letter, 
speaking of an intended visit to the Professor, at Princeton, he says: 
‘1 should come as a learner, and could bring no ‘ contributions’ to 
your stock of experiments of any value.” And still further: “I 
think that you have pursued an original course of experiments, and 
discovered facts more immediately bearing upon my invention than 
any that have been published abroad.”’ 

It appears, from Mr. Morse’s own statement, that he had at least 
two interviews with Professor Tlenry—one in May, 1839, when he 
passed the afternoon and night with him, at Princeton ; and another 
in February, 1844—both of them for the purpose of conferring with 
him on subjects relating to the telegraph, and evidently with the con- 
viction, on Mr. Morse’s part, that Professor Henry’s investigations 
were of great importance to the success of the telegrapb. 

As late as 1846, after Mr. Morse had learned that some dissatis- 
faction existed in Professor Henry’s mind in regard to the manner in 
which his researches in electricity had been passed over by Mr. Vail, 
an assistant of Mr. Morse, and the author of a history of the Ameri- 
can magnetic telegraph, Mr. Morse, in an interview with Professor 
Henry, at Washington, said, according to his own account, “ Well, 
Professor Henry, I will take the earliest opportunity that is afforded 
me in anything I may publish to have justice done to your labors ; 
for I do not think that justice has been done you, either in Europe 
or this country.” 

Again, in 1848, when Professor Walker, of the Coast Survey, 
made his report on the theory of Morse’s electro-magnetic telegraph, 
in which the expression occurred, ‘ the helix of a soft iron magnet, 
prepared after the manner first pointed out by Professor Henry,” 
Mr. Morse, to whom the report was submitted, said: ‘‘ I have now 
the long wished for opportunity to do justice publicly to Henry’s 
discovery bearing on the telegraph.”’ And in a note prepared by 
him, and intended to be printed with Professor Walker’s report, he 
says: “The allusion you make to the helix of a soft iron magnet, 
prepared after the manner first pointed out by Professor Henry, gives 
me an opportunity, of which I gladly avail myself, to say that I think 
that justice has not yet been done to Professor Henry, either in Kurope 
or in this country, for the discovery of a scientific fact, which, in its 
bearing on telegraphs, whether of the magnetic needle or electro- 
magnet order, is of the greatest importance.” 

Iie then proceeds to give a historical synopsis, showing that, 
although suggestions had been made and plans devised by Soem- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 145 


mering, in 1811, and by Ampere, in 1820, yet that the experiments 
of Barlow, in 1824, had led that investigator to pronounce “ the idea 
of an electric telegraph to be chimerical ”—an opinion that was, for 
the time, acquiesced in by scientific men. He shows that, in the 
interval between 1824 and 1829, no further suggestions were made 
on the subject of electric telegraphs. But he proceeds—*< In 183 
Professor Henry, assisted by Dr. Ten Eyck, while engaged in experi- 
ments on the application of the principle of the galvanic multiplier 
to the development of great magnetic power in soft iron, made the 
important discovery that a battery of intensity overcame that resist- 
ance in a long wire which Barlow had announced as an insuperable 
bar to the construction of electric telegraphs. Thus was opened the 
way for fresh efforts in devising a practicable electric telegraph ; and 
Baron Schilling, in 1832, and Professors Gauss and Weber, in 1833, 
had ample opportunity to learn of Henry’s discovery, and avail them- 
selves of it, before they constructed their needle telegraphs.” And, 
while claiming for himself that he was “ the first to propose the use 
of the electro-magnet for telegraphic purposes, and the first to con- 
struct a telegraph on the basis of the electro-magnet,” yet he adds, 
“to Professor Henry is unquestionably due the honor of the discovery of 
a principle which proves the practicability of exciting magnetism through a 
long coil, or at a distance, either to deflect a needle or to magnetize softiron.” 

What Mr. Morse here describes as “‘ a principle,” the discovery of 
which is unquestionably due to Professor Henry, is the law which 
first made it possible to work the telegraphic machine invented by 
Mr. Morse, and for the knowledge of which Mr. Morse was indebted 
to Professor Henry, as is positively asserted by his associate, Dr. 
Gale. This gentleman, in a letter, dated Washington, April 7, 1856, 
makes the following conclusive statement : 

Wasuineton, D. C., April 7, 1856. 

_ Sir: In reply to your note of the 3d instant, respecting the Morse telegraph, ask- 
ing me to state definitely the condition of the invention when I first saw the appa- 
ratus in the winter of 1836, I answer: This apparatus was Morse’s original instru- 
ment, usuaily known as the type apparatus, in which the types, set up in a composing 
stick, were run through a circuit breaker, and in which the battery was the cylinder 
battery, with a single pair of plates. This arrangement also had another peculiarity, 
namely, it was the electro-magnet used by Moll, and shown in drawings of the older 
works on that subject, having only a few turns of wire in the coil which surrounded 
the poles or arms of the magnet. The sparseness of the wires in the magnet coils 
and the use of the single cup battery were to me, on the first look at ibe instrument, 
obvious marks of defect, and I accordingly suggested to the Professor, without giving 
my reasons for so doing, that a battery of many pairs should be substituted for that 
of a single pair, and that the coil on each arm of the magnet should be increased to 
many hundred turns each; which experiment, if I remember aright, was made on 
the same day with a battery and wire on hand, furnished, I believe, by myself, and it 
was found that while the original arrangement would only send the electric current 


through a few feet of wire, say 15 to 40, the modified arrangement would send it 
through as many hundred. Although I gave no reasons at the time to Professor 


10 


146 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Morse for the suggestions I had proposed in modifying the arrangement of the ma- 
chine, I did so afterwards, and referred in my explanations to the paper of Professor 
Henry, in the 19th volume of the ‘“‘American Journal of Science,’’ page 400 and on- 
ward. It was to these suggestions of mine that Professor Morse alludes in his testi- 
mony before the circuit court for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, in the trial of 
B. B. French and others vs. Rogers and others. See printed copy of Complainants’ 
Tvidence, page 168, beginning with the words ‘‘ Karly in 1836 I procured 40 feet of 
wire,’’ &c., and page 169, where Professor Morse alludes to myself and compensation 
for services rendered to him, &e. 

At the time I gave the suggestions above named, Professor Morse was not familiar 
with the then existing state of the science of electro-magnetism. Had he been so, or 
had he read and appreciated the paper of Henry, the suggestions made by me would 
naturally have occurred to his mind as they did to my own. But the principal part 
of Morse’s great invention lay in the mechanical adaptation of a power to produce 
motion, and to increase or relax at will. It was only necessary for him to know that 
such a power existed, for him to adapt mechanism to direct and control it. 

My suggestions were made to Professor Morse from inferences drawn by reading 
Professor Henry’s paper above alluded to. Professor Morse professed great surprise 
at the contents of the paper when I showed it to him, but especially at the remarks 
on Dr. Barlow’s results respecting telegraphing, which were new to him, and he 
stated at the time that he was not aware that any one had even conceived the idea of 
using the magnet for such purposes. 

With sentiments of esteem, I remain yours truly, 
L. D. GALE. 

Professor JoSEPH HENRY, 

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


It further appears, that principally for the information thus com- 
municated Mr. Morse assigned to Dr. Gale an interest in the tele- 
graph, which he afterwards purchased back for $15,000, as appears 
from the following letter of Dr. Gale: 


PaTentT OFFICE, August 5, 1857. 


Drar Sir: In reply to yours of this date, respecting the interest I once possessed 
in Morse’s telegraph patent, secured to me by the said Morse, as alluded to by him 
in his statement to the Commissioner of Patents, I would simply state that the part I 
owned when I entered the service of the Government in this office, was originally 
given me by the said Morse for services rendered him in making his invention prac- 
tically effective in sending currents through long distances, &c., and that the said 
interest was retransferred to the said Morse for the sum of fifteen thousand dollars. 

Respectfully, } 


L. D. GALE. 
Professor HENRY, 


Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 

It thus appears, both from Mr. Morse’s own admissions down to 
1848, and from the testimony of others most familiar with the facts, 
that Professor Henry discovered the law, or “ principle,” as Mr. 
Morse designates it, which was necessary to make the practical 
working of the electro-magnetic telegraph at considerable distances. 
possible; that Mr. Morse was first informed of this discovery by 
Dr. Gale; that he availed himself of it at once, and that it never 
occurred to Mr. Morse to deny this fact until after 1848. He had 
steadily and fully acknowledged the merits and genius of Mr. 
Henry, as the discoverer of facts and laws in science of the highest 
importance to the success of his long-cherished invention of a mag- 
netic telegraph. Mr. Henry was the discoverer of a principle, Mr. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 147 


Morse was the inventor of a machine, the object of which was to 
record characters at a distance, to convey intelligence, in other 
words, to carry into execution the idea of an electric telegraph. 
But there were obstacles in the way which he could not overcome 
until he learned of the discoveries of Professor Henry, and applied 
them to his machine. These factsare undeniable. They constitute 
a part of the history of science and invention. They were true in 
1848, they were equally true in 1855, when Professor Morse’s article 
was published. We give a passage here from the deposition of 
Sears C. Walker, in the case of French vs. Rogers, respondent’s 
evidence, page 199, bearing upon this whole subject : 


‘In consequence of some statements made by me in my official reports relative to 
the invention of the receiving magnet, a question arose between Mr. Morse and my- 
self as to the origin of thisinvention. It was amicably discussed by Mr. Morse, Pro- 
fessor Henry, Dr. Gale, and myself, with Professor Henry’s article, alluded to in 
answer to the second question before us. The result of the interview was conclusive 
to my mind that Professor Henry was the sole discoverer of the law on which the 
intensity magnet depends for its power of sending the galvanic current through a long 
circuit. I was also led to conclude that Mr. Morse, in the course of his own researches 
and experiments before he had read Professor Henry’s article, before alluded to, had 
encountered the same difficulty Mr. Barlow and those who preceded him had encoun- 
tered, that is, the impossibility of forcing the galvanic current through a long tele- 
graph line. His own personal researches had not overcome this obstacle. They were 
made in the laboratory of the New York University. I also learned at the same time, 
by the conversations above stated, that he only overcame this obstacle by constructing 
a magnet on the principle invented by Professor Henry, and described in his article in 
Silliman’s Journal. His attention was directed to it by Dr. Gale.” 

What changed Mr. Morse’s opinion of Professor Henry, not only 
as a scientific investigator, but as a man of integrity, after the ad- 
missions of his indebtedness to his researches, and the oft repeated 
expressions of warm personal regard? It appears that Mr. Morse 
was involved in a number of lawsuits, growing out of contested 
claims to the right of using electricity for telegraphic purposes. 
The circumstances under which Professor Henry, as a well known 
investigator in this department of physics, was summoned by one 
of the parties to testify have already been stated. The testimony of 
Mr. Henry, while supporting the claims of Mr. Morse as the inven- 
tor of an admirable invention, denied to him the additional merit 
of being a discoverer of new facts or laws of nature, and to this 
extent, perhaps, was considered unfavorable to some part of the 
claim of Mr. Morse to an exclusive right to employ the electro-mag- 
net for telegraphic purposes. Professor Henry’s deposition consists 
of a series of answers to verbal, as well as written, interrogatories 
propounded to him, which were not limited to his published writ- 
ings, or the subject of electricity, but extended to investigations and 
discoveries in general having a bearing upon the electric telegraph. 
He gave his testimony at a distance from his notes and manuscripts, 


148 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


and it would not have been surprising if inaccuracies had occurred 
in some parts of his statement; but all the material points in it are 
sustained by independent testimony, and that portion which relates 
directly to Mr. Morse agrees entirely with the statement of his own 
assistant, Dr. Gale. Had his deposition been objectionable, it ought 
to have been impeached before the court; but this was not at- 
tempted ; and the following tribute to Professor Henry by the judge, 
in delivering the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
indicates the impression made upon the court itself by all the testi- 
mony in the case: “It is due to him to say that no one has con- 
tributed more to enlarge the knowledge of electro-magnetism, and 
to lay the foundations of the great invention of which we are speak- 
ing, than the professor himself.”’ 

Professor Henry’s answers to the first and second interrogatories 
present a condensed history of the progress of the science of elec- 
tro-magnetism, as connected with telegraphic communication, em- 
bracing an account of the discoveries of Oersted, Arago, Davy, 
Ampére; of the investigations by Barlow and Sturgeon; of his 
own researches, commenced in 1828, and continued in 1829, 1830, 
and subsequently. The details of his experiments and their results, 
though brief, are very precise. There is abundant evidence to show 
that Professor Henry’s experiments and illustrations at Albany, and 
subsequently at Princeton, proved, and were declared at the time 
by him to prove, that the electric telegraph was now practicable ; 
that the electro-magnet might be used to produce mechanical effects 
at a distance adequate to making signals of various kinds, such as 
ringing bells, which he practically illustrated. In proof of this, we 
quote a letter to Professor Henry, from Professor James I[lall, of 
Albany, late president of the American Association for the Ad- 
vancement of Science. 


January 19, 1856. 


Dear Sir: While a student of the Rensselaer School, in Troy, New York, in 
August, 1832, I visited Albany with a friend, having a letter of introduction to you 
from Professor Eaton. Our principal object was to see your electro-magnetic appa- 
ratus, of which we had heard much, and at the same time the library and collections 
of the Albany Institute. 

You showed us your laboratory in a lower story or basement of the building, and 
in a larger room in an upper story some electric and galvanic apparatus, with various 
philosophical instruments. In this room, and extending around the same, was a cir- 
cuit of wire stretched along the wall, and at one termination of this, in the recess of 
a window, a bell was fixed, while the other extremity was connected with a galvanic 
apparatus. 

‘You showed us the manner in which the bell could be made to ring by a current of 
electricity, transmitted through this wire, and you remarked that this method might 
be adopted for giving signals, by the ringing of a bell at the distance of many miles 
from the point of its connection with the galvanic apparatus. 

All the circumstances attending this visit to Albany are fresh in my recollection, 
and during the past years while so much has been said respecting the invention of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 149 


electric telegraphs, I have often had occasion to mention the exhibition of your elec- 
tric telegraph in the Albany Academy, in 1832. 

If at any time or under any circumstances this statement can be of service to you 
in substantiating your claim to such a discovery at the period named, you are at lib- 
erty to use it In any manner you please, and I shall be ready at all times to repeat 
and sustain what I have here stated, with many other attendant circumstances, should 
they prove of any importance. 

I remain very sincerely and respectfully yours, 
JAMES HALL. 


Professor Jos—EpH HENRY. 

In his deposition, Professor Henry’s statements are within what 
he might fairly have claimed. But he is a man of science, looking 
for no other reward than the consciousness of having done some- 
thing for its promotion, and the reputation which |the successful 
prosecution of scientific investigations and discoveries may justly 
be expected to give. In his public lectures and published writings 
he has often pointed out incidentally the possibility of applying the 
facts and laws of nature discovered by him to practical purposes; 
he has freely communicated information to those who have sought 
it from him, among whom has been Mr. Morse himself, as appears 
by his own acknowledgments. But he has never applied his 
scientific discoveries to practical ends for his own pecuniary benefit. 
It was natural, therefore, that he should feel a repugnance to taking 
any part in the litigation between rival inventors, and it was inevi- 
table that, when forced to give his testimony, he should distinctly 
point out what was so clear in his own mind and is so fundamental 
a fact in the history of human progress, the distinctive functions of 
the discoverer and the inventor who applies discoveries to practical 
purposes in the business of life. 

Mr. Henry has always done full justice to the invention of Mr. 
Morse. While he could not sanction the claim of Mr. Morse to the 
exclusive use of the electro-magnet, he has given him full eredit for 
the mechanical contrivances adapted to the application of his inven- 
tion. In proof of this we refer to his deposition, and present also 
the following statement of Hon. Charles Mason, Commissioner of 
Patents, taken from a letter addressed by him to Professor Henry, 


dated March 381, 1856: 
U.S. Parent Orrice, March 31, 1856. 


Str: Agreeably to your request I now make the following statement : 

Some two years since, when an application was made for an extension of Professor 
Morse’s patent, 1 was for some time in doubt as to the propriety of making that 
extension. Under these circumstances I consulted with several persons, and among 
others with yourself, with a view particularly to ascertain the amount of invention 
fairly due to Professor Morse. 

The result of my inquiries was such as to induce me to grant the extension. I will 
further say that this was in accordance with your express recommendation, and that 
I was probably more influenced by this recommendation, and the information I ob- 
tained from you, than by any other circumstance, in coming to that conclusion. 


I am, sir, yours very respectfully, 
CHARLES MASON. 
Professor J. Henry. 


150 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


To sum up the results of the preceding investigation in a few 
words, we have shown that Mr. Morse thimself has acknowledged 
the value of the discoveries of Professor Henry to his electric tele! 
graph; that his associate and scientific assistant, Dr. Gale, has 
distinctly affirmed that these discoveries were applied to his tele- 
graph, and that previous to such application it was impossible for 
Mr. Morse to operate his instrument at a distance ; that Professor 
Henry’s experiments were witnessed by Professor Hall and others 
in 1832, and that these experiments showed the possibility of trans- 
mitting to a distance a force capable of producing mechanical 
effects adequate to making telegraphic signals; that Mr. Henry’s 
deposition of 1849, which evidently furnished the motive for Mr. 
Morse’s attack upon him, is strictly correct in all the historical de- 
tails, and that, so far as it relates to Mr. Henry’s own claim as a 
discoverer, is within what he might have claimed with entire justice; 
that he gave the deposition reluctantly, and in no spirit of hostility 
to Mr. Morse; that on that and other occasions he fully admitted 
the merit of Mr. Morse as an inventor; and that Mr. Morse’s pat- 
ent was extended through the influence of the favorable opinion 
expressed by Professor Henry. 

Your committee come unhesitatingly to the conclusion that Mr. 
Morse has failed to substantiate any one of the charges he has made 
against Professor Henry, although the burden of proof lay upon 
him; and that all the evidence, including the unbiased admissions 
of Mr. Morse himself, is on the other side. Mr. Morse’s charges 
not only remain unproved but they are positively disproved. 

Your committee recommend the adoption of the following reso- 


lutions: 


Resolved, That Professor Morse has not succeeded in refuting the statements of 
Professor Henry in the deposition given by the latter in 1849; that he has not proved 
any one of the accusations against Professor Henry made in the article in ‘‘Shaffner’s 
Telegraph Companion’ in 1855, and that he has not disproved any one of his own 
admissions in regard to Professor Henry’s discoveries in electro-magnetism, and their 
importance to his own invention of the electro-magnetic telegraph. 

Resolved, That there is nothing in Professor Morse’s article that diminishes, in the 
least, the confidence of this Board in the integrity of Professor Henry, or in the value 
of those great discoveries which have placed his name among those of the most dis- 
tinguished cultivators of science, and have done much to exalt the scientific reputa- 
tion of the country. 

Resolved, That this report, with the resolutions, be recorded in the proteedings of 
the Board of Regents of the Institution. ; 


The report was accepted, and the resolutions were unanimously 


adopted. 
The Board then adjourned sine die. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 150 


January 19, 1859. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual meeting on the third Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room. 

Present, Hon. S. A. Douglas, Hon. William H. English, Hon. 
James G. Berret, Professor A. D. Bache, Hon. W. W. Seaton, 
Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

The Secretary stated that letters had been received from Hon. 
Richard Rush, Hon. Gideon Hawley, and Professor C. C. Felton, 
stating their inability to attend the present annual session of the 
Board of Regents. 

The Treasurer presented a statement of the receipts and expendi- 
tures during the year 1858, and also a general statement of the 
funds; which were referred to the Executive Committee. 

A quorum not being present, the Board adjourned to meet at the 
eall of the Secretary. 


February 15, 1859. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tution, was held this day at 11 a. m., in the Vice-President’s room, 
United States Capitol. 

Present, Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Hon. James M. Mason, 
Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. William H. Eng- 
lish, Hon. L. J. Gartrell, Hon. J. G. Berret, Professor A. D. Bache, 
and the Secretary. 

Mr. Pearce was called to the chair. 

The report of the Executive Committee was presented, read and 
accepted. 

The Secretary announced the re-election by joint resolution of 
the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, of 
Professor Alexander Dallas Bache and Hon. George EH. Badger, as 
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, for the term of six years. 

The Secretary then presented the annual report of the operations 
of the institution, for 1858, which was accepted. 

The report of the Executive Committee, presented by Mr. Pearce, 
was read and accepted. 

The following letter was read to the Board : 


BREMEN LEGATION, 
WASHINGTON, January 25, 1859. 
Sir: Agreeably to your verbal request, I have proposed to the president and direc- 
tors of the North German Lloyd of Bremen, to manifest their interest in the cause of 
science, by facilitating literary intercourse between the United States and Germany, 
by means of their steamers plying between Bremen and New York. 


152 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


It affords me great pleasure now to inform you that, according to a letter of the 
president of the Lloyd, dated the 5th instant, and just received, the said Bremen 
Steamship Company have resolved, henceforth, and until further notice, to forward 
by their steamers all the packages of books and specimens of natural history which 
the Smithsonian Institution may be pleased to send to Germany, or which may be 
sent from Germany to the Smithsonian Institution, free of charges between New York 
and Bremerhaven. 

I beg leave to add that Messrs. Gelpeke, Keutgen and Reichelt, 84 Broadway, New 
York, are the agents of the North German Lloyd at that place, and that the next 
Bremen steamer sailing for Europe will leave New York on the 19th of February 
next. 

I avail myself of this occasion to offer you renewed assurances of my high consid- 
ération. 

R. SCHLEIDEN, 
Minister Resident of Bremen. 
Professor JosEPH HENRY, 


Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion of Mr. Mason, the following resolution was adopted 
by the Board : 


Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be returned to his excellency, R. Schleiden, 
minister resident of Bremen, for his intervention with the ‘‘ North German Lloyd of 
Bremen” to facilitate and advance the cause of science by transporting, free of 
charge, &c., packages of books, and specimens of natural history, from Germany to 
the Smithsonian Institution, and from the institution to Germany, and the like thanks 
to the president and directors of the North German Lloyd of Bremen, for their gen- 
erous liberality in the instance above referred to. 

The Secretary stated that thanks were due to several companies 
for their liberality to Lieutenant Gilliss, who had visited South 
America, in September last, to make observations of the eclipse, 
under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion of Mr. Mason, the following resolution was adopted : 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents are hereby given to the British 
Pacific Steamship Navigation Company; the United States Mail Steamship Com- 
pany ; the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; and the Panama Railroad Company, 
for their generous aid in the cause of science, by transporting, free of charge, with 
other facilities extended to Lieutenant Gilliss, U. 8. N., in his late expedition to Peru, 
under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, to observe in that country the 
total solar eclipse of September 7th, 1858. 

Communications were read from Rev. F. Vinton, of Brooklyn, 
relative to the Wynn estate, of which he is one of the two execu- 
tors; from Hon. J. H. Hammond, and J. R. Lambdin, Esq., relative 
to procuring copies of celebrated works of art in Europe. 

On motion of Mr. Douglas, the following resolution was adopted: 


Resolved, That the sum of two thousand dollars be appropriated, to be expended at 
the discretion of the Executive Committee, for procuring castings or moulds for cast- 
ings of the chef d’ceuvres of art in Europe. 


A communication from Professor 8. F. Baird, asking an increase 
of salary, was read, and referred to the Executive Committee. 

A communication from Professor 8. F. B. Morse, dated Paris, Octo- 
ber 16, 1858, and a letter from Hon. Amos Kendall, were presented 
to the Board, and both were referred to the Special Committee. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 158 


which had made a report in relation to the telegraph at the meeting 
of May 19, 1858. 
The following communication was presented : 


138 ASHLEY PLAcz, 
Lonpon, January 8, 1859. 


My Drax Sir: I sent you from Leeds, in September, a printed copy of the report 
of the joint committee of the Royal Society and the British Association, on the sub- 
ject of the continuance of magnetic observations drawn up by Sir John Herschel. 

ou will have been apprised by it of the serious purpose entertained in this country 
to prosecute the magnetic researches which have already, though quite in their in- 
fancy, established so many important laws. The minutes of the last meeting of the 
council of the British Association, will make you acquainted with our subsequent 
proceedings. 

Our government has postponed the decision of the precise measures to be taken 
until next year; and indeed our preparations, both of instruments and observers, 
could scarcely have been ready earlier, but I think that we may entertain very san- 
guine hopes of establishing some observatories at least; and I have the more confident 
expectation of this from the letter of the Prince Consort of December 11th, (which 

ou will see in the enclosed minutes,) who is to be our president next year, (at the B. 
A.,) and who will then be the medium of our communications with government. 
But still we may derive great support from any evidence which we may be able to 
adduce that other countries besides our own participate in the scientific interest of 
these researches, and it is specially in this view that I now write to you. 

Our government appears not indisposed to have an observatory at Pekin, and we 
shall no doubt press strongly to have a second at Vancouver’s Island. Toronto is 
already a third observatory in action in nearly the same latitude, and London a 
fourth. It is obvious that a chain of stations at moderate distances from each other 
in the middle latitudes of the one hemisphere would give us a very reasonable pros- 
pect of establishing with confidence laws the existence of which we can now only 
infer. The greatest interval is between London and Pekin, but this, I have some 
reason to hope, may be supplied by an observatory at Kazan, under the able direction 
of Professor Bolzani, and it is impossible under these circumstances not to desire 
that the observatory which you have so long meditated at Washington, should be 
brought into corresponding activity. 

It is purposed that the instruments for the new British observatories should serve 
either for eye observations or for a continuous record of the three elements, They 
will be in great measure on the model of the self-recording instruments at Kew, 
which have now been at work for a twelvemonth, and which seem indeed to leave 
little to be desired. But those for the colonial observatories will be somewhat differ- 
ently arranged, so as to occupy a space not exceeding, perhaps, twelve feet by six, 
and to have all their parts so attached to a solid floor that nothing is capable of mis- 
placement. We find at Kew that two persons are sufficient for the manipulations of 
such an observatory, the preparation of the paper, &c., and the tabulation from the 
traces by instrumental measurement at hourly intervals. 

The instruments for the first either colonial or extra English observatory are in 
hand, and will be at work we expect in a temporary building in the grounds of the 
observatory at Kew, in July or August next, where, should you incline to come once 
more to our British Association meeting, which is to be held this year at Aberdeen, 
under the Prince Consort, or should any friend do so in whose judgment you can con- 
fide, there will be a full opportunity for examining them. 

I cannot conclude this letter without again adverting to the support which we 
should derive in our communications with our government in the event of the Smith- 
sonian Institution concurring with us in the importance of prosecuting these inqui- 
ries, and being disposed to adopt corresponding proceedings with, of course, such 
modifications as may suit either their convenience or their views of the subject. 


Believe me, my dear sir, sincerely yours, 

EDWARD SABINE. 
Professor Huenry. 
The above communication was referred to the Secretary and Ex- 


ecutive Committee. 
The Secretary presented a communication from G. J. Durand, of 


154 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Bordeaux, accompanied by a report on the history, operations, and 
publications of the Smithsonian Institution, which that gentleman 
had presented to the Imperial Academy of Bordeaux. 

The Board then adjourned sine die. 


January 18, 1860. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual session on the third Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room of the institution. 

Present, Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. W. I. English, and the 
Secretary. 

No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on the 
28th of January. 


January 28, 1860. 

The Board of Regents met this day, at 104 o’clock, a. m., in the 
Regents’ room. 

Present, Hon. Mr. Breckinridge, Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. J. 
M. Mason, Professor C. C. Felton, Professor A. D. Bache, Hon. J. 
G. Berret, W. W. Seaton, Esq., Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

The Secretary announced the reappointment, by the Vice-Presi- 
dent, under a resolution of the Senate, of the Hon. 8. A. Douglas, 
as a Regent for the term of six years, and stated that the House of 
Representatives not having organized, the vacancies in the Board 
from that body had not been filled. He regretted to state that the 
Chancellor of the Institution, Chief Justice Taney, was confined to 
his bed by temporary illness; that Mr. Hawley, of Albany, was 
unable to attend on account of bad health, and that since the last 
meeting of the Regents a vacancy had occurred in the Board by 
the death of the Hon. Richard Rush, of Philadelphia. 

Hon. Mr. Pearce then made the following remarks: 

Since the last meeting of the Board of Regents, as announced by the Secretary, one 
of its earliest and most distinguished members, the Hon. Richard Rush, has departed 
this life. 

The history of his public career is familiar to all the Regents, to whom I need 
scarcely detail even its more prominent incidents; but I may remark that it is seldom 
the good fortune of any mun to fill so many important offices, and to execute so many 
responsible public trusts, not only with credit, honor, and usefulness, but with ever- 
increasing reputation. Mr. Rush’s life was a long one, and he entered into the ser- 
vice of his country while yet in the spring of manhood. He was Comptroller of the 
Treasury at a time when the fiscal affairs of the Government were in disorder, when 
the public accounts were numerous and complicated, and often required difficult legal 
adjustment. He was next Attorney General. Soon after the peace of 1815 he was 
minister to England, and occupied that important post during eight years, when 


various national questions of difficulty and delicacy required for their proper settle- 
ment diplomatic skill, firmness, and caution. He was Secretary of the Treasury 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 155 


when measures of revenue were violently disputed ; minister to France when the 
monarchy was a second time overthrown and a republic again proclaimed. To these 
great and varied employments he brought integrity, ability, intelligence, firmness, 
courtesy, and a directness of purpose which scorned all finesse, and which served his 
country to the full extent of all that could have been demanded or hoped. He was a 
good scholar, having graduated at Princeton College, and cultivated literature, as 
well as the severer studies of his profession, with great zeal and success. 

Withal he was remarkable for the kindness of his temper, the amenity of his man- 
ners, and the charms of his conversation. 

With this establishment he had the earliest connection, having, under the authority 
of the Government, caused the institution of legal proceedings in England for the 
recovery of the fund with which it was founded and endowed, and superintended 
their progress to the close. 

The act of Congress of 1846 having established the Smithsonian Institution, he was 
appointed one of its first Regents, and was constantly continued by Congress a mem- 
ber of their Board. His zeal for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among 
men, and his sound judgment, contributed to the adoption of the system of operations 
which, so far, has borne the happiest fruits; and his interest in and care for its suc- 
cessful management furnished one of the enjoyments of a tranquil old age, ‘‘attended 
by reverence and troops of friends.”’ 

I offer the following resolutions: 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents have learned with deep regret the death of 
the Hon. Richard Rush, one of their members, whose iong and distinguished career 
of public usefulness commanded their entire respect, and whose moral and social worth 
won their highest esteem and regard. 

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the de- 
ceased. x 

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Mason, it was ordered that a copy of the re- 
marks of Mr. Pearce be included in the proceedings, and also trans- 
mitted to the family. 

The Treasurer presented the account of receipts and expenditures 
for the year 1859, and a general statement of the finances, which 
were read and referred to the Executive Committee. 

The Secretary read the following letter from the Duke of North- 


umberland, and presented the books to which it refers : 


NorRTHUMBERLAND House, July 4, 1859. 


Sir: Permit me to present to the Smithsonian Institution some books which I have 
had privately printed as materials for the history of the county of Northumberland. 
There is a survey of the Roman wall which was built across the North of England; 
coins of the Roman families, some of which were found in this country ; and an ac- 
count of some ancient castles which have historical interest. 

I again beg to express my thanks to the members of the Smithsonian Institution 
for the valuable publications which they have had the kindness to send me. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
NORTHUMBERLAND. 


The Secretary exhibited a burning lens and a condensing air- 
pump, which had been presented to the institution by J. R. Priest- 
ley, Esq., of Northumberland, Pa., a grandson of the celebrated 
Dr. Priestley, and made the following remarks : 


This lens is undoubtedly connected with the history of one of the most important 
chemical discoveries of the latter part of the last century. Dr. Priestley, who has 
been styled the father of pneumatic chemistry, made a series of experiments on dif- 
ferent kinds of air, which greatly extended the science of chemistry, and has been of 
material importance in the improvement of various practical arts. 


156 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


‘‘ At the time of my first publication,” says Dr. Priestley,* ‘‘I was not possessed 
of a burning lens of any considerable force, and for want of one I could not possibly 
make many of the experiments which I had projected, and which in theory appeared 
very promising. But having afterwards procured a lens of twelve inches diameter 
and twenty inches focal distance, I proceeded with great alacrity to examine by the 
help of it what kind of aira great variety of substances, natural and factitious, would 
yield, putting them into glass vessels, which I filled with quicksilver, and kept them 
inverted in a basin of the same. With this apparatus, after a variety of other exper- 
iments, on the first of August, 1774, I endeavored to extract air from mercurius cal- 
cinatus per se, and I presently found that by means of this lens air was expelled from 
it very readily. Having got three or four times as much (air) as the bulk of my 
materials, I admitted water to it, and found that it was not imbibed by it. But what 
surprised me more than I can well express was, that a candle burned in this air with 
a remarkably vigorous flame.” 

The gas thus discovered, to which he gave the name of ‘‘ dephlogisticated air,’’ was 
what is now known as oxygen. 

Dr. Priestley, however, though he made a large number of experiments in regard to 
it, remained in ignorance of its true nature until March, 1775; but in the course of 
this month, says he, ‘‘I not only ascertained the nature of this kind of air, though 
very gradually, but was led by it, as I then thought, to the complete discovery of the 
constitution of the air we breathe.”’ 

That the lens now exhibited to the Board is the one with which this important dis- 
covery was made, cannot be doubted, since, according to the statement of his grand- 
son, it has never been out of the family—is twelve inches diameter, and has a focal 
length of precisely twenty inches. 


The annual report of the operations and condition of the Insti- 
tution was presented by the Secretary, and read in part. 

On motion of Mr. Pearce, the Board then adjourned to meet on 
Saturday next, at 10 o’clock. 


February 4, 1860. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day, at 10 
o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Hon. James A. Pearce, 
Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Professor C. C. Felton, Professor A. D. Bache, 
Hon. J. G. Berret, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Breckinridge was called to the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

The Secretary announced the death of the following persons who 
had been connected officially and otherwise with the operations of 
the institution: Washington Irving, an honorary member; Pro- 
fessor Parker Cleaveland, also an honorary member; Professor W. 
W. Turner, Professor James P. Espy, and G. Wiirdemann, Esq. 

Professor Felton, then addressed the Board as follows: 


Mr. CHANCELLOR: The year 1859 will be memorable in the history of civilization 
for the number of illustrious men who have passed away from the scene of their 
earthly labor in its course. The year 1769 was remarkable for the number of men 
born in it, who have changed the whole aspect of science and letters and the political 
condition of the world. Of the great men born in that year, one, Humboldt, the 
most eminent of all, lived to the year 1859, thus spanning over the interval between 
them by a life of ninety years consecrated to the highest objects of human pursuits. 


* Experiments and observations on different kinds of air, &c., by Joseph Priestley, vol. ii, pp. 106- 
112. Birmingham, 1790. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. Le 


The Smithsonian Institution has to lament an unusual number of those connected 
with it among the distinguished dead of the past year. The venerable Mr. Rush has 
already been fitly commemorated by a member of the Board. I take the liberty of 
offering a few remarks upon two others whose death the country deplores. 

Professor W. W. Turner was born in England, in 1810. At the age of five years 
he was brought by his father to the United States. The fortunes of his family being 
humble, he learned the trade of a carpenter; but at the age of nineteen he became a 
printer. During his youth and early manhood he exhibited an ardent love of knowl- 
edge, and devoted every moment he could spare from the necessary labors of his trade 
to its acquisition. His taste led him especially to the study of philology, and his 
acquisitions in this department of knowledge were surprising. He studied not only 
the ancient languages, including the Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriac, Samaritan, Coptic, and 
Sanscrit, but the modern European and Oriental tongues. To these rich and varied 
accomplishments he added an extensive knowledge of the dialects of the American 
aborigines, which form a group so peculiar in their characteristics, and so important 
in their bearings upon comparative philology. But Mr. Turner possessed not merely 
the talent of learning languages. His mind was of a philosophical cast ; he mastered 
easily and rapidly the general principles of the science of comparative philology, 
which has become within the present age one of the surest guides in tracing the 
history and affinities of the different branches of the human race. This science but 
few men of his age have so thoroughly explored as our departed friend. 

In 1842 Mr. Turner was elected professor of Oriental literature in the Union Theo- 
logical Seminary of the city of New York. The duties of this office he discharged 
with signal ability for ten years. In 1852 the Commissioner of Patents invited him 
to Washington to take charge of the library in that department. His labors in form- 
ing a library for the special use of the department and adequate to its wants have 
been highly appreciated by those who knew them best. 

His literary activity has been various and effective. He assisted the learned Dr. 
Nordheimer in the preparation of his Hebrew grammar. He executed the greater 
part of the translation of Freund’s Latin Lexicon from the German for the American 
edition. He wrote many valuable papers for the ‘‘ Bibliotheca Sacra’? and other 
kindred periodical publications. A few years ago an inscription was found near the 
ancient Sidon, cut on the lid of the sarcophagus of an ancient king of that city, and 
copies of it having been transmitted to this country by the American missionaries, it 
attracted the earnest attention of Oriental scholars, and among the rest, of Professor 
Turner. The discovery was important, because the inscription contains the longest 
continuous text yet known in the Phenician language: a language closely connected 
with the Hebrew. ‘The labors of Professor Turner upon this curious document were 
among the last of his life. 

Two of the principal philological works published by the Smithsonian Institution 
were moulded into their present shape by Professor Turner; the Dakota grammar 
and dictionary, and the grammar of the Yoruba language. The materials furnished 
him were elaborated with great skill and learning ; and these two admirable volumes 
form an interesting addition to philological science—the Dakota grammar illustrating 
in a philosophical manner the characteristic peculiarities of the American type of the 
agelutinating or polysynthetic languages, and the Yoruba grammar illustrating the 
African type of the same great division in the classification of human speech. 

The unremitting labors of Professor Turner gradually undermined his constitution. 
In October last he visited New York, partly for the benefit of his impaired health, 
and partly to attend a meeting of the American Oriental Society, of which he was an 
activemember. Onhisreturn to Washington, in November, he rapidly declined, and 
on Tuesday, the 29th of that month, expired, without pain, at the age of 49 years. 

Professor Turner was not only distinguished for his abilities as a scholar, his extra- 
ordinary capacity for labor, his great power of grasping the generalization of the 
science to which he was devoted, but his private life was marked by singular purity. 
His manners were simple and cordial; his conversation lively and instructive. He 
was modest, without reserve; he was unobtrusive, but always ready to impart his 
affluent knowledge whenever the occasion seemed to call for it. The death of sucha 
man is a loss to science and the country. I move the adoption of the following reso- 
lution: 

Resolved, That this Board have learned with deep regret of the death of Professor 
W. W. Turner, a scholar of rare gifts and large acquirements, whose abilities and 
learning have in many ways been of great value to the Smithsonian Institution. As 
a philologist, he had but few equals ; as an earnest laborer in the pursuit of knowl- 
edge, he was a high example to American students. As a public officer, he was up- 
right, conscientious, and prompt in the discharge of every duty. His social virtues 


158 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


endeared him to his friends in no common measure. By his death American scholar- 
ship has sustained a heavy loss, this institution has been deprived of an efficient col- 
laborator, and the community at large of a virtuous and distinguished citizen. 


On motion of Hon. J. G. Berret, it was— 


Resolved, That a copy of this resolution, with the introductory remarks, be trans- 
mitted to the family of the deceased. 


The resolutions were adopted. 
Professor Felton then addressed the Board as follows: 


I have also, Mr. Chancellor, to call the attention of the Board to the death of an 
honorary member of the Smithsonian Institution—the beloved and illustrious Wash- 
ington Irving, the most venerated representative of American literature. He was 
born April 3, 1783, in New York, and died at his residence, at Sunnyside, on the 
banks of the Hudson, November 28, 1859, in the 77th year of hisage. His literary 
career extends over a period of more than half a century. For many years he has 
stood undoubtedly at the head of American literature. He enjoyed only the common 
opportunities of education in his youth; but the oldest universities of England and 
America honored themselves by conferring their highest honors on him in his man- 
hood. At an early age he commenced the study of the law. His health failing, he 
travelled two years in Europe, and resuming his professional studies on his return, 
was admitted to the bar. Not finding the practice of the profession congenial to his 
tastes, he relinquished it, and became a partner in a mercantile house with his brother. 
But he was not destined to remain long in the career of trade; the failure of the house 
in the crisis that followed the peace of 1815 turned his attention to literature as a per- 
manent pursuit. He had already shown by the most decided proofs that nature had 
endowed him with the richest gifts of genius. His early writings, especially his con- 
tributions to Salmagundi, and Knickerbocker’s History of New York, exhibit the 
keenest power of observation, the most brilliant wit, and an English style at once 
pure, copious, and expressive. But when he resolved to devote himself to letters as 
the business of his life, instead of the amusement of his leisure hours, he gave to the 
culture of style the thought, care, and labor, that the painter and the sculptor expend 
in acquiring a mastery over the materials, principles, and processes of their respective 
arts. In the choice of his words and the structure of his sentences he exercised a re- 
fined taste and a delicate discrimination, allowing nothing to escape him which was 
not justified by the most fastidious judgment. He studied the best authors of the best 
ages in English literature, and disciplined his genius by a strict conformity to the es- 
tablished idiom of the mother tongue. Oddity and extravagance of expression, which 
some writers of our age mistake for originality of genius, found no favor with him. 
His genial nature, his sensibility to all that is beautiful in the works of God, his 
ready sympathy with the best affections of the human heart, were thus embodied in a 
style of marvellous grace, purity, and harmony. His imagination gentle, yet power- 
ful, brightened everything it fell upon; his wit exhilarated and gladdened; his 
humor charmed by its sparkling play; his pathos, so true, so tender, colored with the 
unforgotten sorrow of his own early bereavement, touched the chords of sympathy 
in every heart. He was an elegant essayist, a delightful biographer, a profound and 
brilliant historian, and his whole life was loyal to the highest interests of humanity. 
In private friendships he was faithful and generous. He had all the excellencies of 
the literary character, with none of its defects. He had no rivalries to disturb the 
serenity of his days, no jealousies to irritate his temper. While enjoying his own 
brilliant success, with a modest appreciation of its value, he rejoiced in the successes 
of others, and delighted to aid them with his powerful influence. He never had an 
enemy, for all men were his friends. He never uttered a word that could wound the 
feelings of the most sensitive; he never wrote a sentence that could offend the most 
delicate; he never printed a line which, dying, he could wish to blot. His genius 
has been recognized throughout the civilized world; his works are read and his name 
revered wherever a cultivated language has been the organ of a national literature. 
The legends of Spain and Italy have furnished congenial subjects for his pen. The 
manners and life of England have been more brilliantly illustrated by him than by 
any English writer of our time. His native land, however, has been crowned by the 
richer and maturer products of his genius. The picturesque banks of the Hudson 
have been made classical by the charm with which his creations—poetical in all but 
the form—have invested them. It is his peculiar felicity to have built the most endur- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 159 


ing monument to the discoverer of America and to the father of his country, with 
the latter of whom he was associated by his baptismal name. 

Mr. Irving took a lively interest in all that concerned the intellectual progress of 
the country ; in all that concerned humanity, beyond the circle of his own literary 
interests. He was the first named trustee of the Astor Library under the will of its 
munificent founder, and for many years acted as the president of the Board. He 
served as a director in the Savings Bank in the place of his residence until his death ; 
and he was an officer of the village church, from which his own lifeless remains were 
borne to their final resting place by his mother’s side. He had the prospects of this 
institution much at heart, and gave his constant attendance to its proceedings during 
a whole season passed by him in Washington. Ripe in age, crowned with the most 
enduring honors of the world and with the warmest affections of his countrymen, 
having finished the work which was given him to do and laid aside his pen forever, 
after a short period of repose in the midst of his friends, at the close of an evening of 
social and domestic enjoyment, he passed away in a moment by a blessed euthanasia. 
We cannot be surprised at such an event, though it excites our sensibility. His death 
was in beautiful harmony with his life, for he died as he had lived, the beloved of 
men and the favored of heaven. 

Thinking thus, Mr. Chancellor, of Mr. Irving’s life, character, and death, I offer 
the following resolutions: 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution recognize in 
the character of their late associate, Washington Irving, a conspicuous example of the 
noblest virtues and the most generous qualities that belong to human nature. 

Resolved, That while lamenting his death with the peculiar sorrow of countrymen 
and associates in this institution, yet, in common with the whole civilized world, they 
gratefully appreciate the services he has rendered to literature, and, hold in reverent 
remembrance his long career of labors as an author no less loyal to truth and virtue 
than brilliant with the gift of genius and graced with the amenities and courtesies 
that are the fairest ornaments of social life. 


On motion of Senator Douglas, it was— 


Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions, together with the remarks that pre- 
ceded them, be transmitted to the family of the deceased. 


The resolutions were then adopted. 
Professor Bache made the following remarks : 


James P. Espy, one of the most original and successful meteorologists of the pres- 
ent time, died in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 24th of January, 1860, in the seventy-fifth 
year of his age, after an illness of a week, at the residence of his nephew, John West- 
cott. 

The early career of Mr. Espy as an instructor was marked by the qualities which 
led to his later distinction in science. He was one of the best classical and mathemat- 
ical instructors in Philadelphia, which at that day numbered Dr. Wylie, Mr. Sander- 
son, and Mr. Crawford among its teachers. 

Impressed by the researches and writings of Dalton and of Daniell, on meteorol- 
ogy, Mr. Espy began to observe the phenomena, and then to experiment on the facts 
which form the groundwork of the science. As he observed, experimented, and 
studied, his enthusiasm grew, and his desire to devote himself exclusively to the in- 
crease and diffusion of the science finally became so strong that he determined to give 
up his school, and to rely for the means of prosecuting his researches upon his slender 
savings and the success of his lectures, probably the most original which have ever 
been delivered on the subject. His first course was delivered before the Frank- 
lin Institute, of Pennsylvania, of which he had long been an active member, and 
where he met kindred spirits, ready to discuss the principles or the applications of 
science, and prepared to extend their views over the whole horizon of physical and 
mechanical research. As chairman of the committee on meteorology, Mr. Espy had 
a large share in the organization of the complete system of meteorological observa- 
tions carried on by the institute under the auspices and within the limits of the State 
of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Espy’s theory of storms was developed in successive memoirs in the Journal 
of the Franklin Institute, containing discussions of the changes of temperature, pres- 
sure, and moisture of the air, and in the direction and force of the wind and other 
phenomena attending remarkable storms in the United States and on the ocean adja- 
cent to the Atlantic and Gulf coast. Assuming great simplicity as it was developed, 


160 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


and founded on the established laws of physics and upon ingenious and well-directed 
original experiments, this theory drew general attention to itself, especially in the 
United States. A memoir submitted anonymously to the American Philosophical 
Society of Philadelphia gained for Mr. Espy the award of the Magellanic premium 
in the year 1836, after a discussion remarkable for ingenuity and closeness in its prog- 
ress, and for the almost unanimity of its result. 

Mr. Espy was eminently social in his mental habits, full of bonhommie and of 
enthusiasm, easily kindling into a glow by social mental action. In the meetings and 
free discussions in a club formed for promoting research, and especially for scrutiniz- 
ing the labors of its members—and of which Sears C. Walker, Professor Henry, 
Henry D. Rogers, and myself were members—Mr. Espy found the mental stimulus 
that he needed, and the criticism which he courted, the best aids and checks on his 
observations, speculations, and experiments. But there was one person who had more 
influence upon him than all others besides, stimulating him to progress, and urging 
him forward in each step with a zeal which never flagged—this was his wife. Havy- 
ing no children to occupy her care, and being of high mental endowment and of 
enthusiastic temperament, she found a never-failing source of interest and gratification 
in watching the development of Mr. Espy’s scientific ideas, the progress of his experi- 
ments, and the results of his reading and studies; the collection and collation of 
observations of natural phenomena in the poetical region of the storm, the tornado, 
and of the aurora. Mrs. Espy’s mind was essentially literary, and she could not aid 
her husband in his scientific inquiries or experiments; her health was delicate, and 
she could not assist him in his out-door observations ; but she supplied what was of 
more importance than these aids—a genial and loving interest ever manifested in his 
pursuits and successes, and in his very failures. Alere flammam was the office of her 
delicate and poetical temperament. Younger than Mr. Espy, she nevertheless died 
several years before him, (in 1850,) leaving him to struggle alone in the decline of 
life without the sustaining power of her.devoted and enthusiastic nature. 

Having in a great degree matured his theory of storms; having made numerous 
inductions from observations, and having written a great deal in regard to it, Mr. 
Espy took the bold resolution, though past middle age, to throw himself into a new 
career, laying aside all ordinary employments, and devoting himself to the diffusion 
of the knowledge which he had collected and increased, by lecturing in the towns, 
villages, and cities of the United States. This proved a successful undertaking, and 
by its originality attracted more attention to his views than could have been obtained, 
probably, in any other way. He soon showed remarkable power in explaining his 
ideas. His simplicity and clearness enabled his hearers to follow him without too 
great effort, and the earnestness with which he spoke out his convictions carried them 
away in favor of his theory. The same power which enabled him to succeed in his 
lecturing career procured subsequently for Mr. Espy the support and encouragement 
of some of the leading men in Congress, and especially in the Senate, and also in the 
executive departments. Their attention was arrested by the originality of his views 
and his warmth in presenting them, and he imparted so much of his conviction of 
their truth as to induce many of our statesmen and official persons to exert themselves 
to procure for him, under the patronage of the Government, continued opportunities 
for study, research, and the comparison of observations. To the consistent support 
of his scientific friends, and particularly of the Secretary of this Institution, Mr. 
Espy owed also much in obtaining the opportunities of keeping in a scientific career. 
His reports to the Surgeon General of the army, to Congress, and to the Secretary of 
the Navy, are among his latest efforts in this direction. 

The earnest and deep convictions of the truth of his theory in all its parts, and his 
glowing enthusiasm in regard to it; perhaps, also, the age which he had reached, 
prevented Mr. Espy from passing beyond a certain point in the development of his 
theory. The same constitution of mind rendered his inductions from observation 
often unsafe. His views were positive and his conclusions absolute, and so was the 
expression of them. He was not prone to examine and re-examine premises and con- 
clusions, but considered what had once been passed upon by his judgment as finally 
settled. Hence his views did not make that impression upon cooler temperaments 
among men of science to which they were entitled—obtaining more credit among 
scholars and men of general reading in our country than among scientific men, and 
making but little progress abroad. 

Feeling that his bodily vigor was failing, and that his life must soon close, the 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution induced him to re-examine the various parts 
of his meteorological theories of storms, tornados, and water-spouts, and to insert in 
his last report, while it was going through the press, an account of his most mature 
views. I trust that the Secretary will, in one of his reports, give us a thorough and 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 161 


eritieal examination of the works and services of this remarkable contributor to a ~ 
branch of science, the knowledge of which the Smithsonian Institution has already 
done so much to advance and to diffuse. 


On motion of Professor Bache, the following resolutions were 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have learned with deep 
regret the decease of James P. Espy, one of the most useful and zealous of the mete- 
orologists co-operating with the institution, and whose labors in both the increase and 
diffusion of knowledge of meteorology have merited the highest honors of science at 
home, and have added to the reputation of our country abroad. 

Resolved, That the Regents offer to the relatives of Mr. spy their sincere condo- 
lence in the loss which they have sustained. 


On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 
Resolved, That the remarks of Professor Bache be entered in the proceedings. 


The Secretary introduced the subject of warming the Smithso- 
nian building, stating thatit was important to provide better means 
for this purpose, to insure the safety of those parts of the building 
which are not fire-proof. The subject was referred to the Execu- 
tive Committee, and the Secretary was instructed to procure esti- 
mates for the introduction of steam or hot water apparatus. 

The reading of the report of the Secretary was continued. 

The Board then adjourned. 


March 17, 1860. 

The Board of Regents met this day, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Hon. James M. Mason, 
Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. William H. Eng- 
lish, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, Hon. J. G. Berret, Professor A. D. 
Bache, Mr. Seaton, Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Breckinridge was called to the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

The Secretary announced the reappointment, by the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives, of Hon. William H. English, of In- 
diana; Hon. Benjamin Stanton, of Ohio; and Hon. L. J. Gartrell, 
of Georgia, as Regents, for the term of two years. 

The Secretary presented the following letter, from Edward Cu- 


nard, Esq.: 
New York, February 25, 1860. 
Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, 
and, in reply, I beg to inform you, that I shall have much pleasure in conveying in 
our steamers from New York to Liverpool, every fortnight, one or more cases from 
the Smithsonian Institution to the extent of half a ton or twenty cubie feet measure- 
ment. The cases to be addressed to your agent in Liverpool, or to his care. The 
arrangement of free cases is intended only to apply to those shipped by you from this 
side of the water. 
Your obedient servant, 
E. CUNARD. 
JosEpH Henry, Esq., 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


tt 


162 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Secretary presented the following letter from Sir W. E. 
Logan : 

MontTrEAL, March, 1860. 

My Dear Sir: Understanding that the shells of the United States exploring expe- 
dition are being arranged, and that there are many duplicates, I should be rejoiced if 
a set of them could be obtained for our Provincial Museum. It may be the case that 
what we may be able to return for them may not equal their value ; but the Canadian 
territory is a large one, and we shall have duplicates of our fossils from various parts, 
extending from Labrador to Lake Superior. 

In our geological expeditions to the eastern part of the province, advantage has 
been taken of the opportunity to dredge in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and we shall 
undoubtedly have duplicates of many of the specimens obtained. This season I hope 
to send an exploring party to the Straits of Belle Isle. 

We are so much pressed with work at present that it may be a little time before our 
duplicates are ready, particularly as the protracted want of Professor Hall’s third 
volume of the paleontology of New York disables us from naming many of our fos- 
sils according to his authority, while a regard for him prevents us ‘from naming them 
for ourselves. Our Lower Silurian fossils will be the first that will be ready. 

I am, my dear sir, very truly yours, 
W. E. LOGAN, 

Professor Hunry, 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 

A letter was read from Hon. Alfred Ely, chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Claims of the House of Representatives, relative to an 
application of an officer of the navy for remuneration of specimens 
of natural history, &c., collected by the United States exploring 
expedition. 

The subject was discussed, and referred to ‘the Secretary and the 
Executive Committee. 

A letter was read from Sir George Simpson, Governor of the 
Hudson’s Bay Territory, offering to aid the institution in collecting 
meteorological and other information. 

A letter was read from C. Zimmerman, of Columbia, South Car- 
olina, on the subject of the preparation by the institution of man- 

uals on entomology. 

The Secretary stated that a proposition had been made by Lieu- 
tenant Gilliss, relative to an expedition to the coast of Labrador to 
observe the total eclipse of July 18th, if the necessary means could 
be secured to defray the expenses, towards which, if the institution 
would subscribe $500, the balance, it was believed, could be secured 
from individuals. 

Professor Bache addressed the Board, commending highly the 
proposed expedition, and stating the advantages which would result 
to science if the observations could be made. 

On motion of Professor Bache, it was— 

Resolved, That an appropriation be made, not exceeding $500, to aid in the proposed 
expedition to observe the eclipse of July 18, 1860. 

The Secretary called the attention of the Board to another expe- 


dition, proposed by Dr. I. I. Hayes, to the Arctic regions, and sug- 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 163 


gested the propriety of aid in furnishing that gentleman with the 
requisite instruments of observation. 
On motion of Mr. Pearce, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary of the Institution be authorized to furnish such aid to 
the expedition of Dr. Hayes, in the way of instruments, as may be deemed advisable. 


The Secretary introduced the subject of the Stanley gallery of 
Indian paintings, and stated that Mr. Stanley asked for an allow- 
ance of one hundred dollars a year to pay the interest on a debt he 
had incurred to prevent the sacrifice of the paintings by sale. 

The subject was referred to the Secretary and the cu 
Committee. 

A letter from Professor Secchi, of Rome, was read, stating that 
he had obtained permission for the institution to procure casts or 
moulds of celebrated works of art in that city. 

The Secretary stated that Mr. Corcoran, of Washington, was 
about to found a gallery of art, and it was very desirable that the 
institution should co-operate with him, especially in relation to 
copies of works of art from Italy. 

The subject was referr ed to the Secretary and the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

The Secretary presented the continuation of pie annual report ; 
which was read. 

The opinion was expressed by several of the Regents that a less 
number of lectures should be given than heretofore, twelve being 
considered suflicient for each season. 

The Board then adjourned. 


April 7, 1860. 

The Board of Regents met this day, at 10 o’clock, a. m. 

Present, Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. 8. A. Douglas, Hon. W. 
H. English, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, Hon. George E. Badger, Pro- 
fessor Bache, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Pearce was called to the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

Mr. Pearce presented the report of the Executive Committee, 
which was accepted, and the estimates for the year 1860 adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Douglas, it was 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee invest the five thousand dollars now in the 
hands of the Treasurer, belonging to the extra fund. 


The Secretary laid before the Board the eleventh volume of 
Smithsonian Contributions to oe which had just been is- 
sued. 


164 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Secretary brought before the Board the subject of the pay of 
the assistants; which, after some remarks, was referred to the Sec- 
retary and the Executive Committee. 

Professor Bache made the following remarks: 


Mr. Gustavus Wirdemann, in charge of the tidal observations of the Coast Survey 
on the Florida reefs and Gulf of Mexico, died at his home in New Jersey on the 30th 
of September. His health had been failing for some years, and during the last year 
he had discharged his duties with great difficulty, owing to great physical debility. 
Mr. Wiirdemunn entered the survey under my predecessor, and served throughout a 
somewhat extended career, with a fidelity and singleness of purpose that has never 
been exceeded. Exact truthfulness was the leading trait of his character, and his 
observations, even the most minute, were always reliable. It is easily seen that it is 
no exaggeration to say that such a man was invaluable in his place, and an example 
worthy to be held up as the type of faithfulness. During the discharge of his labo- 
rious duties he found time and opportunity to make collections in natural history, 
which have been acknowledged by the Smithsonian Institution as among the most 
valuable contributions to the knowledge of the fauna of Florida. 


On motion of Professor Bache, the following resolution was 
unanimously adopted : 


Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have learned with regret 
the decease of Gustavus Wiirdemann, tidal observer in the Coast Survey, whose col- 
lections of specimens from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and especially of the 
birds of Florida, liberally furnished to the Smithsonian Institution, have proved of 
great importance in increasing our knowledge of the natural history of the southern 
part of the United States. 

Resolved, That this resolution be communicated to the widow of Mr. Wiirdemann. 


The Secretary read the following authentic notice, which had 
appeared in a recent periodical, respecting the late Professor Cleave- 
land : 


“ Professor Parker Cleaveland died on the 15th of October, 1858. He was born in 
Rowley, (Byfield parish,) Massachusetts, January 15, 1780; graduated at Harvard 
College in 1799; taught school and studied law until 1803, when he was appointed 
tutor in mathematics in Harvard College. He was made professor of mathematics and 
natural philosophy, chemistry and mineralogy in Bowdoin College in 1805, and dis- 
charged with distinguished ability the extended duties of that professorship until 
1828, when a professor of mathematics was appointed, and he was relieved from that 
part of his labor. He continued to be the professor in the other departments until his 
death. He became widely known in the United States, and in Europe, by his early 
and successful treatise on mineralogy and geology, published in 1816, and in a second 
edition in 1822. A third was called for, and he labored in its preparation more or less 
for thirty-five years, leaving it nearly ready for the press. His high reputation asa 
lecturer was spread through the country by a succession of graduates of Bowdoin Col- 
lege of more than fifty years. He was a member of the American Academy ef Arts 
and Sciences, and of many literary and scientific societies in this country and in 
Europe. In 1824, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on him by 
Bowdoin College. In private life he was universally respected for his unblemished 
moral character, and his genial and affable disposition. His death called forth unu- 
sual and remarkable demonstrations of respect to his character and memory. In 
June, 1853, he was elected an honorary member of the Smithsonian Institution.” 


On motion of Mr. Douglas the following resolutions were adopted : 


Resolved, That the Regents of this Institution have learned with deep regret of the 
decease of Professor’ Parker Cleaveland, of Bowdoin College, one of the honorary 
members of this establishment, who was highly esteemed on account of his labors as 
a man of science and a teacher, and whose memory will be held in grateful remem- 
brance. 

Resolved, That the Regents offer to the family of the deceased their sincere condo- 
lence at the loss which they and the country have sustained. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. - 165 


The Secretary presented the following letter from Mr. Ross, chief 
factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company : 


Fort Simpson, McKenzir’s River, 80th November, 1859. 

Dear Sir: At the period of the departure of our usual winter express I sit down 
to write you a few lines upon the subjects mentioned in your communication of the 
2d of April, 1859. I trust that the various cases sent you last summer from Portage 
La Roche reached you in safety, and that the contents proved satisfactory and of in- 
terest. It will be my endeavor during the present and succeeding seasons to collect 
the animals mentioned as being wished for by the Smithsonian Institution, but I will 
not merely restrict myself to these particular objects of research, the whole field of 
either science or curiosity will be considered in all contributions which I may here- 
after forward to your collection. 

The Meteorological Register for the months of September, October, and November, 
will be forwarded by this conveyance, and I will endeavor to organize a systematic 
series of observations at all the posts throughout this district. These, of course, will 
vary as to completeness and accuracy according to the tastes and acquirements of the 
officer who conducts the registry, as there are very wide differences in the education 
and talents of the various persons in the progressive grades of our service. A series 
of spirit thermometers of assured correctness would be useful, in fact are absolutely 
necessary for this purpose. 

As my attention will hereafter be particularly directed to ethnological pursuits, 
and my public duties in conducting the affairs of this large district are not very light, 
it will be impossible to keep the regular series of meteorological observations here 
myself, but I will delegate this duty to Mr. Andrew Flett, a very careful and intelli- 
gent person, though not of a finished education ; but any extraordinary phenomena 
I will note myself in addition. ; 

By the usual summer boats a packet will be forwarded to your address, containing 
such observations as I can collect in our journals, and a complete auroral and weather 
register taken by myself for Colonel Lefroy in 1850-’51, if I can find the latter. 

Jn conclusion [ will merely say that all that lies in my power will be done to oblige 
you inany way. Every facility will be given to Mr. R. Kennicott to collect and for- 
ward specimens of natural history; free passage will be allowed him from post to post 
throughout the district, and to all his plans the various officers under my command 
will, Lam sure, gladly render assistance. 

I have the honor to remain, dear sir, yours faithfully, 
BERNARD R. ROSS. 

Professor Henry, 

Smithsonian Institution. 


The reading of the report of the Secretary was then continued. 
On motion of Mr. Badger, the following resolution was adopted : 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents are hereby given to the various 
companies and individuals who have generously aided in advancing the objects of the 
Smithsonian Institution and the promotion of science, by the facilities they have 
afforded in the transportation of books, specimens, &c., free of charge. 


The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


January 16, 1861. 
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual session on the third Wednesday of January of cach year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room. 
No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet at the 
call of the Secretary. 


166 . BOARD OF REGENTS. 


February 16, 1861. 

The Board of Regents met this day, at 10 o’clock, a. m., in the 
Regents’ room. 

Present, Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. James M. Mason, Hon. 8. 
A. Douglas, Hon. W. H. English, Hon. Benjamin Stanton, General 
Joseph G. Totten, Professor A. D. Bache, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Mason was called to the chair. 

The Secretary stated that there are at present three vacancies in 
the Board of Regents, among the class of citizens at large, namely : 
the vacancy occasioned by the expiration of the term of service of 
Hon. Gideon Hawley, of Albany, who declines a re-election on 
account of inability to attend; that occasioned by the death of 
Hon. Richard Rush; and that by the expiration of the term of Dr. 
C. C. Felton, of Harvard University ; and that a resolution was some- 
time since presented to the Senate of the United States to fill these 
vacancies, which had not yet been acted upon. 

Mr. Pearce presented the report of the Executive Committee, 
with the estimates for the year 1861; which was read and adopted. 

A communication addressed to the Secretary, relative to the 
Wynns estate was read. 

The Secretary stated that since the death of Hon. Richard Rush, 
no communication had been received in regard to the remainder of 
the Smithsonian bequest left in England, as the principal of an an- 
nuity to the mother of the nephew of Smithson; whereupon, on 
motion of Mr. Bache, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to communicate with Messrs. Clarke, Fyn- 
more & Fladgate, attorneys in London, informing them of the death of Hon. Mr. 
Rush, and making inquiry as to the present condition of this annuity. 


On motion of Mr. English, it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to adjust the accounts of the Regents for 
travelling and other expenses, at each annual or special meeting, according to the pro- 
visions of the act of organization. 


A letter was read relative to the debt of the State of Arkansas, 
desiring the Regents to unite with other parties in endeavoring to 
recover it. 

The Secretary stated that he had replied, giving as his individual 
opinion that the Regents are in no way interested in this matter; 
the United States having assumed the debt originally due from the 
State of Arkansas to the Smithsonian fund. 

On motion, it was— 


Resolved, That the Board concur in this opinion. 


A communication addressed to the Board, from H. A. Gaston, of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 167 


Napa City, California, requesting aid in introducing a new steam 
engine, was read. 

The Secretary stated that this communication was one of a large 
class usually addressed to himself in his official capacity; that he 
had answered these communications by stating that it did not form 
a part of the policy of the institution to give an opinion as to the 
merits of any invention, or to render assistance to any enterprise 
which, though it might be of importance to the public, was under- 
taken for the immediate benefit of an individual; that the Govern- 
ment of the United States had enacted laws granting an exclusive 
monopoly to inventors as a reward for their ingenuity, and that 
they must apply to the Patent Office for the means of securing a 
remuneration for their labors. That if, however, in any case, an 
individual has made an invention for which he does not intend to 
take out a patent, then the institution would accept on the usual 
conditions, an account of such invention, and would make it known 
through the Smithsonian publications, to the civilized world, thus 
securing to the inventor the reputation which might justly be his 
due. 

The following memorial was presented from distinguished citizens 
of Philadelphia, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Lowe: 


‘To Professor JosEPH HENRY, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 

The undersigned, citizens of Philadelphia, have taken a deep interest in the attempt 
of Mr. T. S. C. Lowe to cross the Atlantic by zronautic machinery, and have conti- 
dence that his extensive preparations to effect that object will add greatly to scientific 
knowledge. Mr. Lowe has individually spent much time and money in the enter- 
prise, and, in addition, the citizens of Philadelphia have contributed several thousand 
dollars to further his efforts in demonstrating the feasibility of trans-Atlantic air nav- 
igation. With reliance upon Mr. Lowe and his plans, we cheerfully recommend 
him to the favorable consideration of the Smithsonian Institution, and trust such aid 
and advice will be furnished him by that distinguished body as may assist in the suc- 
cess of the attempt, in which we take a deep interest. 

JOHN C. CRESSON. 

WILLIAM HAMILTON. 

W. H. HARRISON. 

HENRY SEYBERT. 

J. CHESTON MORRIS, M. D. 

ISAAC LEA. 

FAIRMAN ROGERS. 

JAMES C. FISHER, M. D. 

THOS. STEWARDSON, M. D. 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT. 

GEORGE W. CHILDS. 

JOHN GRIGG. 

8.8. HALDEMAN. 

JOHN F. FRAZER. 

GEORGE HARDING. 

M. McMICHAEL. 
PHILADELPHIA, December, 1860. 


On motion of Mr. Mason, it was— 
Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to give Mr. Lowe any advice which he 


168 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


may deem fit, as to his experiments; and to reply to the memorialists stating the 
reasons why the Regents do not consider themselves at liberty to make any appropri- 
ation from the Smithsonian fund for the purpose mentioned in the communication. 


Several communications received by the Secretary from David P. 
Holton, were read and referred to the Executive Committee. 
The following letters, also, were presented by the Secretary : 


[ Translation. ] 
Brruin, November 24, 1860. 


Sir: I have received the last invoice of publications, which through your kindness 
has been presented to me by your great and liberal institution. The grammar and 
dictionary of the Yoruba language, by Mr. Bowen, have especially interested me. 

Expressing my thanks to the honorable directors, I have the pleasure to send some 
of my latest publications, with the request that they be placed in the Smithsonian 
Library. They are the following : 

1. Two volumes of my ‘‘ Kénigsbuch,’’ containing the chronological restitution of 
the Egyptian dynasties of Manethon, and the collection of the hieroglyphical names 
of all the kings; being, as it were, a supplement to the great work ‘On the Monu- 
ments of Egypt and Ethiopia,”’ prepared by myself at the expense of the State, a 
copy of which the King, at my suggestion, has presented to the Smithsonian Library. 
Of this you have lately received the last series of plates, and the descriptive text will 
be sent as soon as I can finish it. 

2. A dissertation, read at our Academy of Sciences, on the ‘‘ Extent of the Egyp- 
tian History after Manethon.’’ 

8. Another similar one on several points of ‘‘ Chronology.”’ 

4. A volume of thirty-seven plates, representing the pictures executed, under my 
direction, upon the walls of the Egyptian museum, in Berlin. 


To these I add some pamphlets relating to the introduction of a general linguistic 
or standard alphabet for expressing foreign languages, which have either not been 
written at all or not in European characters. They are, for the present: 

5. An English copy of the pamphlet I have published on the standard alphabet. 

6. A German copy of the same. 

7. Translation, by Mr. Lechler, of the Gospel of St. Matthew into Chinese, in the 
characters of the standard alphabet. 

8. Translation, by myself, of the Gospel of St. Mark, into the Nubian language ;. 
printed in types of the standard alphabet. This forms part of a book which also con- 
tains the grammar and dictionary of the Nubian and several other similar languages, 
the printing of which is not yet finished. 

-The two copies of the standard alphabet are of the first edition. "We are just now 
printing the second, with some slight alterations and a much more complete collection 
of alphabets. I shall send it in time, and would not, at present, have transmitted the 
first edition, the small number of copies of which has actually been withdrawn, if it 
were not of special interest for a library to follow up the gradual development of a 
subject of general importance. 

You will see from the pamphlet that most of the missionary societies have decided 
to introduce the alphabet, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
sions included, and that the number of books printed in these characters is rapidly 
augmenting. I know of sixty or more. I do not know whether you have any op- 
portunity of exercising an influence among the savans of your country in favor of 
the adoption of the standard alphabet. At any rate you will allow me to recommend 
such a course. Mr. Bowen, from his Yoruba grammar, seems not to have had any 
knowledge of it; while Mr. Crouther, his learned predecessor in the grammar of this 
language, has already adopted it in his later publications; and Mr. L. Grout, also of 
the American Board, has made use of and has earnestly recommended it in his excel- 
lent grammar of the Zulu-Kaffir. 

I should feel very grateful, if you will let me know whether there has been any 
attention given to this question with you, and if you would communicate to me what- 
ever may relate to the subject. The original languages of America will be found 
transcribed in much greater number in the second edition of the standard alphabet ; 
and, if you know of any scholar who makes the study of these languages his specialty, 
and who could give me instructions as to the exact pronunciation of the letters of 
some of them, I would be much obliged if you would make me acquainted with him. 


RAL ieee 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 169 


Among your former publications, besides those relating to linguistics and ethnology, 
such as the grammar of the Dakota language, there are also memoirs relating to the 
antiquities of different parts of America, viz: the researches of Squier and Davis on 
the monuments of the Mississippi. I received from Mr. Squier himself his memoir 
on the monuments of New York, (vol. IJ, art. 9;) and also have most of the writ- 
ings of Squier, Pickering, and Morton, in separate publications; but of your anti- 
quarian publications I am still in want of the following: Vol. 1; vol. IT, art. 2; III, 
6,7; VII, 5. I do not venture to designate other memoirs that would gratify my 
general interest in American science; yet I should be highly obliged if you would con- 
tinue the transmission of your reports, and add those of the foregoing volumes which 
you can most readily spare. 

Will you let me know whether you have already the first volume of my “‘ Egyp- 
tian Chronology ;”’ if not, I shall not fail to send a copy. , 7 

I beg your pardon for this long letter, which I fear has taken too much of your 
time, occupied by many other subjects. ‘ 

Accept the expression of the high consideration with which I am, sir, your most 


obedient, 
R. LEPSIUS. 


Professor JosrpH HENRY, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


MELBOURNE BOTANIC AND ZooLocic GARDEN, October 25, 1860. 

HoNORED AND DeEar Sir: I owe you my grateful acknowledgment of transmit- 
ting to me, through the kindness of Hon. William Haines, the valuable reports of 
the Smithsonian Institution for 1857 and 1858, and the celebrated work on the North 
American algae, furnished by our common friend, Dr. Harvey. 

Whilst expressing my warmest thanks for having been deemed worthy, by your 
noble institution, to share in the gifts which, by the world-famed liberality of the 
Smithsonian Institution, the men of science so extensively enjoy, I beg to state that 
it will be a source of pleasure to me to endeavor to reciprocate your friendly offers, 
and that I hope, through Prof. Asa Gray, within a few months, to lay several recent 
publications of mine, including the first volume of the ‘‘ Plants of Victoria,’’ before 
your institution and other American scientific associations. 

If I can in any way serve the laudable purposes of your excellent institution, I 
hope you will freely command my services. : 

Most regardiully, dear Professor Henry, yours, 
FERD. MUELLER. 


The Secretary gave an account of what had been done in rela- 
tion to the distribution of duplicate specimens of natural history, 
and read several letters acknowledging the receipt of the donations, 
and expressing appreciation of the policy adopted by the institu- 
tion. Among these was the following : 


University oF Toronto, December 3, 1860. 


Dear Sir: In acknowledging the receipt of about two hundred species of shells 
sent to the University Museum, through the liberality of the Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, 1 beg to express my very high appreciation of the disposition 
manifested by the institution to make its superflueus stores available in the commu- 
nication of knowledge in various places, and even beyond the limits of the United 
States. The contribution now made is a very valuable addition to the museum of the 
University of Toronto, even those species of which we have already specimens being 
interesting from their authentic names and known habitats. * * We are deeply 
obliged by the kindness manifested ; and if we find any way of reciprocating it, I shall 
personally feel the greatest pleasure in promoting your views. 

Believe me to be, dear sir, very faithfully yours, 

WILLIAM HINCKS. 


The SrcRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 
Copies of the several papers and miscellaneous articles published 
by the institution, since the last annual session, were laid before 


the Board. 
The fact was stated that the Potomac water had been brought 


170 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


by Government through the grounds of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, to the middle of the south front of the building; that the 
institution was now supplied with rain water from the cisterns in 
the towers, but as the supply from this source was uncertain, it was 
desirable that the Potomac water should be introduced; whereupon 
it was— 


Resolved, That the Secretary procure plans and estimates for the introduction of 
the Potomac water into the building, and that the Secretary and the Executive Com- 
mittee be authorized to make contracts for this purpose. 


The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of 
the institution ; which was read in part. 

The Board then adjourned, to meet on Tuesday, February 19, at 
8 o’clock, p. m. 


February 19, 1861. 
The Board met at 8 o’clock, p. m., in the Regents’ room of the 
Smithsonian Institution. 


Present, Hon. James M. Mason, Hon. W. H. English, Hon. B. 


Stanton, General Joseph G. Totten, Professor A. D. Bache, and the 
Secretary. 

Mr. Mason was called to the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

The report of the Secretary was read and adopted. 

The Board then took a recess till Friday evening. 


February 22, 8 p.m. 

Present, Messrs. Pearce, Douglas, English, and Totten. 

The Secretary read the appendix to his annual report. 

The Secretary presented the following letters, which he had pre- 
pared in accordance with the resolution of the Board, relative to 
xrial navigation, in answer to the memorial of citizens of Phila- 
delphia, and to the communication of Mr. Lowe: 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 
Wasuinaton, D. C., March 8, 1861. 


GENTLEMEN: Your communication, addressed to the Smithsonian Institution, 
commending Mr. Lowe to the Board of Regents, for assistance in carrying out his 
proposed experiment to cross the Atlantic by means of a balloon, was duly received. 
Jt was presented to the Board of Regents at their meeting of February 16, was 
respectfully considered, and, after due deliberation, the following resolution was 
adopted : 

“« Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to give Mr. Lowe any advice which he 
may deem fit as to his experiments; and to reply to the memorialists, stating the rea- 
sons why the Regents do not consider themselves at liberty to make any appropria- 
tion from the Smithsonian fund for the purpose mentioned in the communication.” 


In accordance with the above resolution I would state that the Board of Regents 
of the Smithsonian Institution are responsible to the Government and to the world 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. re 


for the prudent expenditure of the income of the Smithson bequest, and, inasmuch as 
the proposed experiment is one which, in the minds of the majority of considerate 
and reflective persons, is of great hazard, the Regents do not think, whatever might 
be their individual desire to advance the art of erial navigation, that they would be 
justified in making an appropriation from the Smithsonian income to assist in this 
enterprise. 

Any questions which may be propounded to me in regard to the experiment of Mr. 
Lowe will be cheerfully answered, as far as we have the means of giving the required 
information. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOSEPH HENRY, 


Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


To Messrs. JNo. C. Cresson, Isaac LEA, and others, 
Philadelphia. 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 
WasuHInetTon, D. C., March 11, 1861. 


Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of February 25, requesting that I would give 
you my views in regard to the currents of the atmosphere and the possibility of an 
application of a knowledge of them to erial navigation, I present you with the fol- 
lowing statement, to be used as you may think fit. 

I have never had faith in any of the plans proposed for navigating the atmosphere 
by artificial propulsion, or for steering a balloon in a direction different from that of 
the current in which the vehicle is floating. 

The resistance to a current of air offered bv several thousand feet of surface, is far 
too great to be overcome by any motive power at present known which can be applied 
by machinery of sufficient lightness. 

The only method of erial navigation which in the present state of knowledge 
appears to afford any possibiltty of practical application, is that of sailing with the 
currents of the atmosphere. The question, therefore, occurs as to whether the aerial 
currents of the earth are of such a character that they can be rendered subservient to 
erial locomotion. 

In answering this question, I think I hazard little in asserting that the great cur- 
rents of the atmosphere have been sufficiently studied to enable us to say with cer- 
tainty that they follow detinite courses, and that they may be rendered subservient to 
erial navigation, provided the balloon itself can be so improved as to render it a safe 
vehicle of locomotion. 

It has been established by observations extending now over two hundred years, 
that, at the surface of the earth, within the tropics, there is a belt along which the 
wind constantly blows from an easterly direction; and, from the combined meteoro- 
logical observations made in different parts of the world within the last few years, 
that north of this belt, between the latitudes of 30° and 60°, around the whole earth 
the resultant wind is from a westerly direction. 

The primary motive power which gives rise to these currents is the constant heat- 
ing of the air in the equatorial, and the cooling of it in and toward the polar regions ; 
the eastern and western deflections of these currents being due to the rotation of the 
earth on its axis. 

The easterly current in the equatorial regions is always at the surface, and has long 
been known as the trade winds, while the current from the west is constantly flowing 
in the upper portion of the atmosphere, and only reaches the surface of the earth at 
intervals, generally after the occurrence of a storm. 

Although the wind, even at the surface, over the United States and around the 
whole earth between the same parallels, appears to be exceedingly fitful; yet when 
the average movement is accurately recorded for a number of years, it is found that 
a large resultant remains of a westerly current. This is well established by the fact 
that on an average of many years, packet ships sailing from New York to Great 
Britain occupy nearly double the time in returning that they do in going. 

It has been fully established by continuous observations collected at this institution 
for ten years, from every part of the United States, that, as a general rule, all the 
meteorological phenomena advance from west to east, and that the higher clouds 
always move eastwardly. We are therefore, from abundant observation, as well as 
from theoretical considerations, enabled to state with confidence that on a given day, 
whatever may be the direction of the wind at the surface of the earth, a balloon ele- 
vated sufficiently high, would be carried easterly by the prevailing current in the 
upper or rather middle region of the atmosphere. 


ie BOARD OF REGENTS. 


I do not hesitate, therefore, to say, that provided a balloon can be constructed of 
sufficient size, and of sufficient impermeability to gas, in order that it may maintain 
a high elevation for a sufficient length of time, it would be wafted across the Atlantic. 
I would not, however, advise that the first experiment of this character be made 
across the ocean, but that the feasibility of the project should be thoroughly tested, 
and experience accumulated by voyages over the interior of our continent. It is 
true that more eclat might be given to the enterprise, and more interest excited in the 
public mind generally, by the immediate attempt of a passage to Europe; but I do 
not think the sober sense of the more intelligent part of the community would be in 


favor of this plan; on the contrary, it would be considered a premature and foolhardy 
risk of life. 

It is not in human sagacity to foresee, prior to experience, what simple occurrence, | 
or what neglect in an arrangement, may interfere with the result of an experiment; 
and therefore I think it will be impossible for you to secure the full confidence of 
those who are best able to render you assistance except by a practical demonstration, 
in the form of successful voyages from some of the interior cities of the continent to 
the seaboard. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JOSEPH HENRY, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 
T.S. C. Lowsz, Esq., 
Philadelphia, Pa. 


The Board then adjourned sine die. 


January 15, 1862. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their 
annual session on the third Wednesday of January of each year, 
the Board met this day in the Regents’ room at 11 o’clock a. m. 

Present, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. J. A. Pearce, Hon. E. McPher- 
son, Hon. 8. 8S. Cox, Hon. Richard Wallach, and the Secretary. 

The Secretary stated that since the last session of the Regents 
the following changes had taken place in the Board, viz: 

Hfon. Hannibal Hamlin, as Vice-President of the United States, 
has become ez officio a member of the Board. The vacancy occa- 
sioned by the death of IIon. Richard Rush has, by joint resolution 
of Congress, approved March 2, 1861, been filled by the appoint- 
ment of Hon. William L. Dayton, of New Jersey; the vacancy 
caused by the expiration of the term of Hon. Gideon Hawley, by 
the appointment of William B. Astor, of New York; and that by 
the expiration of the term of Cornelius C. Felton, of Massachu- 
setts, by the reappointment of the same gentleman. 

The Secretary also stated that on the 7th of March, 1861, the 
Vice-President of the United States reappointed Hon. James A. 
Pearce a Regent for the term of six years, and on the 4th of De- 
eember, 1861, he appointed Hon. W. P. Fessenden, of Maine, and 
Tfon. L. Trumbull, of Illinois, to fill the vacancies occasioned by 
the decease of Hon. 8. A. Douglas and the removal of Hon. J. M. 
Mason; and that on the 19th of December the Speaker of ‘the 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. Lis 


House appointed Hon. 8. Colfax, of Indiana, Hon. S. 8. Cox, of 
_ Ohio, and Hon. E. McPherson, of Pennsylvania, as Regents for the 
| term of two years. 

In addition to the foregoing, Hon. Richard Wallach having been 

chosen Mayor of the city of Washington, in place of Mr. Berret, 
_ resigned, has become ez officio a member of the Board. 
_ The Secretary made a statement relative to the present condition 
_ of the Institution and its operations, but as several of the Regents 
_ were obliged to leave on account of Congressional duties the Board 
_ adjourned to meet on Saturday, February 8. 


February 8, 1862. 

The Board of Regents met this day at 10 o’clock a. m. in the 
Regents’ room. 

Present, Hon. H. Hamlin, Vice-President of the United States; 
Hon. James A. Pearce, Hon. Lyman Trumbull, IIon. 8. Colfax, 
Hon. 8. S. Cox, Hon. Edward McPherson, Hon. R. Wallach. In 
the absence of the Chancellor, Hon. Mr. Hamlin was called to the 
chair. 7 

Mr. Pearce presented the report of the Executive Committee, 
containing an account of the receipts and expenditures for the year 
1861, and estimates for 1862, which was read and approved. 

Mr. Pearce also gave an account of the financial arrangements 
of the Institution, the care exercised in expenditures, the examina- 
tion of vouchers, &c. 

1. The disbursements are authorized by the Secretary, in accord- 
ance with the appropriations made by the Board. 

2. The accounts are audited by the Chief Clerk, and in the more 
important cases are examined by experts as to the reasonableness 
of the charges. 

3. The bills are next presented to the Secretary for approval and 
for orders on the Treasurer to pay them. 

4, They are then copied in detail into a day-book in chronological 
order, and the amounts posted in a ledger under the heads of the 
different appropriations. 

5. The accounts and vouchers are semi-annually placed in the 
hands of Mr. W. B. Randolph, (Chief Clerk of the Treasurer of 
the United States,) for critical and final revision, and for the prep- 
aration of a general statement of receipts and expenditures during 
the year. 

6. At the end of the year all the books and accounts are carefully 


174 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


examined by the Executive Committee, and the result reported to 
the Board of Regents. | 
The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of — 
the Institution during the year 1861, which was read and approved. — 
The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


May 1, 1862. 

The Board of Regents met this day at ten o’clock a. m. in the 
Regents’ room. 

Present, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. Edward, McPherson, Hon. R. 
Wallach, General J. G. Totten, Professor A. D. Bache, Dr. Theo- 
dore D. Woolsey, and the Seeretary. 

General Totten was called to the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

The Secretary announced that since the last meeting of the 
Board Dr. C. C. Felton had deceased, and that Congress had, by 
joint resolution, appointed Theodore D. Woolsey, LL.D., Presi- 
dent of Yale College, to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. 

Professor Bache, after a few appropriate remarks, offered the 
following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : 


Resolved, That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution deeply mourn 
the loss of their fellow-regent, Cornelius Conway Felton, the distinguished President 
of Harvard University, whose profound learning and ready use of the rich stores of 
ancient and modern lore excited general admiration, while his genial temper, affec- 
tionate disposition, and open manners, endeared him as a friend to every member of 
this establishment. 

Resolved, That in the death of President Felton our country, in the hour of its 
trial, has lost a wise and influential citizen, our Government a warm and eloquent 
supporter, Harvard University a learned and efficient head, and this Institution am 
active and valued Regent. 

Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the bereaved family of President Felton, 
and offer to them our heartfelt sympathy in their deep affliction. 

Resolved, That Dr. Woolsey be requested to prepare a suitable notice of President 
Felton, to be inserted in the Journal of the Board of Regents. 
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be communicated by the Secretary of 
the Smithsonian Institution to the family of the deceased, and to the faculty and cor- 

poration of Harvard. 


EULOGY BY PROFESSOR WOOLSEY. 


The duty has been laid upon me of preparing a brief tribute to the memory of 
Cornelius C. Felton, late a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution. I undertake this 
office the more readily, because a friendly and most pleasant acquaintance of nearlv 
thirty years standing, cemented by common pursuits and unbroken by any of those 
jealousies which sometimes divide men of the same literary calling, has enabled me 
to form a definite opinion of the worth and services of one whose death the country, 
in common with Massachusetts and with Harvard University, deplores. 

Cornelius Conway Felton, the son of worthy but by no means opulent parents, was 
born at West Newbury, Massachusetts, November 6, 1807. The first decided impulse 
in the direction of scholarship and of a taste for letters was given to him by Simeon 
Putnam, who kept a private school at North Andover, with whom he remained as a 
pupil a year and three months. In this year anda quarter prior to his entrance into 
college, Putnam awakened so great an enthusiasm in the mind of his pupil, that the 
latter, according to a statement in manuscript drawn up by one of his friends, ‘‘ read 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 175 


Sallust four times, Cicero’s Orations four times, Virgil six times, Dalxel’s Greca Mi- 
nora five or six times, and the poetry of it till he could repeat nearly all of it from 
memory, the Annals and History of Tacitus, Justin, Cornelius Nepos, the Anabasis- 
of Xenophon, four books of Robinson’s Selections from the Iliad, the Greek Testa- 
ment four times, besides writing a translation of one of the Gospels, and writing a 
translation of the whole of Grotius de Veritate, which he brought in manuscript to 
college ; also he wrote a volume of about three hundred pages of Latin exercises, and 
one of about two hundred pages of Greek exercises, and studied carefully all the mathe- 
matics and geography requisite to enter college.”’ That the severe study necessary in 
order to do all this in so short a time might be detrimental to his health will be read- 
ily believed. He suffered from these overstrained efforts during his residence in col- 
lege and afterward. Still he continued his course of earnest study through his college 
life, devoting a good deal of spare time to extra Greek, and forming an acquaintance 
with several of the modern languages and with the Hebrew. Besides which he con- 
tributed to his own support in several ways, especially by keeping school during parts 
of his sophomore and junior years, and in the latter year by teaching mathematics for 
six months in the Roundhill school at Northampton, under Messrs. Cogswell and 
Bancroft. He was prepared, by this introduction into the art of teaching and by his 
excellent scholarship, for the employment in which he was engaged for two years 
from the time of his graduation—the charge of a high school at Geneseo, New York, 
which he undertook in company with two of his classmates. From Geneseo he was 
called back, in 1829, to his Alma Mater to fill the office of Latin tutor, from which 
department he was transferred the next year to the Greek. His election to the chair 
of college professor in 1832, showed the estimation in which he was held by the au- 
thorities of the University. On the resignation of Dr. Popkin in 1838, who had the 
chair of Greek literature upon the Eliot foundation, Mr. Felton was appointed his 
successor, and continued in his professorship until his elevation to the presidency in 
1860. Thus thirty years of his life were spent in cultivating and teaching Greek let- 
ters. 

As a Greek scholar, he was not surpassed for breadth and accuracy by any other in 
the land. His nature was many-sided, and he strove after complete scholarship both 
in what pertained to the language and in what pertained to all the branches of the 
literature of the Hellenic race. Yet, like every other scholar, he had his favorite 
departments of pursuit, while other sides of it had less attraction for him. To lin- 
guistics and general philology and to the verbal side of Greek learning he was not so 
much drawn as to all the manifestation of the Greek mind and life. Here again it 
was Athens in her palmiest days; it was her unrivalled dramatic poets, and especially 
that prince of the ancient comedy, who disclosed to us the life of Athens at the pin- 
nacle of her renown, and when she was sliding down from her eminence—it was this 
age and these monuments of Greece which had the greatest charms for him. The 
spirit of Aristophanes lodged in Professor Felton ; he had the same sense of the ludi- 
erous, the same keen judgment of character, the same underlying earnestness of pa- 
triotism, the same political conservatism. 

A mind which had such a strong relish for exhibitions of life in the concrete forms 
would be apt to convey pleasant and profitable instruction. Professor Felton seems 
to have been a very genial instructor, clear in his conceptions and explanations, sufli- 
ciently strict in grammatical analyses and in keeping his pupils to their tasks, and yet 
relieving the tedium of the recitation room by lively illustrations of the author read, 
so that the lesson was not more a task than a pleasure, enriching and beautifying 
everything by reference to ancient art, as well as by a pure manly taste which went 
along with its‘ whole scholarship. 

This zsthetical power of his mind deserves a more distinct mention. He had within 
him a love of art, and his judgment, natively sound, was improved by devotion to a 
language and a literature which cultivate the taste more than any other. To him, 
therefore, the life of Greece consisted not solely in its poets, orators, historians, and 
philosophers, but in the euphonies of its words, in the rhythm of its periods, in its 
wondrously exquisite and varied poetical metres, in its simple but grand architecture, 

in those works of its sculptors and founders which immortalized over again the 
Materials of a literature already immortal. 

Here we may add that he had two opportunities of inspecting the monuments of 
Greek art, and of visiting that land where so many of his thoughts had dwelt. In 
1853 and the following year he devoted five months of a European tour to Greece, 
ancient and modern, to her present life and the remains of her past glory; and again 
in 1858 he spent part of another summer in the same land. Whatever reminded of 
ancient days and enabled him to conceive more clearly and understand more fully the 


Meaning of the ancient writers, together with those reliques of art which time and 


. 
; 


176 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


barbarism have spared—this naturally claimed his attention first ; but he sympathized 
also with the free, hopeful, restored Greece of the present; he examined the workings 
of her political institutions, visited the halls of legislation at the capital, formed an 
acquaintance with the learned men who adorn the University of Athens, and returned 
in the faith that modern Greece has a noble destiny before her. He was led by his 
tours to connect the Greek and the Romaic languages more closely together, to urge 
the importance of studying the latter, and to advocate the application of the modern 
pronunciation to the literature of the ancient tongues. Not long after his return 
from his first journey, in the year 1856, he published selections from modern Greek 
writers, accompanied with explanatory notes, and a little earlier enriched an Amerj- 
can edition of Smith’s ‘‘ History of Greece’’ with a preface, notes, and a continuation 
of Greek History from the Roman conquest until the present time. 

While engaged in the daily duties of a laborious profession, Mr. Felton found 
leisure to prepare for the press a number of editions of Greek authors and other 
works within the same department. His maiden work of this kind was an edition of 
Homer’s Iliad, published in 1833, with English notes—which were carefully revised 
and enlarged in subsequent editions—and with the addition of Flaxman’s illustrations. 
Next, in 1840, he sent forth from the press a Greek reader, containing selections from 
writers of the best stamp—a work which has been repeatedly printed, and has main- 
tained its ground among the principal introductions to the study of that language. 
This was followed in the next year by an edition of the Clouds of Aristophanes, with 
an introduction and a commentary, which appeared again in a revised form and was 
republished in England. In 1848, in conjunction with Professor Edwards, of An- 
dover, and Professor Sears, then of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Newton, he 
published a work entitled Classical Studies, consisting principally of translations from 
the German, his contributions being selections from the works of Frederic Jacobs. 
In 1844 he rendered a valuable service to classical literature by translating, in con- 
junction with Professor Beck, Munk’s Treatise on Greek and Roman Metres. Three 
years afterward appeared his editions of the Panegyricus of Isocrates—that much 
polished closet-oration of the ‘old man eloquent,’ and of the Agamemnon of 
Aschylus—that difficult chef d’ceuvre of the earliest dramatist. Both of these 
passed into second editions. In 1849 he brought out an edition of the Birds of Aris- 
tophanes, and in 1852 “‘ Selections from Greek Historians,’’? namely, from Herodotus, 
Thucydides, Xenophon, Polybius, Diodorus Siculus, Arrian, and Pausanias. In the 
course of the same year appeared a tribute from his pen to the memory of his imme- 
diate predecessor in the Eliot professorship, entitled ‘‘ Selections from the Writings of 
Dr. Popkin, with a Biographical Sketch.” 

These were his principal contributions through the press and bearing his own name, 
to the main study of his life. But we ought not to pass over his frequent lectures 
and anonymous writings, tending to illustrate and recommend Greek learning, such 
as his four courses of Lowell Lectures, and his frequent contributions to the North 
American Review. 

Nor ought the briefest sketch of Mr. Felton’s life to omit his literary labors beyond 
his own immediate province. As his mind strove to grasp universal knowledge, and 
as he maintained a lively sympathy with the literature of most of the cultivated na- 
tions, so, from time to time, he poured forth threugh the press the gatherings of his 
rich and many-sided mind. Among his original works we mention his ‘ Life of 
General Eaton,’”’ in the ninth volume of the first series of Spark’s ‘‘American Biog- 
raphies ;”’ his biographical notices accompanying Longfellow’s ‘ Poets and Poetry of 
Europe ;”’ his articles in the North American, upwards of fifty, and in the Christian 
Examiner, upwards of twenty-five in number ; his contributions to the Mew American 
Encyclopedia,* and others less elaborate in the daily journals. If with these we take 
into view the help which he lent in various ways to education and science, as one of 
the Massachusetts Board of Education, as one of the school committee for the town 
of Cambridge, and as Regent of the Smithsonian Institution—to which trust he was 
elected on the resignation of Mr. Choate, in 1856, and re-elected for the full term of 
six years in February, 1861—and if we bring into account, also, his labors for a num- 
ber of years in the office of Regent in Harvard University, and that at the same time 
he gave instructions in a school under the charge of Professor Agassiz, we shall won- 
der that one man, besides the duties of a very laborious professorship, was able to do 
so much, and perhaps wonder still more that he did it at all so easily to himself and 
so well. It is rare, we imagine, to find a life of so much faithful, patient industry 
united to a temper so genial and social as his, so capable of finding entertainment and 
recreation on every side. 


* Some of these were on Agassiz, Athens, Attica, Demosthenes, Euripides, and Homer. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 177 


The services of such an academical officer could not fail to be prized and honored. 
Years before his election to the presidency of Harvard, his name was prominent 
among those who were thought of for that post; and when President Walker felt 
compelled by ill-health to retire from the station which he had filled so wisely and 
satisfactorily, the voice of the public anticipated the votes of the boards which consti- 
tuted Professor Felton his successor. He was inaugurated into his new office July 
the 19th, 1860, and those who heard his address pronounced upon that occasion, if 
they had not known the man before, must have felt assured that his administration 
would be firm and vigorous. The distinct opinion which he there avows, that no 
offences against civil order can be tolerated in a college which would not be borne in 
the wider circles of citizens—that academical walls can furnish no refuge for crimes, 
nor academical relations justify outrages on gentlemanly propriety, or on the feelings 
of fellow-students, was one which commends itself to all whoare acquainted with our 
higher institutions of learning, and which, if united in the carrying of it out with 
such kindliness as was manifest in the character of President Felton, would strengthen 
and secure everything that is good in a college life. Whatever temporary obstacle or 
local custom, ‘‘ more honored in the breach than in the observance,’’ might oppose 
for a time, it is certain that the claims of law and order would at length prevail, and 
the state of things afterwards become so much the better. 

President Felton entered thus into his new duties, with the confidence of the. wisest 
and best on his side, and gave himself up chiefly to administrative functions, not 
without deep regrets, we are sure, at leaving those pleasant toils which had filled 
thirty years of his life. But Divine Providence had scarcely invested him with his 
new authority when he was summoned away from these earthly responsibilities and 
labors. A little less than two years of his official life had elapsed when the complaint 
of which he died—hypertrophy of the heart—showed itself in an aggravated form, 
after having manifested its presence in his system for some twenty years. He was 
not, however, so ill at first but that he could undertake a journey, and it was hoped 
that a change of climate might do hin good. Setting out for Washington—where 
he intended to be present at.a meeting of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 
—he had reached the house of his brother in Chester, Pennsylvania, and was seized 
with an attack of disease during the ensuing night. Here he breathed his last, Wed- 
nesday, the 26th of February, 1862. His remains were removed to Cambridge, where 
a sermon on his death was preached, March the 9th, by Dr. Peabody, preacher to the 
university, and appropriate resolutions, in honor of his memory, were passed by the 
governing boards, the faculties, and others. 

We have spoken of President Felton as a scholar and a worker, earnest and suc- 
cessful, in the field where Providence placed him. But the man is far more in the 
scale than the scholar. Let us then look for a few moments at the man in his traits 
of mind and character, and in the conduct of life. 

His mind, as may have already appeared from what we have said of his scholarship, 
was a rounded, well-balanced, many-sided one, where no trait was deficient. Yet the 
predominance of the esthetic faculty, with the attendant pleasure derived from art 
and the works of creative intellect, may have given that direction towards scholar- 
ship and belles lettres, towards the concrete form rather than the abstract metaphysi- 
cal principle, which somewhat characterized him. His simple, correct taste, and his 
judgment, which estimated probabilities aright, and looked below the show and the 
surface, although, no doubt, cultivated by the study of language, and especially of 
Greek literature, must have had, beyond question, an independent natural foundation. 
He had a native curiosity and thirst for knowledge, which felt and grasped on every 


side; if you wanted to know about Jasmin, the Provencal Burns, he had read his 


poems, he could speak of the Finnish mythology, and in his later years especially he 
entered with zeal into the progress of natural science. Nor ought his keen sense of 
the ludicrous and his humor to be forgotten here, which made him the most entertain- 
ing of companions without undermining the manliness of his character. And the 
easy play of his faculties, working rapidly and smoothly, without jar or much effort, 
deserves especial notice. 

Among the traits of President Felton’s character may be mentioned kindness and 
sympathy, united with moral energy, courage and firmness in acting up to his con- 
victions. His kindly nature showed itself in the forms of sociality, friendliness, and 
generosity reaching to self-sacrifice. His friendship extended widely beyond the 
borders of his way of thinking in religion and politics, and men of various opinions 
and convictions sought his companionship, and partook of his regards. Few men 
have had more friends or fewer enemies, and yet he never shrunk from avowing his 
own principles. He enjoyed society, of which, by his pleasantries and other collo- 
quial powers he was made to be the life. ‘‘ He was generous,’’ says his friend Profes- 


178 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


sor Peabody, ‘‘to the last degree; no income could have made him rich, while there 
were the needy around him; and of time, more precious than gold, and of the wealth 
of intellect, he was no less lavish than of the inferior goods, which he prized only as 
the means of making others happy. The laborof hand and brain, which might have 
been employed in building up his own fame, was freely given to all who sought it. 
Many have been the literary works and enterprises with which his name was never 
connected, which owed a large portion of their merit and success to materials which 
he furnished, or to his advice, revision, or criticism.’? And the same friend bears 
witness to his sympathy with ‘“‘every noble and generous work for human progress 
and well being.’ 

' Tf the stranger, after an evening’s acquaintance, may have been led by Mr. Felton’s. 
companionableness and flow of mirth to regard him as wanting in moral earnestness, 
such a judgment would be pronounced hasty and superficial by the many grave and 
good men who gave him their friendship and respect. He by no means lacked any of 
those qualities which constitute the man of an earnest and dignified life. As has 
been beautifully said of him, ‘‘his force of character, hidden on ordinary occasions 
by his gentle and sunny temperament, appeared impregnable whenever it was put to 
the test.’? He had firm settled convictions and well digested rules of action; he had 
purposes which could not be shaken by other considerations than those addressed to 
the reason and conscience; he had a noble, manly courage which could carry him 
onward in the face of opposition. These qualities, with fidelity, uprightness, and 
simplicity of character, as displayed in his college duties, and in other relations of 
life, secured for him the esteem and respect of all. 

The union of kindness and firmness with sound judgment and perspicacity made 
him an excellent college officer. But for his character as a ruler over students we 
will appeal again to what Dr. Peabody says of him: ‘I well remember the early 
years of his official connection with the college; his fraternal sympathy with the 
students; his gentle discipline when forbearance was safe and right; his reluctant, 
yet uniform consent to sterner measures, when the cause of order and virtue de- 
manded them; his tender consideration for those who were struggling as he had 
struggled, bravely and honorably against adverse circumstances; his readiness to sac- 
rifice his own ease in aid of those who sought to transcend the required measure of 
study, to furnish facilities for their researches, and to contribute from the funds of 
his own thought and learning for their growth in knowledge. Such was his course 
during his entire life as a teacher; and could we number up the youth who have been 
animated by his example, stimulated by the genial fervor of his enthusiasm, encour- 
aged by his patient and unselfish devotion to their welfare, and sustained in their 
worthy ambition after they left these halls by persistent and effective friendship, we 
should have a record of quiet, unostentatious beneficence, that would distance and be- 
little many life-works of world-wide and long-enduring fame.”’ 

President Felton was in his feelings and opinions, like the greater part of scholars, 
a conservative, not without sympathy with forward movements in society but led by 
his tastes and acquaintance with the past to look with suspicion on sudden changes in 
the established order of things. In a similar spirit he showed no mercy towards 
what he regarded as false pretensions to science. It will not soon be forgotten with 
what zeal he followed up the spiritualists, putting their claims to the test, driving 
them from point to point, and exposing what he considered to be intentional fraud. 
In his political principles he may be described as a conservative whig, a friend and 
admirer of Daniel Webster. In his religious faith he was a Unitarian. Dr. Pea- 


body characterizes him as ‘‘ reverent and devout, loving the Word and Ordinances , 
J ) Ss 


of God, meekly yielding himself to the teaching and leading of the Saviour, strong 
in the hope that is full of immortality.”’ 

He was twice married; the first time in 1838, to Miss Mary Whitney, who died in 
April, 1845, and again in September, 1846, to Miss Mary L. Cary, who survives him. 
He has left five children. 

Such is a brief sketch of one of the recently deceased Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution*—a man who, by his industry and vigor of mind, made himself; a man 
whose genial nature and social qualities created friends for him on every side; a man 


* President Felton took a lively interest in the institution, and actively participated in the pro- 
ceedings of the Board. His communications appearing in the reports of the Board are as follows: 
In the report for 1857, p. 79, a report on the present of abook from Greeee; p. 82, one on the purchase 
of Stanley’s Indian gallery; p. 88, one on Professor Henry’s communication relative to the telegraph; 
and in the report for 1859, p. 104, a eulogy on Professor W. W. Turner, and, p. 106, one on Washington 
Irving. In addition to which he gave several lectures on Greece, and made a number of confiden— 
tial reports on communications relative to linguistics, which had been referred to him for examina- 
tion by the Secretary. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 179 


who to the highest attainments in one department united in an uncommon degree a 
large and liberal acquaintance with the circle of knowledge; a man of fine tastes, of 
most kindly sympathies, of strict uprightness ; a man who adorned his professorship 
by the best qualities of a teacher, and the mingled kindness and firmness of a wise 
disciplinarian, and who brought to the presidential chair of Harvard the firm pur- 
pose to raise the standard of that ancient University in everything that was good and 
noble. 


Hon. Mr. Trumbull made some remarks relative to the late 
Judge Douglas, and offered the following resolutions : 


Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution has been deprived of a most zealous friend; the Board of Regents of an active 
and attentive member; and the country of a distinguished and influential citizen. 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents deeply sympathize with the bereaved relatives 
of the deceased, and that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to them. 

Resolved, That the Hon. 8. 8. Cox be requested to prepare a suitable notice of the 
Hon. 8. A. Douglas, to be inserted in the Journal of the Board of Regents. 


The resolutions were unanimously adopted. 


EULOGY BY HON. S. 8S. COX. 


In February, 1854, Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, while a Senator from that 
State, was appointed one of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and con- 
tinued a member of the Board until the time of his death, on the morning of the 8d 
of June, 1861. From the pursuits of his life and the peculiarities of his course, it 
might be thought that he was not well qualified to discharge properly the duty of a 
trustee of a fund intended for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men. 
But this would be a mistake, for, although he had given no special attention to any 
branch of science, yet his mind was of that comprehensive cast which enabled him 
duly to appreciate the nature of the bequest and the general principles of the different 
plans which had been proposed for carrying it into execution. It is true, as I am 
informed, that before he was elected a Regent he had adopted the popular idea that 
the bequest was intended merely to diffuse useful knowledge among the people of the 
United States; yet when he came to study the precise words of the will of the 
founder, and caught, as he immediately did, the peculiar idea of the object intended, 
namely, the extension of the bounds of science, and not merely the teaching of what 
is already known, he fully adopted the views on which the present organization of 
the institution is based, and ever afterward continued a warm advocate and an able 
supporter of the measures now in successful operation for the realization of the lib- 
eral and enlightened intention of James Smithson. 

In accordance with the usage heretofore observed in similar cases, a resolution hay- 
ing been adopted directing the preparation, for the proceedings of the Board of Re- 
gents, of a sketch of the characteristics and incidents of his life, and the duty of 
furnishing this having been assigned to me, I address myself to the task with an 
earnestness that is only tempered by my fear that I have neither sufficient time nor 
sufficient ability to do full justice to the memory of one whom I admired as a public 
man, and sincerely loved as a friend. 

It is, indeed, pre-eminently fitting that the name of Douglas, so fondly cherished 
by the nation, and so familiarly spoken wherever American statesmanship is known, 
should be honored in the journals of this institution, for whose prosperity he evinced 
so earnest a desire. It was not merely as one of its Regents that he showed himself 
the true and enlightened friend of objects kindred to those of this establishment. He 
ever advocated measures which served to advance knowledge and promote the prog- 
ress of humanity. The encouragement of the fine arts, the rewarding of discoverers 
and inventors, the organization of exploring expeditions, as well as the general diffu- 
sion of education, were all objects of his special regard, whether in the councils of his 
State, or in the hall of the Senate of the Union. 

Stephen A. Douglas was born at Brandon, in Vermont, on the 23d of April, 1813. 
Like many, perhaps I should say like most, of the rural neighborhoods of New Eng- 
land, Brandon contained a highly intelligent and energetic population, independent 
alike in thought, speech, and the conduct of their public affairs; and doubtless the 
fact of his early years having been passed under the influence of the daily life and 
conversation of such neighbors, had some share in imbuing the boy with the sturdy 


180 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


independence and resolute energy which the man was so remarkably and so triumph- 
antly to exhibit throughout his at once brilliant and laborious career. 


His ancestors were of Puritan descent; and his father was a physician of both 


ability and reputation, but died at a prematurely early age, leaving his widow in very 
straitened circumstances, if not even in actual distress. It may, indeed, be only too 
reasonably feared that the latter was the case, for, excellent mother, as she was 
known to be, she yet was unable to give young Stephen the full education he so much 
desired and so well deserved. He attended the district school during only one-third 
of the year; during all except the four winter months he was engaged in the hard 
labor of a farm or in the shop of a cabinet-maker. In this alternation of manual 
labor and imperfect and interrupted schooling he continued until he was twenty years 
of age, when he migrated to Illinois, where he taught school for his support, while 
he resolutely studied law. In 1834 he was admitted to the bar, and we may judge of 
the character of his early efforts in the courts from the fact that in 1835, being then 
only twenty-two years of age, this young man, whose short life had been so largely 
taxed by adverse circumstances, was elected State attorney. From that time he was con- 
tinually inthe public service. He was, in turn, State attorney, member of the Legisla- 
ture, Secretary of State, judge of the supreme court of Illinois, and registrar of the 
land office ; and subsequently he was a member of the lower House of Congress, and 
three times in succession he was elected by his adopted State to be United States Sen- 
ator ; and, as is well known, not long prior to his death he was the very popular 
though unsuccessful candidate for the highest executive office in the gift of the na- 
tion. 

These are the prominent points in the career of Douglas, whose life, commencing 
in obscurity and continuing through nearly the half of its whole duration under the 
most adverse circumstances, ended in the full light of high position, and the full glow 
of popular favor. The principles which he advocated, and to which he unwaveringly 
adhered, as well as the measures he proposed, have been the theme of both criticism 
and eulogy elsewhere, but the discussion of them here would be out of place, and in 
violation of a rule early adopted by the Board of Regents, that in the affairs of this 
institution partisan politics shall forever be unknown. The points, however, in his 
personal character which enabled him to obtain so important a position, and gave him 
so great an influence, not only over intimate friends and colleagues, but also over the 
public mind, may well claim our attention as a study no less important than inter- 
esting. 

If continued success be the test of merit, then must all admit that Judge Douglas 
was no ordinary man. That success in a single effort, which may be referred to a for- 
tunate concurrence of circumstances over which the successful man had no control, is 
not the true criterion of talent is a truth which must be readily admitted. But when 
the course of an individual is marked through a series of years by a continual ad- 
vancement in the same direction, and especially when that advancement requires fore- 
cast, knowledge, perseverance, and energy, his success most assuredly is evidence of 
talent, if not of genius. 

Courage, energy, and a working power, both mental and physical, which have 
rarely been surpassed, were the qualities which chiefly served him in his earlier years. 
The son of a poor widow, and compelled to spend in bodily labor the time which 
other boys of his age pass in school, he would probably have remained a poor and 
obscure individual had it not been for the resolute Witt to elevate himself, and the 
courage, force of character, and determination to acT in accordance with that will 
which characterized his whole life. But of itself alone, that seemingly inexhaustible 
power of labor which obtained for him the suggestive sobriquet of ‘‘the little giant’’ 
would have been insufficient to effect the great success which he actually achieved, 
had it not been directed and aided by other mental characteristics, which some even 
of the warmest admirers and eulogists of the politician Douglas seem to me very in- 
sufficiently to appreciate. a 

In addition to the characteristics which I have already attributed to him, Judge 
Douglas was remarkable for his quick perception of the nature of events, and of the 
consequences which, with almost mathematical precision, he could predicate as to 
their results. He had, to a wonderful degree, the power of seizing on general prin- 
ciples, and of making them a part of his intellectual stores to be referred to in what- 
ever particular case he might have to deal with; and his retentive memory enabled 
him on the instant to call up alike a general truth, and a host of particular facts in 
effeetive illustration of his premises. 

These qualities might have been modified, but could not have been increased, or 
even strengthened, by classical training ; nay, in becoming more refined and fastid- 


« 
,: 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 181 


ious, it is far from certain that his mind would not, at the same time, have become 
less robust, energetic, and bravely self-reliant. 

We do not intend by this remark to throw doubt on the importance in general of 
that early mental discipline which is furnished by the training of the schools, but to 
present the suggestion that in particular cases of extraordinary native vigor of intel- 
lect, determined on a single line of action, the gifts of nature cannot be essentially 
improved by the moulding influence of ordinary early education. These cases are, 
however, the exceptions to be avoided in directing the minds of youth, and not the 
* examples of the rule to be generally followed. 

Although Judge Douglas was no scholar in the pedantic signification of the term, 
yet his mind was duly cultivated in the study of the law, a branch of knowledge 
which, when pursued merely in its details and practiced in its daily routine of office 
forms, may tend to obscure the perception of truth in frequent endeavors to make the 
worse appear the better cause, is yet in its proper study, through the expositions of 
Blackstone and the other systematic writers on English jurisprudence, one of the 
most liberalizing and enlarging pursuits to which the mind of youth or early man- 
hood can be directed. ‘The generalizations of this branch of knowledge were particu- 
larly fitted to improve the mind of young Douglas, and to prepare him for his future 
career. 

But even the intellectual qualities we have mentioned are insufficient alone to 
account for the distinctive character of the eminence he attained. With these he 
might have been the dexterous pleader, the sagacious judge, the acute politician, and 
yet have fallen very far short of that perfect empire which he held not only over the 
minds of the few, but also over the hearts of the many. He had other qualities 
which may be cultured, but which cannot be created. 

The lively sympathy with friends and associates, the intelligent and appreciating 
glance, the frank and hearty tone, the kindly grasp of the hand, the prompt and 
obviously disinterested service, these give to him to whom they belong a despotism 
which we are, perhaps, too proud to own, but which we cannot, if we would, resist. 
In the mere personal presence of Stephen A. Douglas there was a singular fascina- 
tion. When you had once experienced the magic of his influence you were bound 
to him forever ; his spirit seemed to dare you to rebel, and what was commenced by 
admiration for his commanding ability was consummated by his kind and genial 
manner. Bold, fierce, at once haughty in defiance and dexterous in fence, he neces- 
sarily commanded admiration. But to admire is little else than to wonder; we ad- 
mire a brave and gifted enemy quite as much, and, if a little terror be mingled, we 
may admire him even more than our true but less brilliant friend. But in tlre case 
of Douglas we loved while we admired. And this is the true key to his general pop- 
ularity. His intellect conquered, but his heart secured the conquest. His innate and 
ineradicable kindness, and his genial manner conciliated all who fell within the influ- 
ence of his power. His political and public life exhibited but the mere outward husk 
of the man within; it was when you looked upon the gentle amenities of his home 
life, upon his love and devotion to his wife, tenderness to his children, and respectful 
attention to his friends, that beneath that somewhat rough exterior you could discern 
the character it concealed. 

It will not, I trust, be considered improper for me to refer to the fact that I was 
one among the many young men of the west who were honored by his confidence 
and bound to Judge Douglas by ties of enthusiastic friendship, and that therefore I 
speak from personal experience when I refer to the magic of his presence and the con- 
trolling influence of his character. 

As I have already said, this is not the place or the occasion for entering into partic- 
ulars as to his political opinions and acts, but, alike to his friends and his foes, 1 must 
say from the convictions of my head, as well as the suggestions of my heart, that 
history will be false to her trust if she does not record the fact that Douglas was a 
true patriot as well as a sagacious statesman. If he was a partisan politician, he 
never wore his party uniform when his country was in danger. It was a striking 
illustration of his character in this respect, that when the administration of our 
national affairs was committed to his political antagonists, he gave his hearty and 
generous support to the Government at the moment it required his aid. 

Some have lamented his death as untimely and unfortunate for his own fame, since 
it Happened just at the moment when the politician was lost in the patriot, and when 
he had an opportunity to atone for past errors. But man does not change his nature 
so readily ; Douglas was the same from the beginning to the end of his career, with 
views merely modified or enlarged by the expanding horizon which opened upon him 
from year to year, in his increasing elevation of thought and position. The words 


182 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


which escaped him in his last hour were the expressions of the real sentiments of his 
inner life. 

Observant of the causes which have led to our present civil war he ever strove by 
adjustment to avoid their disastrous effects. ‘‘I know not,’”’ said he, ‘* what our des- 
tiny may be, but I try to keep up with the spirit of the age, to keep in view the his- 
tory of the country, to see what we have done, whither we are going, and with what 
velocity we are moving, in order to be prepared for those events which it is not in the 
power of man to thwart.” 

Placed at the head of the Territorial Committee of the Senate, it was under his 
direction that Territory after Territory and State after State were admitted into the 
Union. The comprehensiveness of his views was exhibited in his great speech on the 
Clayton and Bulwer treaty, on the 4th of March, 1853, wherein he enforced a conti- 
nental policy and refused to prescribe limits to the area over which the principles of 
our Government might safely be extended. 

His position on the Committee of Foreign Relations gave him a breadth of view in 
regard to our relations with other countries, which was enlarged by personal obser- 
vation in foreign travel, and in special historic research. His knowledge on this sub- 
ject was conscientiously applied in the way which he deemed best fitted to advance 
the commercial and financial interests of our whole country. 

He died in the midst of the people of a district where he had been cherished and 
honored during the whole of his public life; in a city whose commercial and material 
improvement was the pride of his heart, anda type of his own character. The matu- 
rity of his growth, the fertility of his resources, and his sturdy energy, rendered his 
life a microcosm of the great section of our country with which he was so closely 
identified. We may toll the slow bell for his departed spirit, we may drape ourselves 
in the emblems of grief; but if his friends and admirers would truly honor his mem- 
ory, they will endeavor, like him in his last days, to moderate the heat of party strife, 
enlarge their views of political science, and emulate his growth in moral character 
and clear-sighted patriotism. 


The Secretary stated that during a recent visit of Rev. Francis 
Vinton to Washington he had obtained from him some additional 
facts relative to the Wynns estate, of which the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution is the provisional legatee. 

Mr: Thomas Wynns, born in North Carolina, resided for a long 
time at Grand Turk, Turk’s Island, where he accumulated a con- 
siderable fortune, and married at an advanced age Charlotte Arthur, 
a daughter of John Arthur, a woman much younger than himself. 
He afterwards removed to Brooklyn, New York, where he died 
about 1851, leaving his widow and one child, a daughter. To the 
former he bequeathed a life annuity of $1,500, and to the latter his 
whole estate, subject to the foregoing annuity. In case of the 
death of this daughter without issuc, the estate, now valued at 
from $60,000 to $70,000, is bequeathed to the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion. The property is securely invested in bonds and mortgages, 
and is under the care of Edw. Coffin, now residing in London, and 
Rev. Francis Vinton, of Trinity Church, New York, as trustees. 
The accounts are rendered to the surrogate of Kings county, New 
York. 

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Wynns returned to the 
West Indies and married Captain Anderson. She now resides 
with her daughter, Charlotte Arthur Wynns, in England. The 
latter is about seventeen years of age. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 183 


The Secretary gave an account of the circumstances connected 
with the money left in England by Hon. Richard Rush, as the prin- 
cipal of an annuity to the mother of the nephew of Smithson, and 
presented the following communications from Fladgate, Clarke & 
Finch, of London: 


40 CRAVEN STREET, STRAND, 
Lonpon, W. C., May 16, 1861. 

Sir: We had the honor, in the year 1888, of acting professionally for the Presi- 
dent of the United States in the suit in the English court of chancery, under which the 
funds for the foundation of the Institution (of which we address you as the manager) 
were decreed to be paid over to him for the purpose of establishing the institution. 
We have now to make to you, as the manager thereof, the following communication: 

On referring to the papers connected with the institution you will find that a sum 
of £5,015 three per cent. consols, part of the estate of Smithson, the founder, were 
retained in the court of chancery to answer a claim of one Madame de la Batut. 
That person was, in fact, entitled to a life interest in the fund, and at her death it 
was to revert to the President as an additional fund for the purposes of the institution. 

Madame de la Batut is now dead, so that the fund has become transferable to the 
President, and it will be requisite for him, or some person duly authorized by him, to 
take the necessary steps to obtain a transfer. 

We have had some communication with the solicitor of the lady’s family, who 
writes as follows: 

“My client, Mr. La Batut, upon taking out administration to his late mother, 
Madame La Batut, to whom Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lewis Dickinson, by his will 
dated 17th July, 1819, gave half of the income of his property, for her life, will be 
entitled to an apportioned part of such income from the last payment, on the 22d 
March, 1858, to 10th September, in the same year, which would amount to about £70. 

“The property originally consisted of French 5 per cent. rentes, payable 22d 
March and 22d September, but by order of the court a sum of £5,015 three per cent. 
consols was invested in the name of the accountant general in this suit, to the sepa- 
rate account of Mary Ann de la Batut, the annuitant, to meet the payments of the 
life income. By the law of France the life income is apportionable and payable up 
to the time of death, and Lieutenant Colonel Dickinson having been domiciled in 
France at the time of his death, that law will apply to this case. 

‘Will you be good enough, under these circumstances, to obtain the consent of 
your client in presenting a petition as to the £5,015 and the arrears of dividends due 
thereon, to ask for the payment to my client of the apportioned sum out of such 
arrears, without obliging him to go to the expense of proving the law of France upon 
this subject. I will hand you the necessary proof of death, the expense of which can 
be included in the necessary costs of the application.” 

We should recommend that the request contained in this letter be complied with. 

We have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servants, 
FLADGATE, CLARKE & FINCH. 

To the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 

Washington, U.S. 


40 CRAVEN STREET, STRAND, 
Lonpon, W. C., October 26, 1861. 


Str: Your letter of the 14th August reached us in the long vacation which has just 
terminated, and we hasten to reply to it. 

All that will be requisite to be done in the first instance is, that we should have the 
authority of the President of the United States to present a petition for an order to 
have the fund paid to him. On our obtaining this order, a power of attorney will be 
sent out to the President authorizing some person here to receive from the court of 
chancery, and transmit to him, or to the managers of the Smithsonian Institution, 
the fund in question. 

Having in the suit had the honor of acting for the President, it might be within 
our functions to present the petition even without an express authority, but we did 
not deem it right to do so without some communication with the President or with 
the managers of the Institution. 


184 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Of course, although the order might be obtained without, the fund can only be 
dealt with on the signature of the President. 
We have the honor to be, sir, your very obedient servants, 
FLADGATE, CLARKE & FINCH. 
JosepH Henry, Esq., 
Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


On motion of Mr. Trumbull, it was 


Resolved, That the Secretary and Executive Committee consult with the President 
of the United States and take such action as may be necessary for obtaining the money 
referred to in the communication from the solicitors in London. 


The Secretary stated that Congress had passed a joint resolution 
granting to the institution a set of the volumes of the United States 
Exploring Expedition. 

The Secretary gave an account of the organization of the “ Estab- 
lishment,” and stated that although he had regularly given notice 
to the members, no meetings had lately been held. 

The Secretary presented the manuscripts, maps and collections of 
the expedition to the Arctic regions of Dr. I. I. Hayes, which were 
referred to Professor Bache. 

The Secretary made a statement relative to the system of inter- 
national exchange conducted by the institution, and presented the 
following letter : 


HAMBURG AMERICAN PackyT CoMPANY, 

New York, October 21, 1861. 
Dear Sir: In reply to your favor of October 18, we beg to state that we shall be 
most happy to accommodate the Smithsonian Institution in furthering the wishes you 
express, and take on freight, free of charge, any packages which you desire to ship, 
be they specimens of natural history, books, or other articles desired to be forwarded 

to Germany or the continent of Europe, irrespective of bulk. 
Very respectfully, yours, 
KUNHARDT & CO. 


On motion of Mr. McPherson, it was— 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents be presented to the ‘‘ Hamburg 
American Packet Company,”’ for their liberal co-operation in assisting to advance the 
objects of this institution. 


The following letters were presented by the Secretary as illustra- 
tions of the correspondence of the institution : 


CHATEAU oF ECLIPENDS, 
CANTON DE VAUD, SWITZERLAND, January 17, 1861. 


Str: I beg you to express to the institution, of which you are the Secretary, my 
sincere thanks for the remittance which you have just made me of three volumes of 
your reports. (Annual Reports of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, 1856, 1857, 1858.) ‘The learned memoirs contained in these volumes possess. 
great interest for me, and I am happy to testify my sense of your kindness. 

Together with this letter I have forwarded to Dr. Flugel, at Leipsic, five copies of 
a volume, which I have but just published, on the ‘ Lacustrian Habitations of 
Ancient and Modern Times.”’ (XVII plates, 380 figures.) I would ask the favor of 
you to accept a copy for the Smithsonian Institution, as a slight testimony of my high 
appreciation. As regards the other four copies, you will confer a sensible obligation 
on me if you will present them, in my name, to such scientific societies of the United 
States as you may deem most interested in researches of this kind. 

I have had the satisfaction of sending you heretofore some communications on the 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 185 


lacustrian habitations of Switzerland. Since then these researches have been prose- 
cuted with success, and we are beginning to make discoveries of remains of the same 
kind in Wales, Germany, Scotland, and elsewhere. Africa, Asia, and Oceanica pre- 
sent similar constructions. The floating gardens of Mexico are referable to the same 
usages, and it would appear to me that you must have in your own lakes remains 
similar to those of Switzerland. It has seemed to me important that the discoveries 
of this kind made in Europe should be grouped together in one work, with the histori- 
cal results which may be deduced from them. You will readily perceive, at the same 
time, that it is not the history of the race which is alone concerned in these inquiries, 
but that the natural sciences have also an important interest in them. I would ven- 
ture, then, to recommend to your favorable attention and to that of your honorable 
colleagues a labor whose interest is by no means confined to the boundaries of Swit- 
zerland. 

Be pleased, sir, to accept the assurance of my high esteem and entire consideration. 

FRED. TROYON. 
To the SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


LAUSANNE, January 7, 1862. 


Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated July 18, 1861, and of 
a copy of my paper on archeology, which has appeared translated in the Institution’s 
report to Congress, printed in 1861. It isa great honor which has thus been conferred 
on my little tract, and I hereby express my sincere thanks for the favor. The trans- 
lation is, as you remark, rather literal, but it is wonderfully correct, as far as the 
sense is concerned, and this is the capital point. In due course of time I hope to pub- 
lish some more papers on the same subject, and I shall not fail to communicate them 
to the institution. 

The United States are at present going through a crisis which, for the moment, can- 
not be favorable to scientific pursuits. Let us hope that Providence will so lead 
matters that the final result shall turn in favor of the great and noble cause of liberty 
and of progress. Switzerland has seen sad times of intestine discord and of ferment 
from 1830 to 1847, when a short but decisive civil war settled the question, and now 

-we are enjoying a state of prosperity such as we never knew before. May a similar 
fate await your own country. 

As you mention that some more copies of my paper might be sent to me, I take the 
liberty of letting you know that they would be very acceptable. 

Believe me, sir, to be yours, very respectfully, 
A. MORLOT. 

The SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


St. Paut, Minnesora, August 13, 1861. 


Sir: A friend of mine, Mr. Byron M. Smith, tells me that on the occasion of a 
short sojourn in Washington last winter he paid a visit to the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, and, amongst other things, understood that there was in preparation, under your 
authority, a general map of the aboriginal or other earthworks of North America. 

As this is asubject in which I have always taken a great interest, I shall be pleased 
to assist in the compilation of sucha map. If I can be informed by the draughtsman 
of the scale intended, I will forward a correct geographical outline of the country 
between Lake Superior (west end of) and the Missouri river. Ona map sent to-day 
by mail, I have marked in red the localities of such groups of small mounds as exist 
to my knowledge. Although these works are utterly insignificant when compared 
with those of Ohio and Wisconsin, yet a knowledge of their exact localities may be 
useful in connection with inquiries in reference to the movements and history of the 
modern tribes. 

Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, , 
ALFRED J. HILL. 

Prof. JosepH Henry, Washington, D. C. 


Royat ACADEMY oF MoRAL AND PoLiTicaL ScreNcE or MADRID, 
Manprip, July 16, 1861. 
This Royal Academy, being impressed with the fact that nothing contributes more 
efficiently to the advancement and propagation of moral and political science than a 
frequent communication with persons devoted to its cultivation, has resolved to invite 


186 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


to a reciprocal correspondence all the principal learned bodies, whether national or 
foreign, whose studies or investigations are analogous to those of this institute. 

As this academy is the most modern it is proper that it should propose the com- 
merce of the ideas and theories necessary to the progress of moral and political 
science. And it does not hesitate an instant in sencing to your institution the account 
of its own commencement and organization, as well as the publications that have 
marked its short life. 

The credit which your institution has acquired for taking so much interest in all 
that favors the advancement of civilization and improvement of the people, inspires 
the academy of Madrid with confidence that its wishes will be accomplished, and that 
the illustrious body to which it directs itself to-day will honor it with its correspond- 
ence, and accept the exchange of memorials or other works which have been or will 


be published in future. 
MANUEL GARCIA, 
Acting President. 


PEDRO GOMEZ DE LA SERRA, 
Secretary. 


By order of the Academy. 


The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


Mexican SocreTy oF GEOGRAPHY AND STATISTICS, 
Mexico, Irebruary 18, 1862. 


Dear Str: After some delay this society has received your letter and the accom- 
panying books. 

The society desires me to return sincere thanks, and to say that it fully appreciates 
the generous offer that you make in the name of your institution. 

Our society accepts your propositions. It will soon send, in the manner that you 
suggest, some of its literary and scientific productions, and also those of the other 
learned bodies whose works you ask for. It will also take care to put in the hands of 
the agent you refer to, all the periodical publications as they appear. 

With the highest consideration, &c., I remain, 

D. V. GUADALOU PE. 


The SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


KorNnIGSBERG, November 23, 1861. 


Srtr: I have the honor to apprise you of my return from England, and the result 
of my labors in the interest of the Smithsonian Institution; but I must first tender 
my thanks for having been enabled to pursue the study of American Neuroptera, to 
be found in English collections or described by English entomologists. 

I must say that my harvest was pretty good, for in most cases I was able to remove 
the doubts left in my preceding work. In the collections of the British Museum, 
especially, I found the types of species I did not know, and some also in the collection 
of Mr. Westwood, at Oxford, and Mr. Saunders, in London. I hope that with these 
new species, received after having sent my manuscript to Washington, I can make a 
tolerably large supplement. But the extent of this supplement and the comparison 
of species already described by me will require considerable time. I therefore believe 
it will be more convenient to have my work published as soon as printed, and to give 
afterwards the novelties and corrections in a separate supplement, which will proba- 
bly make a pamphlet of about eight to ten sheets. You may rest assured, sir, that I 
shall endeavor to perform this labor as soon and as well as possible; but since I can- 
not always dispose of my time, I fear, considering the extent of the labor, that it 
cannot be done before six months. 

I find that the translation, the first eighteen sheets of which I have seen, is of per- 
fect accuracy. Unfortunately the work itself leaves much to be desired. I must, 
however, consider it a consolation that for a first attempt I have attained so much, 
and that my work may serve as assistance to further and more fruitful researches of 
the entomologists of your country. J would be gratified if my, so imperfect, labor 
should call forth numerous rectifications and augmentations from American natural- 
ists. At any rate the interest for the advancement of science will always urge me on 
to make the synopsis better and better. 

I have the honor to remain your devoted, 
H. HAGEN. 

Prof. Henry, &e., &e. 


JOURNAL OF. PROCEEDINGS. 187 


The following letter is given as an illustration of a number of a 
similar character received relative to the distribution of speci- 
mens : 


HAMILTON Coxuecs, N. Y., February 1, 1862. 


DzEAR Six: I presume the president of our college has officially acknowledged the 
receipt of the box of shells sent us last month from the Smithsonian Institution. We 
consider this donation a valuable addition to our collection, and our local papers have 
given very favorable notices of it. When we arrange the shells in our cabinet we 
intend to have printed on each ticket ‘‘ From the Smithsonian Institution.” 

We shall be glad to receive any other objects of natural history of which you have 
duplicates to spare. Skins of birds, §c., botanical specimens, fossils, and minerals will 
be acceptable ; also, relics of our Indian tribes. We havea good collection of Indian 
antiquities mainly derived from the ancient seats of the Iroquois, and we should like 
to improve our collection by adding specimens from the western Indians. 

Yours respectfully, &., 
O. ROOT. 


Prof. JosrpH HEnry. 


OTTAWA, CANADA, March 10, 1862. 


My Dear Sir: I have to-day received your valuable donation of books, for which 
I beg to return my most sincere thanks, both to you and also to the institution you so 
ably represent. They are, indeed, a most valuable addition to my small stock, and 
are all the more so from the fact that they were totally unexpected. 

A great debt of gratitude is due by the world at large to the munificent founder as 
well as to the enlightened gentlemen that control the Smithsonian Institution, for the 
great service rendered to the cause of science by the distribution of such works as 
those you sent me. How many thousands are there who, although they have an ear- 
nest desire for scientific and useful knowledge, are, for the want of such works as 
these, unable to obtain it? As one of these, allow me again to tender my most grate- 
ful thanks for your kindness. 

Believe me, dear sir, yours respectfully, 
J. ARTHUR CODD. 
Prof. JosrpaH Henry, 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


New Haven, March 27, 1862. 


My Dear Sir: I have only time to make a few suggestions in reference to your 
letter. 

It is very difficult to make out a list of mineral species at present. The most trust- 
worthy authorities on the subject are Haidenjer, Kennjott, and Rammelsberg. 

I think that the names, consisting of a single word, should be adopted. Where 
this was bestowed by the discoverer (author) of the species, I think his name should 
follow in small capitals; but in italics only, provided he merely changed the name 
from a chemical one, or a long, inconvenient compound designation, to a single one. 

The well-settled species might be given in rather large capitals ; those which are 
less settled, but at the same time probable, in smaller capitals, while the rest may 
appear in small type. 

I object to the plan of pasting printed or even written names on specimens. It is 
nowhere followed in the great collections abroad. It might answer in the case of 
large rock specimens and fossils, but all mineralogists would exclaim against it upon 
choice specimens, many of which, as the single crystals, would be concealed by the 
application. Indeed they very rarely use printed names at all, but instead employ 
elegantly written cards, each label costing about 12 or 15 cents. It would certainly 
confer an advantage upon our public cabinets if you would strike off sets of labels of 
all the important species upon thick card-paper, which might, as required, have the 
localities inserted with the pen. This would give uniformity to our museums, and 
prove extremely useful. 

I would suggest that before distributing your duplicates, you retain them for six 
months in order to permit exchanges for things needed by your collection; such 
exchanges to be made at Washington. Afterwards the duplicates should be given to 


each of the States. 


188 BOARD OF ‘REGENTS. 


I shall be very happy to form an exchange of meteoric specimens, in order to 
obtain a supply of your St. Rosa (New Mexico) iron. 
I am very glad you intend to bring the minerals into order. Many valuable con- 
tributions will thus be secured. 
Excuse the haste in which I write, and believe me, very truly yours, 
C. A. SHEPARD. 


Professor HENRY. 


UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, Toronto, January 31, 1862. 


Dear Sir: At the request of the faculty, students, and board of curators of Knox 
College, the theological institution of the Canada Presbyterian Church, I have ven- 
tured to write to you on the subject of our museum. 

We are anxious, by an energetic and united effort, to accomplish three things. 

1. To awaken throughout the country an interest in the world of nature. 

2. To collect, as far as possible, specimens illustrative of all the zoological, botani- 
cal, and mineralogical species of Canada. We think that the solution of several im- 
portant scientific problems—the northern limit of species, &c.—are involved in this. 
The ground is being gradually occupied. The Geological Survey, the Botanical So- 
ciety, the Montreal Natural History Society, the Canadian Institute, &c., are all 
doing their share in the work of research ; but there is a wide field still open. 

Our third object will be to supply societies, museums, &c., with specimens from 
this country. In doing this we shall always bear in mind the fact that the Smithso- 
nian is the great central institution for the continent, and that in no other way can 
our ultimate object be so well attained as by working with you. 

A part of our scheme was to issue circulars giving information on the best methods 
of procuring, preserving, and forwarding specimens. 

Could you furnish us with three hundred copies of your ‘‘ Directions?’ We will, 
with your permission, append a short circular stating our plan and appealing to the 
people to join with us in carrying it into execution, and then without delay try to put 
them all into the hands of parties who will make a good use of them. Please aid us 
all you can in the matter. We have just enough of articles on hand to form the 
nucleus of a good museum ; for the rest we look to the future—to your kindness and 
to the blessing of nature’s God on our exertions. If you can spare the pamphlets we 
will gladly remit whatever you value them at. 

Thanking you most earnestly, dear sir, for the reports and catalogues, I have the 


honor to be, yours, very truly, 
JAMES HUBBERT, 
Secretary Board of Curators, Knox College Museum. 
Prof. JosepH Henry, LL.D., 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


Roya HorticuLTuRAL Society, 
. SoutH Krnsinaton, W., December 21, 1861. 


Dear Sir: I am requested by the Secretary, while acknowledging the receipt of 
your letter of October 18th, to acquaint you that the council have much pleasure in 
acceding to the request that this society’s journals should be sent to the various insti- 
tutions therein named, with a view to interchange. A parcel will therefore be sent 
to Mr. Wesley in a few days for transmission to you. 

I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, 

HENRY J. DOWDEN. 

JosEPH HENRY, Esq., Washington. 


CopourG, CANADA WeEstT, April 1, 1862. 


My Dear Str: I take this opportunity for expressing my warmest thanks for your 
repeated kindness in furnishing me with so many valuable publications on the insects 
of this continent, without the aid of which my progress in the study of entomology * 
would be but slow and difficult. I can speak for others in this country, as well as for 
myself, when I say that we are deeply grateful for the assistance we have received 
from your noble institution ; and that but for its liberality the natural sciences would 
have hardly made what advancement they have in this country during the past few 
years 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. | 189 


I shall be only too glad to reciprocate your kindness to the best of my ability by 
furthering the objects of the institution in any way that lies in my power. 


I remain, my dear sir, very gratefully yours, 
CHARLES J. BETHUNE. 


Professor JosrepH Henry, LL.D. 
Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution. 


HoNnoLuULU, SANDWICH IsLanps, February 10, 1862. 


Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your favor granting me a suite of the duplicates of 
the shells of the northwest coast of America in the hands of Mr. Carpenter. 

I had, a short time previous to the arrival of your letter, forwarded to the institu- 
tion a package containing shells and rare crustace, not included in my remittance to 
you two or three years since. 

It is my intention to supply you a full suite of the mollusca of our islands, includ- 
ing typical specimens of those described by myself, and also one to Mr. Cumings, of 
London, whose collection I learn from Dr. Gray will be eventually added to the 
British Museum. 

I venture to ask of you an addition to my library, of the Reports of the Smithso- 
nian Institution. I have purchased the ‘‘ Contributions to Knowledge,” but the 
reports are not on our islands. One in particular I am wanting, which I learn con- 
tains a catalogue of transactions or proceedings of scientific societies; also a few 
copies, say half a dozen of the check list of the shells of North America, published 
by the institution. Should you be pleased to furnish me the above, be so good as to 
forward them to Bailliere Bros., New York city, who send me a box of books every 
few months. : 

I have been attempting to invent a simple apparatus for the measurement of the 
tides at our islands, but do not succeed very well. Natives cannot be depended on 
for watching any such instrument. It should be self-registering. I am satisfied that 
a register of winds should be kept in connection with it, and perhaps also a baromet- 
rical one. If you take any interest in such researches I would be pleased to hear 
from you in regard to them as to assistance or advice. 

I remain yours truly, 
W. H. PEASE. 
Professor JosepH Henry, 
Smithsonian Institution. 


{[Notrr.—Dr. Bache, of the Coast Survey, has lent Mr. Pease a tide gauge on the 
responsibility of this institution. ] 


CIRCULAR OF THE INSTITUTE OF RUPERT’S LAND, 
ASSINIBOIA, February, 1862. 


We announce this institute to the public, knowing our many disadvantages, but 
still with a lively hope that our labors will be rewarded with some good results. Our 
numbers are small; but we have among us many who will devote the greater part of 
their time to collecting and observing, and these, with their admirable opportunities, 
cannot fail to accomplish much good work. Already we have the nucleus of a 
library. Specimens are coming in faster than we can take care of them. Necessa- 
ries for collecting and observing are being distributed and communications have been 
received. 

We will shortly be presented with £150, by the friends and admirers of Sir George 
Simpson, for the purchase of a ‘‘ Simpson ”’ telescope, and £60 from the friends of the 
late much esteemed Dr. Bunn, for the purchase of achromatic microscopes. And 
now, with this commencement, we feel the right, and do ask for countenance and as- 
sistance from scientific men and societies in all countries, promising, in return, all 
that energy and zeal can do in the cause of science. 

A prospectus accompanies this circular, giving all the necessary information, and 
we would ask communications from all to whom those are sent, with any requests, 
observations, or information by which we may benefit them, or they us. 

WILLIAM MACTAVISH, 
JOHN SCHULTZ, 
Secretaries. 

The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


190 BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Wasuinaton, D. C., March 27, 1862. 


Str: In compliance with your suggestion, I beg to set before you a few facts re- 
specting Liberia College, in the republic of Liberia, West Africa. 

1. The college is the offspring of the benevolence of citizens of Massachusetts who, 
in 1850, organized themselves into an association for educational purposes in Liberia, 
with the title of ‘‘ Trustees of Donation for Education in Liberia,’’ and an act of in- 
corporation was obtained the same year from the Legislature of Massachusetts. 

2. Their sympathy and exertions have been so generously seconded that the trustees 
have been enabled to erect a capacious and substantial building on the heights of 
Monserrada, in the city of Monrovia, the capital of the republic. The college build- 
ing is three stories in height, with piazzas surrounding it ; with dormitories capable 
of accommodating between thirty and forty students, apartments for two professors 
and their families, lecture and dining rooms, chapel, &c. This building, the material 
of which is brick, cost nigh $30,000, and is now finished. The college building has 
been presented, as a gift, to the republic of Liberia, for a national institution, and is 
to be governed by a body of Liberian trustees, nominated by the President of the 
republic, and elected by the senate. 

3. Besides the above expenditure, that is for the building, the ‘‘ Trustees of Dona- 
tions,’’? &c., have, under their own control, at interest, an endowment of about 
$30,000, and a sum of about $40,000 has been left in legacies, for the purposes of Li- 
berian education, and is under the control of other colonization societies, which will, 
without doubt, be ultimately appropriated to the ends of the Liberia College. <A fur- 
ther sum of $50,000 is promised for the Liberia College by the several members of an 
eminent family in New York, in lieu of a like sum left by their father on his decease, 
for the college, but which was lost by a legal decision. 

4, Liberal donations of minerals and large gifts of books have been made to the 
college, both by distinguished individuals in this country and by Harvard and Yale 
Colleges. 

A faculty has already been elected ; two of its professors inaugurated ; and the col- 
lege has already, this year, commenced operations. 

The undersigned, authorized by the American trustees for the purpose, respectfully 
requests the addition of the publications of the Smithsonian Institution to the collec- 
tions already made for the Liberia College. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
ALEX. CRUMMELL. 

Prof. HENRY. 


Recommendation of Shea’s Indian Linguistics, Referred to in the Secretary’s Report. 


We recommend Mr. Shea’s series of grammars and dictionaries of the Indian lan- 
guages to the attention of the Smithsonian Institution, and think that a subscription 
which will insure the continuance of the series will be eminently within the scope of 
the foundation, by preserving a number of rapidly perishing monuments of human 
knowledge, and securing to posterity, in the languages of the native tribes, the surest 
elue to their origin and affinities. 


K. B. O’ CALLAGHAN. GroRGE LIVERMORE. 
Jno. V. L. Pruyn. GxEoRGE H. Moore. 

S. B. WooLworrtu. GEORGE W. Riaas, JR. 
JARED SPARKS. PETER FORCE. 


GEORGE GIBBS. 
Mr. Shea’s Account of his Library of American Linguistics. 


With the increasing interest felt in the science of ethnology, much attention has of 
late been given to the study of the languages of the aboriginal tribes of America, 
and it must be confessed that more philosophical research, talent, and investigation 
have been bestowed upon them in Germany than in our own country. Yet the sci- 
ence is still in its infancy. Relying on crude or hastily taken vocabularies, which 
often confound different languages, many have set on foot theories, and entered into 
criticisms, which fall to the ground on the examination of a carefully prepared gram- 
mar or dictionary of the language. Fortunately, of very many American languages 
such works exist, often the labor of early missionaries, whom a long residence with a 
tribe, a knowledge of their habits, manners, and usages, enabled to write with accu- 
racy and judgment. 

Very few of these works were printed. Most have remained ‘in manuscript, and 


a | 
A / 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 191 


are liable to perish by accident. Every investigator knows that many which survived 
till a few years since are now irrecoverably lost. 

The language of a tribe is its mostimportant relic. The mechanical arts were rude, 
and the remains so scanty, that mound and bone pit, and deserted village, have given 
us scarce a clue to the history of the peoples to whom they belonged, But language 
is the great key to the affinities of the tribes, and often enables us to trace their migra- 
tions, and in all cases to determine their kindred. 

We owe it to posterity to allow the work of destruction to go no further, and to put 
in a permanent form every work now in manuscript, giving the grammatical struc- 
ture or a full vocabulary of an Indian dialect. Our national honor is interested, and 
the learned abroad even now begin to wonder at our indifference. Y 

Impelled by a desire to save these works, I began a series of them, printing a few 
copies of each, from the original manuscripts, my object being to preserve them; and 
six grammars or dictionaries of different tribes have already been issued. So much, 
however, is yet to be done, that I appeal to the public libraries, the historical socie- 
ties, and literary institutions of the country, as well as to ethnologists, here and 
abroad, to aid me, by subscribing to the series, as the greater the number of sub- 
scribers, the lower the works can be afforded, and the greater the number of volumes 
that can be issued. 

The works are handsomely printed on good paper, and carefully edited, forming a 
series of royal 8vo. volumes creditable to any collection. 


NOW READY. 
1. A French Onondaga Dictionary. From a manuscript of the seventeenth 


IM ea es se ot $4 00 
2. A Grammar of the Selish, or Flathead Language. By Rev. G. Men- 

RE Spee a Pts Sd yt hd eS ee es gue 4 00 
3. A Grammar of the Heve (Sonora) Language. Edited from a manuscript 

a@ine seventeenth century.) By B: Smith, Weqii22522_.1+_. 22.2 222 1 00 
4. A Grammar of the Mutstin (California) Language. By F. Felipe Arroyo 

1B Ly ONT SIE  ea  s e  A AP  lfpsd- es heed em ey 2 50 
5. A Grammar of the Nevome (Pima) Language. Edited from a manu- 

Eeripiormuneseventeenthycentury 2-2-6 = eee te ee 4 00 
6. A Grammar of the Yakama Language. By the Rev. M. C. Pandosy--_ 2 50 


IN IMMEDIATE PREPARATION. 


7. A Vocabulary of the Sextapay (California) Language. By Padre B. Sitjar. 
8. Vocabularies. Collected by the late W. W. Turner. 
9. Maillard’s Grammar of the Micmac Language. 

10. Arroyo’s Vocabulary of the Mutsun. 

11. Potier’s Radical Words of the Huron Language. 

12. Bruyas’ Radical Words of the Mohawk Language. 

13. A French-Illinois Dictionary. 

14. Potier’s Huron Grammar. 

15. Lefevre’s Vocabulary of the Montagnais Language. 

16. Bruyas’ French-Mohawk Dictionary. 


Various others will be added, and, if encouragement is given, the series will include 
an English translation of Molina’s ‘‘ Mexican Dictionary.” 
JOHN G. SHEA, 
83 Centre street, New York. 


The volumes of the series may be ordered of Tribner & Co., London; Charles 
Reinwald, Paris; B. Hermann, Leipzig. 

The Board of Regents, having examined the library, collections, 
museum, &¢., adjourned sine die. 


ie 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


THE BOARD OF REGENTS 


OF 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, January 21, 1863. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their annual session on the third 
Wednesday of January of each year, the Board met this day in the Regents? 
room. 

Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Vice-President of the United States, Hon. W. 
P. Fessenden, Hon. S. Colfax, Hon. S. 8. Cox, Hon. E. McPherson, and the 
Seerctary. 

Several members being absent on account of a severe storm, the Regents 
devoted the meeting to the examination of the building, museum, library, and 
collections. 

The Board then adjourned, to meet on Saturday, January 31, 1863. 


WasuineTon, D. C., January 31, 1863. 

An adjourned meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day, at 11 
o’clock a.m. Present: Vice-President Hamlin, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. G. 
Davis, Hon. S. S. Cox, Professor A. D. Bache, the treasurer, Mr. Seaton, and 
the Sceretary. 

The Vice-President was called to the chair. 

The Secretary announced the death of Hon. James A. Pearce since the last 
session of the Board, and stated that Hon. Garrett Davis, who was present, had 
been appointed a Regent by the President of the Senate to fill the vacancy. 

Professor Bache, after a series of appropriate remarks, offered the following 
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : 


Resolved, That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution deeply 


mourn the loss of their distinguished fellow-regent, James Alfred Pearce. 
Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Pearce our country has lost a refined and 


influential citizen, the Senate of the United States an able, judicious, honest — 


statesman, and this Institution an active, intelligent, and learned regent. 


192 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 193 


Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the afflicted family of Mr. Pearce, 
and offer to them our heartfelt sympathy in their great bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be communicated by the secretary 
of the Smithsonian Institution to the family of the deceased. 

On motion of Mr, Trumbull, it was 


Resolved, That Professor Bache be requested to furnish a copy of his remarks 
in relation to Hon. J. A. Pearce for insertion in the journal of the Board of 
Regents. 


The Secretary announced the death of William McPeak, who had been the 
janitor of the Institution from its organization, and recommended the payment 
by the Board of his funeral expenses. 

On motion, the Secretary was authorized to pay the bill of funeral expenses 
of the late janitor of the Institution. 

Professor Bache, in behalf of the executive committee, presented a gencral 
statement of the financial condition of the Institution, and an account of the 
expenditures during the year 1862. 

The Vice-President suggested the propriety of taking some action respecting 
Mr. George E. Badger, whose name still appeared as a member of this Board, 
but who was known to be in rebellion against the government. 

After some remarks relative to the knowledge of the fact of Mr. Badger’s 
present position, by several members of the Board, on motion of Mr. Trumbull 
the following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That the secretary be directed to inform the Congress of the United 
States that George E. Badger, one of the Regents of this Institution, has not 
attended the recent meetings of the Board, and they are advised that he is now 
in rebellion against the government of the United States, and submit whethe- 
the name of said Badger should longer remain on the list of Regents of said 
Institution. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Tuesday, February 3, at 7 
o’clock p. m. 

WasHINGToN, February 3, 1863. 

The Board of Regents met this day, pursuant to adjournment, at 74 o’clock 
p- m., in the Regents’ room. Present: Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. G. Davis, Hon. 
IX McPherson, Hon. 8. S. Cox, Hon. R. Wallach, General J. G. Totten, Pro- 
fessor A. D. Bache, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Trumbull was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of the Institution 
during the year 1862, which was read and approved. 

Professor Bache presented the report of the executive committee, containing 
an account of the receipts and expenditures for the year 1862 and estimates for 
1863, which was read.and approved. 

On motion of Professor Bache, it was 


Resolved, That the chairman appoint a member of the Board to fill the 
vacancy in the executive committee occasioned by the death of Mr. Pearce. 


The chairman appointed Hon. Richard Wallach to fill the vacancy. 
15 


194 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


The Secretary presented to the Board the following communications : 
War DEPARTMENT, 
Washington City, January 26, 1863. 


Str: I have this day requested Hiram Barney, esq., collector of the port of 
New York, to send to you the books, maps, papers, and other articles, now in 
his possession, taken by the United States forces in South Carolina, to be held 
in the Smithsonian Institution, subject to the orders of this department. I 
would be pleased to confer with you in regard to this matter if you will be so 
good as to call at this department Tuesday, at three o’clock p. m. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
EDWIN M. STANTON, 
Secretary of War. 
Professor Josepu Henry, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


War DEPARTMENT, 
Washington City, January 29, 1863. 


Sir: The Secretary of War directs that you take possession of the books and 
papers of Bishop John Johns, at his late residence at Fairfax Seminary, and 
transmit them under sufficient guard to Professor Henry, at the Smithsonian 
Institution, in this city. 

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
. EDWARD CANBY, 
Brigadier General United States Volunteers. 


Brigadier General J. P. SLouau, 

United States Volunteers, Military Governor of Alexandria. 

Professor Henry stated that in his interview with the Secretary of War the 
latter had requested that an inventory of the books, &c., should be made, and 
that they should be carefully preserved in a room by themselves. The Secre- 
tary, on behalf of the Regents, provisionally agreed to these propositions on 
condition that the expense of the shelving and fitting up of the room, and the 
preparation of the list, should be at the expense of the government. 

The Board of Regents acquiesced in the propriety of taking charge of these 

libraries, and of carefully preserving them until the termination of the present 
war. 
The Secretary stated that the libraries had been received—the one from 
South Carolina, in thirty-three boxes and one bundle, by the transportation 
company from New York, and that of Bishop Johns, in loose volumes, by army 
wagons from Alexandria. It is proposed to place these libraries in the unoe- 
cupied apartment in the south tower above the Regents’ room. 

The following extracts from the correspondence of the Institution were then 
presented, after which the Board adjourned, to meet again, if necessary, at the 
call of the Secretary. 

WestEerRN UNION TELEGRAPH ComPaNy, 
Secretary’s Office, Rochester, N. Y., April 21, 1862. 


Dear Sir: Your favor of the L5th instant, enclosing circular, is received. 
I recommend that you get one hundred copies of your circular printed and send 
them to E. Creighton, esq., Superintendent of the Pacific Telegraph, Omaha. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 195 


Nebrasza Territory. Mr. Creighton will see them distributed along the line 
at the proper places, and will renew the same from time to time with his instruc- 
tions. You will please give him particular directions so as to secure what you 
want. 

I would like to have you send meafew copies after they are printed, that I may 
assist you in getting the several telegraph companies between Brownsville, in 
Missouri, and Washington, to transmit for you free this class of business for a 
limited time at least. : 

I have written to Mr. Creighton and sent him your circular, but as many 
copies will be required they had better be printed, as I suggest. 

Yours, truly, 
HIRAM SIBLEY, 
President Western Union Telegraph Company. 


The following is the circular referred to in the preceding letter, which has 
been distributed to the telegraph offices on the line between Missouri and 
California: 


Directions for telegraphing storms to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


Violent storms usually come from the west—therefore, after a storm has com- 
menced, send a telegram eastward, giving 
1. The time of beginning of storm. 
2. Direction of the wind. 
3. Character of the storm, whether wind, rain, snow. 


After the storm is over, send the following : 


4, Time of ending of storm. 
5. Changes of the wind. 
6. Changes of temperature. 


In accordance with this arrangement the Institution has received occasionally 
notices of storms commencing in the Rocky mountains, and even in California. 


St. Louis, August 14, 1862. 


Dear Sir: I believe I have before informed you of Dr. Parry’s botanical 
exploration in the Colorado Territory. I have now a long series of barometrical 
observations made by him on the different points visited by him, and among 
them the snow peaks Mount Guyot and Pike’s Peak. 

From a preliminary calculation I find that the latter rises above Fontaine 
qui bouit, at its base, about 7,700 feet; the fountain itself Frcmont finds 6,350, 
and I about 6,500, so that the peak is doubtless in the neighborhood of 14,000 
feet, ‘snow-capped, but easy of access.’”’ The timber reaches to within 2,200 feet 
of the top. Mount Guyot is found to be about 13,000 feet high; Berthoud’s 
Pass, 11,400, (all timbered.) 

These results, which I think are approximatively correct, show the great 
elevation of the base of the mountains, (Denver, 5,300 feet; Mount Vernon, 
6,400 feet;) the great elevation of the peaks, and the great height of the limit 
of timber. 10,000 to 12,000 fect seems to be that limit between forty and thirty- 
five degrees latitude in the Rocky mountains. 

Very respectfully, yours, 
GEORGE ENGELMANN. 

Professor HENRY. 


“se 


196 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


The following remarks relative to this letter have been received from Protessor 
Guyot, to whom it was submitted: 


«T return to you, with my thanks for its communication, the interesting letter 
of Dr. Engelmann. I had become acquainted with a part of that information 
by a letter from himself. It is exceedingly gratifying to see that interesting 
field of labor beginning to be explored. I trust that Dr. Parry will be able to 
continue his useful investigations. : 

“A great desideratum for the mountain measurements of the far west is the 
determination of some points near the base of the great chains with some degree 
of accuracy. We would obtain such points by afew regular barometric stations. 
Could not an observer be found in Denver or Colorado City, for instance, who 
would at the same time furnish suitable corresponding observations for measure- 
ments in the mountains, which are indispensable for the accurate determination 
of the high peaks of the Rocky mountains? It is rather provoking to have the 
consciousness that we do not know the true altitude of any point in these 
2,000 miles of inland country, within one or two hundred feet, to say the least. 

“T suppose that the barometric correction by Plantamour, mentioned in the 
report of the proceedings of the British Association, relates to the influence of the 
hour of the day at which barometric measurements are made, as derived from 
the means of St. Bernard and Geneva. It is the correction the amount of which 
I tried to determine in the latitude of the Black mountain and elsewhere, and 


which I apply in all my measurements. It amounts to 74; of the difference 


measured, in the hottest part ot the day, above the mean, or =); if we take the 
daily extremes. It is thus of considerable importance, though usually neglected. 
I think, however, that the whole needs a considerable revision. ‘l’emperature 
is the main cause, but the diurnal variation of pressure also comes in with con- 
trary effects.” 


UNITED States NATIONAL OBSERVATORY, 
Washington City, January 8, 1862. 


Dear Sir: You are, I believe, aware that for some time past I have been 
engaged in investigations relative to Biela’s comet. In the course of these 
investigations I have collected and discussed all the observations that could be 
found for each of the recorded six appearances, and, by help of independent 
elliptic elements for each, have digested these observations into a series of 
twenty-five normal places, extending though, with wide intervals, from 1772 to 
1852. I have also computed rigorously the effect of planetary perturbations 
from 1846 to 1858, and am now engaged in continuing this computation to the 
next return in 1865. Moreover, I have carefully studied the relative motions 
of the two nuclei into which the comet is now divided, and find that the time 
and place of their separation can be indicated with a good degree of approx- 
imation, thus limiting the field of possible causes of the catastrophe. 

It was my expectation, at the outset, to have extended the calculation of 
perturbations over the whole interval from 1772, so as to unite, if possible, by 
a single theory, all the observed places of the comet; but a nearer contempla- 
tion of this task, and a little actual trial, show that with my present official 
duties this would be a work of many years. It has occurred to me, however, 
that it would be in accordance with the plans of the Smithsonian Institution, 
and in keeping with the generous interest it has always shown in scientific 
investigations, to assist in this work by enabling me to employ a computer, to 
whom can be intrusted the more mechanical details of calculation. I venture, 
then, to suggest this proposition to you, and if, as I would fain hope, it should 
meet your approval, and you authorize me to enter into such an arrangement, 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 197 


I will gladly resume the work in accordance with my original plan, and with 
renewed hopes of success. 
Trusting to hear from you on the subject, I am, respectfully and truly 
yours, 
J. 8S. HUBBARD. 
Professor HENRY. 


The investigations to which the foregoing communication relates are of a 
highly interesting character, and well worthy the assistance of the Smithsonian 
Institution. The prosecution of the work has, however, for the present been 
suspended. 


West Cuester, Pa., October 31, 1862. 


Dear Sir: For the last two or three years I have been employing and 
amusing the leisure hours of my old age in collecting materzals for brief notices 
of men and events in my native county of Chester, in the State of Pennsylvania. 
I obtained imperfect accounts of about one hundred and thirty men of the 
county, who, in their day and generation, had acquired some character and 
consequence among their contemporaries of the province from its first settle- 
ment, under the auspices of William Penn, down to the present time. Those 
materials were, indeed, very defective, owing to the culpable indifference and 
negligence of our ancestors in preserving them. But, such as they were, I 
endeavored to make the best use I could of them, and caused them to be printed 
in numbers, under the title of Noraz CESTRIENSES, in a newspaper of this 
village. I cut the articles from the paper as they were published, and arranged 
copies of them, in numerical order, in three several scrap-books for preserva- 
tion and convenient reference. One of these scrap-books I shall deposit in the 
library of the Chester County Cabinet; another will be deposited in the library 
of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, at Philadelphia; and the third I pro- 
pose, with your permission, if you can allow it the space it may occupy, to 
put in the library of the Smithsonian Institution, at Washington, with the view 
and hope that in each of those depositories, the said Norar may be accessible 
to any and every one who may have curiosity enough to wish to refer to them. 

My humble memorials of the men of Chester are very meagre; yet, when I 
review them, and consider how careless and indifferent our people have been in 
such matters, I am surprised even at my own success in gathering my inade- 
quate materials for the undertaking, scattered as they were over so extensive a 
district. 

I am, dear sir, your feeble yet faithful octogenarian friend, 
WILLIAM DARLINGTON. 
Prof. JosepH Henry. 


The foregoing letter is from our much respected and esteemed correspondent 
the venerable Dr. William Darlington, of West Chester, Pennsylvania. It 
relates to a work performed in the evening of a long and laborious life, devoted 
to the advance of science and the practice of Chiistian love and charity. Its 
publication may induce others to render a like service to their neighborhood, 
and thus increase the inducements to well doing through the desire inseparably 
connected with our instincts of a futwre—to live favorably in the memory of 
those who may succeed us. (Since this letter was presented to the board Dr 
Darlington has departed this life. He died on his eighty-tirst birth-day, April, 
1863.) 


198 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


Paris, November 24, 1862. 


Dear Sir: Mr. Hermann de Schlagintweit has enclosed me this note for 
you, asking me to add something as an introduction, which is scarcely neces- 
sary, seeing that he is one of the brothers Schlagintweit whose labors in Thibet 
and high India are so familiar to us. Those of the specimens I have seen are 
highly interesting, and the fact that they were collected by the Schlagintweits in 
person gives them a full guarantee. 


Your obedient servant, 
THEODORE LYMAN. 


“ Municu, (BavariA,) November 7, 1862. 


Dear Sir: Some days ago I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance 
of Mr. Theodore Lyman, who gave me many interesting facts respecting your 
Institution, and especially about your important practical and scientific meteo- 
rological researches. He also gave me a most lively description of the extent 
and the variety of the collections of the Institution. As he has kindly given 
me an introduction to you, I take the liberty of addressing you this communi- 
cation relative to such parts of our collections of ethnography and natural his- 
tory as we are now about to dispose of. 

Of the objects mentioned in the accompanying statement, Mr. Lyman has 
seen but few, but sufficient, I trust, to enable him to give you more particulars 
as to their character if it should be desired, especially as he has had Professors 
Kaup and Siebold’s opinion of them. 

Besides the objects of natural history, I may mention the photographic col- 
ored fac-similes of a great number of my water-color drawings, their number 
amounting to 125, and including only such objects as are not among the plates 
published in our atlas. Mr. Brockhaus has made several series for England, 
one for Paris, and two for India, but has a few still remaining in his hands. 
The price he charges is 70 thalers, or £10, for thirty views, or £40 for the 
series. Mr. Lyman has seen them, and will perhaps be good enough to let you 
know in a few words how they are executed, as my description might too easily 
be influenced by the fact that I made the originals myself, or worked over those 
made by my brother Adolphe. 

My address for this winter will be: Dultplatz 10, Munich, Bavaria. 

With the expression of my most sincere consideration, | remain yours, 


most truly, 
“HERMANN DE SCHLAGINTWEIT. 


Ethnography.—The objects are : 


Twenty complete skeletons, head and body, (put up,) of India Thibet, and Turkistan. 
They inciude savage: tribes of India, such as Gonds, Santhals, &c. Price of the original, 
£20 to £30 ; of a copy in natural size, color, &c.,in papier mache, £5. 

Fifty skulls, without the body, from the same regions. Price of an original, £4 to £6 ; 
of a copy in papier mache, £13 
F I mention especially our collection of facial casts, of which I send you the prices of copies 
in metal and also in plaster. The metallic casts are better able to resist the effects of time 
and exposure, but for a most careful reproduction of any detail the plaster copies can be 
entirely relied on. Price in metal, 24 shillings; in plaster, 4 shillings a cast. 

Zoology.—We have about fifty large stuffed animals, many in duplicate,among which 
are Bos grunniens, Equus hemionus, Asinus onager, male and female, Ovis argali, (ammon,) in 
fact, of nearly all the larger animals of Thibet, one to three specimens of each. Price of 
each, £9 to £15. 

Of smaller animals. such as Cervus moschatus, the different ovine and caprine domestic 
animals of Central Asia, etc., the price is from £2 to £6. Numerousskeletons of mammalia, 
put up; price, £2 to £5. Besides, skulls of Equus hemionus, £5; of a rhinoceros, from 
Bhutan Tarai, £8; of Ovis argali, £5, &c. An elephant skull, unusually large, with a 
weight (198 lbs.) and cranial capacity of about 6,200 cubic inches, determined by fillmg 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 199 


it with large shot. The brain of another elephant skull in plaster. It was obtained by a 
skull defective in its facial parts, being filled with plaster, and then gradually broken into 
small pieces, so that the very foldings of the dura mater remained untouched ; the original 
in plaster, £15; a fac-simile in papier mache, £5. 

I might add details of about 400 species of birds, 2 to 10 shillings, in nearly 1,800 speci- 
mens, chiefly from the Himalaya and Thibet; reptiles, 8 shillings to £1, and fishes, 5 to 10 
shiilings, determined by Dr. Gunther, (Proceediugs Zool. Soc., London ;) butterflies, 20 for 
£1, determined by Dr. Moore; insects, 40 for £1, as well as plants and geological col 
lections. 

The objects mentioned are at a country seat of ours, Jaegersburg, near Forchheim, Bava- 
ria, not very far by rail from Munich. 


CuRISTIANIA, January 6, 1863. 


Sir: The knowledge of the countries and nations of the earth being particu- 
larly useful as well to the mariner as to the trader, it ought to be especially 
cultivated by us Norwegians. One of the most effective means of calling forth 
the sympathies of the people in behalf of a science is that of establishing public 
museums, or collections of objects, presenting immediately to the eye things of 
which no accurate idea or conception can be conveyed by a mere description. 
The public having thus, so to say, intuitively acquired a feeling of interest in 
the subject, it will be possible, by united efforts, in the course of some years, to 
bring together collections not only instructive to the nation possessing them, but 
also deserving the admiration of foreigners. 

The British government has in this respect set the greatest example. * * * 

An ethnological museum having now been established at the University of 
Christiania with the object of illustrating the manners, mode of living, and civ- 
ilization of the various nations, it is to be hoped that the numerous and enter-— 
prising class of Norwegian seamen will avail themselves of the many opportu- 
nities offered on distant voyages to procure objects of interest for such a common 
national depository. ‘The managers of the collection have already had frequent 
occasions to express their thanks even to common sailors for gifts to the institu- 
tion, for which the state has also set apart a sum that, although moderate, will 
enable the managem to refund expenses incurred in procuring objects for the 
museum. ‘Thus it will be within the power of any seaman to contribute towards 
enlarging the collection. 

Trusting to the kind support of the public also for the future, the managers 
consider it expedient to lay down some rules for the guidance of those who, for 
the sake of public utility, may be willing thus to contribute towards enlighten- 
ing their fellow citizens: 


1. The nations and countries, the condition and state of which it will be of 
particular interest to see illustrated and exhibited, are especially those most 
differing from our own country and our own people; consequently, in the 
first place, the nations out of Kurope, and, among the Europeans, those 
least known, and of the most antiquated manners. As a rule, objects of 
antiquity are also of greater rarity, and will be more acceptable to a col- 
lection than things now in use. 

2. The objects, suitable for illustrating the condition of such nations, are in- 
numerable. Sacred images, weapons, tools used in the principal trades, 
clothing, furniture, domestic implements, and products of industry, may be 
mentioned. Of course, models, drawings, and especially photographs, will 
afford quite as trustworthy information as the object itself. Articles liable 
to spoil, or the preservation of which would involve expenses, cannot be 
received in a museum. 

3. The limited means at the disposal of a Norwegian institution will, as a 
matter of course, necessitate the selection of articles the price of which is 


200 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


not excessive. 'The exhibition of objects of silver or gold or of regal lux- 
uries is also, in fact, of less importance than illustrating the condition of 
the people itself. ° 
4. In order, however, that the objects of interest to a museum may be applied 
according to their purpose—illustrating the nature of a country or the mode 
of living of the people—it will be necessary that every article forwarded 
be accompanied by an accurate account of where it was procured ; by what. 
nation used or made; in what way used, and for what purpose intended. 
In order to give this request due publicity, it is desirable not only to assist in 
distributing these lines to those who may be supposed willing to advance the 
interests of the Institution, but also, perhaps even more so, to make the subject 
known by personally applying to such acquaintances as are able to procure 
articles of interest. 
I remain, sir, yours, very respectfully, 


LOUIS KR. DAA. 


In answer to this circular, the directors of the Museum of Christiania have 
been informed that the Smithsonian Institution will co-operate with them by 
contributing ethnological specimens from its own collections, and by forwarding 
articles of a similar character which may be presented by others. 


NEWARK, OnI0, December 8, 1862. 


Dear Sir: In the last report of the Regents I notice the Smithsonian In- 
stitution proposes to prepare a map of that portion of the United States in which 
aboriginal antiquities are found. J'eeling it to be the duty of every one to 
contribute to the general fund of knowledge, I take this cpportunity of calling 
attention to two classes of archeological remains, which I have studied cursorily, 
and have not seen described in any work on the subject. 

1. Remains of ancient cities and villages in Missouri. I have seen many of 
these. Whether large or small, they are similar in character. The remains 
consist of a series of tumuli, from one to two feet in height, and varying from 
sixteen to twenty-four feet square. These tumuli are in straight lines or rows, 
some numbering hundreds, and others, as of villages, tens; the rows cross each 
other at right angles, and the little mounds vary from four to eight rods apart. 
On digging into these mounds broken pieces of pottery are found, such as are 
common to all the antiquities of the country. In one instance an entire vessel 
was turned up. About the centre of each tumulus charcoal and ashes are found. 
I have examined several, and the pottery, charcoal and ashes are constants in 
all I have opened. Fredericktown, in Madison county, Missouri, seems to have 
been the site of a considerable city, extending from a branch of the Castor creek, 
which flows east of the village to near the east fork of the St. Francis, on the 
west, being perhaps a mile and a half long and a mile wide from north to south. 

2. A different class of tumuli are common in southern Tennessee. ‘The first 
I observed at the site of old Fort Pickering, two miles below Memphis. It is a 
parallelogram, some 15 to 20 feet high, 120 feet long by some 60 wide, and 
surrounded by a great many smaller works, just traceable, of various fancies 
and designs. I examined this in the winter of 1847-48. Last spring I visited 
the site of the battle of Shiloh. This system of antiquities was very abundant 
there, but not so large as the one near Memphis. In a walk of half a mile I 
counted eleven of these parallelograms, generally 60 feet long and 25 wide on 
the top. Several of them were appropriated to the burial of our dead, killed 
in the battle of Shiloh. The smaller works are innumerable, and are generally 
circles. I found them all on the west bank of the Tennessee river, and the 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 201 


most interesting on the south side of Owl creek. I noticed one at the 
village of Savannah, and a very remarkable circular mound, raised by a gradual 
and equal slope from all sides to the centre, which (the centre) I judged to be 
about 3 feet higher than the sides, and the diameter of the whole about 100 feet. 
I regretted that I had not more leisure to devote to the study of these singular 
antiquities, but my mission was one of mercy, and afforded me little time for 
antiquarian research or speculation. 

When peace shall be restored to our distracted country, it would be well for 
some one or association to pursue a systematic and thorough examination of 
all our antiquities, and to trace the progress of those remains from the rude 
structures in Canada, south to Central America; for, from my own observations, 
I am satisfied that these remains attest a gradual improvement of the race or 
races that constructed them from the north to the south. The Missouri cities 
and villages were doubtless mere mud huts, and perhaps adobes, such as still 
are used in northern and New Mexico, which in central and southern Mexico 
and Central America are improved into structures of solid masonry, with sculp- 
tures and hieroglyphics. Whether these were all the work of one race of men, 
called by some the mound-builders, or of several distinct races, may never be 
tatisfactorily settled; but a systematic study of the whole will afford an in- 
seresting chapter in the unwritten history of man. 

Truly yours, 
I. DILLE. 


VALPARAISO, September 17, 1862. 


Dear Sir: In reply to your esteemed favor of the 23d July, I beg leave to 
state, what I had omitted in my former communication, that the case of 
skulls, &c., from Patagonia, was forwarded by me to the care of the United 
States consul at Panama, by the British mail steamer, expenses thereon paid 
by me in advance as far as Panama. I would gladly have done so to the port 
of delivery, but found no means of effecting it. By this time I shall hope that 
they are in your possession. Since you manifest an interest in the subject, I 
shall take an early opportunity of forwarding to the Lustitute the specimen of 
an Atacama mummy—one which I found myself several years ago in the 
neighborhood of the volcano of that name, and which I left deposited with a 
friend. I have ordered it to be sent to the coast, along with the utensils and 
articles of dress and use that were found with the body. At the same time 
I shall take the liberty of adding a few observations explanatory of the cireum- 
stances under which these relics are generally found, and the probable origin of 
the custom. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
AQ. RIED, JZ. D. 

JosEPpH Henry, Esq., 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


The account of the human remains mentioned by Dr. Ried in the foregoing 
letter will be found in the appendix to the present report. 


261 GREENE STREET, New York, 
November 7, 1862. 
Dear Sir: I enclose herewith a draft of the proposed circular (philological) 
accompanied by the alphabet drawn up by Professor Whitney, and the standard 
comparative vocabulary used by Gallatin and Hale. It was at first my inten- 


202 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


tion to modify and enlarge the latter, but on a full review of the subject, 
including a list of proposed words, and on consultation with Mr. Shea, I con- 
eluded not to do so without reference to yourself. With certain defects it is 
yet a very judicious selection, and it has already been used so largely that a 
change may now be injudicious. Still, if you think best, I will advise with 
Shea, Squier, and Bartlett, and with them prepare a catalogue of additional 
words as an appendix. I am of opinion, however, that the instructions will lead 
collectors in the right track. 

I had also intended to have the circular translated into French here, but the 
health of the person from whom I expected this assistance is too bad to allow 
him to do it at present, and I do not wish to detain it longer. I would recom- 
mend that a translation be made into Spanish, (Mexican,) French, and German, 
both of this circular, if adopted, and the one on archeology. To save trouble 
with the vocabulary, I send a duplicate blank. There are many French priests 
both in the Hudson’s Bay country and in Oregon; the Spanish, or rather Mexi- 
can, priests in New Mexico, California, and elsewhere, may prove valuable 
assistants, and among the Germans, even many soldiers in the army, are excel- 
lently fitted to collect, and well disposed to do so. It will be well to send a 
number, say one hundred copies, to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to be distributed 
among the agents; an additional hundred to the Bureau of Topographical Engi- 
neers; a like number to the Surveyor General of the Land Office, for the use of 
his department; and to the Secretaries of State and of the Navy, for distribution 
among our consuls and officers bound to the western coast of Mexico, and else- 
where. The governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company can, I presume, be also 
interested in the subject, and though last, not least, the governor of Russian 
America. 

One thing that escaped my memory in preparing the archeological circular, 
was to say that due credit would be given to collectors. It will be better, how- 
ever, if you prefix the whole by an official notice emanating from yourself to 
this effect. An acknowledgment from the head of an institution like the 
Smithsonian is a great inducement to exertion. 

I see in the last annua! report Mr. Morgan’s circular respecting an archeo- 
logical nap. If you recoilect, this was one of the points which I proposed to 
embrace in my work. I think not only of preparing a general map of North 
America, embodying the great families, but special maps of particular districts 
inhabited by a large number of tribes, included in a few families, who hve 
within a small space. Such are Russian and British America, Washington 
Territory, Oregon, and California, for all of which I possess minute information. 
Mr. Bartlett has furnished me with the ranges of the New Mexican and Texan 
tribes, and I have material from other sources covering other parts of the 
country. Of course, all this, with the consent of the bureau, will belong to the 
Smithsonian, and I have no wish to monopolize the merit of such a work; but 
as I know that no one else possesses the material that I do, at least of the 
country west of the Rocky mountains, I should be unwilling to relinquish to 
another so important a task. Besides this, until the comparison of the languages 
is completed, the ethnological part of the map cannot be perfected. 

I would, therefore, suggest that skeleton maps be issued, as soon as prepared, 
to various persons interested in ethnology, and who are familiar with particular 
regions, to be filled up with such information as they may possess, to be after- 
wards reduced, giving to each the credit of his contributions. Mr. Shea, Mr. 
Bartlett, General Charles P. Stone, Mr. Buckingham Smith, Dr. Hayden, and 
other gentlemen, can all add largely to such a work. I have already trans- 
mitted departmental maps to each ‘Territory, under the sanction of the Indian 
bureau. Permit me, further, to recommend that the proposed map should 
extend far enough north to embrace all the Esquimaux tribes; and west, to take 
in the sedentary Tchuktchi or Namollos of Russian Asia. 


£ 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 203 


I am very much afraid that the amount of information proposed to be con- 
tained in the ethnological map will render it confused. I would suggest whether 
it would not be better to have two maps—one showing the character of the 
country, whether forest or prairie, desert or arable, with the isothermal lines, &c ; 
the other, its counterpart, containing merely the principal topographical features, 
such as the rivers and main chains of mountains, upon which the boundaries 
and names of the tribes and local names should appear. The first might indeed 
have designated upon it the boundaries of the families, but should not be colored. 
The latter to be colored and show the tribal subdivisions. 

Begging to apologize for the length of this communication, I am, very truly, 
your obedient servant, 

GEORGE GIBBS. 

Professor JosEPH HENRY, 

Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


NoveEMBER 18, 1862. 


In regard to the proposed map of the continent mentioned in your letter of 
the 13th, I have the honor to submit the following suggestions : The prepara- 
tion of a base map to serve for these various uses is a subject of the greatest 
interest to every one concerned in scientific pursuits, and will form a lasting 
monument of the wisdom and efficiency of the Smithsonian Institution. The 
urgent need of such a one is evident from the fact that I have been unable 
to procure in this city a tolerably correct and recent map, embracing the whole 
continent on a scale of convenient size for ethnological purposes, and have actu- 
ally been compelled to send to Germany for one, The scale recommended by 
Mr. Morgan strikes me as very suitable. In my remarks upon his propositions 
I meant only to object to the introduction upon a strictly ethnological map of 
the details of topography, meteorology, and hypsometry. My own idea, in 
which I am supported by other gentlemen engaged in the same pursuit, is, that 
an ethnological map should exhibit the principal features of the country, the 
rivers, mountain chains, and particularly the passes in the mountains, and the 
great Indian trails, where the nature of the country was such as to render these 
fixed and distinct; that it should also have the nomenclature fully given, in the 
popular form to enable collectors in the field to decide upon exact localities, but in 
such a type as to distinguish the popular from the true Indian names. Where, 
as I shall presently suggest, sectional maps on a larger scale are prepared, this 
nomenclature may, however, better be confined on the genera/ map to a few main 
objects, such as the larger rivers, in order to avoid perplexity. Political divi- 
sions should be as few as possible and faintly indicated. Indeed, in an ethno- 
logical point of view, they are almost worthless, as ours are generally arbitrary 
and not founded on geographical features. 

Besides this general map, I would also have a series of maps on a larger 
seale, comprising particular sections of country, having direct reference to 
the distribution of tribes and families. Thus, for instance, one map might 
show the country occupied by the different tribes of the Dakota, another of the 
Snake or Shoshonee, &e. The advantage of this would be, that whereas in the 
general map a single color must be used to indicate a great family, composed ot 
numerous tribes, and its subdivisions could not be indicated without leading to 
confusion, these collateral maps could -be made to exhibit the districts occupied 
by each. This is very important where the languages spoken by various tribes 
differ greatly, as among the Snakes, the Bannak from the Ute, and that from 
the Comanche. The scale on which these sub-maps should be constructed 
would vary greatly, depending upon two points: first, the number of tribes oc- 
cupying a given region; second, upon the amount of minute information likely 
to be acquired. On the western coast of America, or that district lying between 
the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains and the sea, there are a great number 


204 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


of tribes, speaking quite a number of absolutely different languages, and of 
some of these there are various dialects, differing sufficiently to require de- 
signation. Having fixed and permanent villages, their nomenclature will be 
much more extensive than what we are likely to get from nomadic bands who 
roam in large numbers and cannot be followed up. The same state of things 
existed on the Atlantic, and of portions of the country we have still quite rich 
historical material. 

You will see that the above will contemplate, in fact, an ethnological atlas, and 
that its preparation will be a matter of much time and labor, and occupy the 
attention of all those interested in the study. As regards expense, that need 
not be great at any one time, for the sub-maps, like the general one, might, in 
the first place, be prepared in skeleton, and distributed like the circulars to in- 
vite inquiry and contribution of material. As the work progresses, the topog- 
raphy may be filled in, for these maps will afford room to exhibit it in much 
greater detail than the larger one. 

In fact, as regards a general map, even upon the scale proposed, and for pur- 
poses of topography itself, I doubt the propriety of going greatly into details. 
The best general European maps avoid this. The map of the Pacific railroad 
explorations, prepared under Mr. Davis’s instructions, is almost useless from its 
very minuteness. All the principal features are lost in the details of topography. 
But, above all things,it appears to me that multiplicity of object should be 
avoided. Of course, a map showing the amount of rain per annum should ex- 
hibit the causes of variation in different districts, but this depends on great 
features and not on minute ones; and until it is shown that magnetics, for in- 
stance, influence the amount of precipitation, it would be improper to introduce 
lines of equal variation on a map intended to show those of equal rain fall. So 
with a general topographical or ethnological map. 

I am engaged, with the assistance of the others, in drawing up the details 
which we think it would be well to include in the sub-mayps, indicating the bound- 
aries and scales, which I will forward, as soon as completed, for your considera- 
tion. Of course, I do not know how far you may be inclined to extend this 
subject, but the inquiry will at any rate be the means of ascertaining some 
valuable facts as to the amount of information at hand. 

‘This leads me to another subject. I find the field which I at first proposed 
to myself has increased to such formidable proportions that, on consultation 
with Mr. Bartlett and others, I have concluded to propose the following — 
scheme in its place: Professor Henry to request Messrs. Bartlett, Shea, Squier, 
Buckingham Smith, and such others as he may think fit, to unite with the 
writer in a comprehensive work upon the ethnology and philology of North 
Amcrica, to be published by the Institution, and to prepare materials for maps. 
showing the location of the Indian tribes at various periods. 'The work can 
appear in parts, if thought advisable, as each finishes his portion, Mr. B. R. 
Ross would doubtless undertake British North America, (except the immediate 
coast,) including the Chepewyan family, the Crees, and Knisteneaux, and per- 
haps the Esquimaux, and prepare a memoir giving the history of the subject, 
and all that is valuable regarding those tribes. Mr. Shea to take the country 
east of the Mississippi, except Georgia and Florida, which might be assigned to 
Mr. Smith. Shea’s knowledge and material exceed those of any one, on the 
peuple of this region, and his critical acumen is remarkable. Mr. Squier would 
assume Central America, and Mr. Bartlett, Texas and New Mexico. ‘The writer 
to take the northwest coast, Washington Territory, Oregon, and California. 
There would remain the country intermediate between the Mississippi and 
Rocky mountains and Mexico. Mexico I would suggest should be assigned to 
some of the ethnologists of that country, with an invitation to prepare a general 
view of the subject as relates to it. 

The work should embrace histography, ethnological divisions of families, 


- 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 205 


founded on comparative philology, habits, &c., and psychology—in fact, to 
have as wide a range as there are reliable materials to work on. As it would 
take too long to await its entire completion, it might appear in a series of mono- 
graphs, such as you have already published on various subjects, but the field is 
too wide for any one man to undertake an exhaustive work, embracing the 
whole. 

I should explain that this suggestion comes entirely from myself, and that [ 
-am led to it by consultation with these gentlemen as to their views of the 
demands of ethnology in a work of this kind, not that they desired to invite 


such a request. 
GEORGE GIBBS. 


DECEMBER 26, 1862. 


I had the honor to receive, in due course, your letter of December 18, 
informing me that the questions submitted in mine of December 3 had been 
referred to Professor Whitney, and shall hope to hear from him in reply. 

Pursuant to the directions I received in a former letter, I wrote to Dr. Davis, 
requesting him to make any suggestions which might occur to him in regard to 
the archeological circular; but having received no reply, I presume that he is 
absent from the city. I called on Mr. Squier, who promised to send me his 
views on the same subject, but have not yet received them. I mention this as 
the cause of the delay in communicating the result to you. If I do not hear 
from you to the contrary, I will let the circular stand as it is. 

In accordance with your desire that I should prepare a list of additional 
words to accompany the philological circular, I have gone into one at some 
length, in concurrence with Mr. Shea. We agree in submitting to you that the 
publication of this additional vocabulary be deferred for the present, and appear 
hereafter as a sort of supplement, when we shall have rendered it tolerably 
perfect. It may be advisable to extend it to some two thousand or twenty-five 
hundred words and phrases, some of them generally applicable, others to only 
particular parts of the country. The reason for this extension is as follows: 

As regards nouns, the almost entire absence of generic terms renders it 
necessary that each object should be as specifically designated as possible; for 
instance, each particular kind of animal, tree, &c. Mr. Morgan’s circular illus- 
trates this point in respect to relationships, which are distinguished by singular 
complication and a great variety of names. In the pronouns there are not only 
absolute but copulative pronouns, sometimes both personal and possessive, the 
copulative being joined to or incorporated with nouns and adjectives or verbs, 
as the case may be. In some languages, at least, there are two and even three 
sets of cardinal numbers, one being positive or simple, another personal or 
applied to men, and still another to the counting of money. Again, of the 
verbs, the degree of detail into which these languages run may be seen from 
the fact that while there may be no abstract werd for “to wash” or “kill,” 
there will be found separate words for to wash the hands, face, and clothes, 
and to kill by stabbing, shooting with a bow, gun, &c. 

You will therefore perceive that in order to arrive at any degree of precision 
it will be necessary to furnish quite a numerous collection of words, and that 
reference must be had in the selection both of these and the phrases to the 
idiom of the language and turn of thought of the speaker. ‘To accomplish this 
in a way satisfactory to yourself will require some time, but in the mean while 
the present circular will perform its own more limited task. 

The scientific names of animals, &c., should, of course, be given; but whether 
it will be best to undertake a translation of the whole into other languages is a 
question, for there are many words of daily use in Indian life which have no 
synonyms in dictionaries, or except in the various patois. 


= 
206 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. i 


DECEMBER 26, 1862. 


I owe you an apology for my omission to comply with your request that I _ 
should send you an account of what Iam doing. It is, in brief, this: 

I propose to give a connected series of vocabularies of all the known Indian 
languages west of the Rocky mountains, deriving from them a classification of 
the various tribes into families, and upon this basis to form an ethnological map 
of that part of the country. In addition to this, I propose to give a memoir 
upon the character, customs, &c., of those tribes with which I have been in 
direct communication, more especially as regards their habits of thinking, — 
mythology, &c., and to include or append sub-memoirs by other persons upon 
particular districts out of my own range, and a résumé of the statistics of popu- 
lation at various periods so far as known. Of course the various authorities 
will be referred to, so as to give the bibliography, history, &c., of each section. 

I have limited the above mentioned to the country west of the Rocky mount- 
ains, because I am satisfied that it is all that I can accomplish within a reason- 
able time, and that the labors of several investigators are required for an 
exhaustive discussion of what has already been collected in various parts of the — 
continent. In a former letter I took the liberty of suggesting the allotment of 
other parts of this work to several gentlemen who have pursued separate exam- 
nations; such as Mr. Squier for Central America; Mr. Bartlett for Texas, New 
Mexico, and Arizona; Mr. Shea for the Atlantic section, except Georgia and 
Florida, which should fall to Mr. Buckingham Smith; and Mr. B. R. Ross, of the © 
Hudson’s Bay Company, for British America, except the northwest coast, which 
would come within my own field. Mr. Smith suggests El] Exmo. Seftor Don 
Fernando Ramirez, of Mexico, as the proper man to give the Mexican part, and 
thinks that he would willingly undertake it. It appears to me that the calling 
in assistance from Canadian and Mexican sources would not only add value to 
the contributions, but be a matter of policy as regards the Institution itself, 
making it a North American centre, instead of one confined to the United 
States alone. I need not say that the value of the ethnological series which 
you may publish will be greatly enhanced by the fact that each contribution is 
a specialty. It would, moreover, give the opportunity to make each paper 
exhaustive within its own region; Sefior Ramirez, for example, giving the 
literary history of the Mexican tribes, as well as their philology and ethnology. 

Mr. Ross’s vocabularies, together with Mr. Kennicott’s, are of the utmost. 
importance in furnishing materials for comparison between the northern Che- 
pewyan languages and the southern branches, which extend into New Mexico 
and Chihuahua. His notes are carefully prepared and well written. If you 
deem it desirable, I will forward them for your examination. 

GEORGE GIBBS. 


&. 


JANUARY 20, 1863. 


I herewith enclose a memorandum of what is doing in the way of ethnology, 
so far as I am informed. 

Mr. Shea has two more numbers of his series out, copies of which will imme- 
diately be sent you. One of them is the vocabulary of the San Antonio mission 
Indians, the one which Mr. Taylor denominates ‘‘Sextapay,” but the correctness 
of which title is questionable. Mr. Shea has edited this with great care, re- 
arranging the whole, as the manuscript was in a confused state. I beg to refer 
you to his preface, as also to the appeal at the end of the work. The other is 
Mr. Smith’s Neévome. 

The Sextapay, or San Antonio, is one of the numbers due on your contribu- 
tion for 1861. Its publication has been delayed by the labor incident to putting 
it in presentable form, and by the necessity of casting some special type. This,- 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 207 


together with the Mutsun and Yakama grammars, fills the programme fur that 
ear. 

r On your subscription for 1862 (on which no payment has yet been made) 
Smith’s Névome is the first. The vocabulary of the Mutsun is now going 

through the press, and will be immediately followed by a number containing 

three of my larger vocabularies, the Chinook proper, the Clallam, and the 

Lumni, the last two being languages of the Selish family. 

Shea proposes to follow up for 1863 with the Mohawk radicals, a valuable 
Jesuit manuscript, a Jesuit grammar of the Micmac, and my dictionary of the 
Nisqually. 1 trust sincerely you will find it convenient to continue your aid, 
for 1 am not alone in considering this the most valuable series of philological 
publications now going on. Mr. Moore, the librarian of the New York His- 
torical Society, recently told me that neither England nor France could show 
anything to equal it. 

The Chinook jargon is now finally in hand, and I trust to send you the 
proofs of the first signatures this week, as also of the circulars. 

GEORGE GIBBS. 


JANUARY 21, 1863. 


Mr. Buckingham Smith called upon me to-day and showed me a letter from 
Don José Fernando Ramirez, of Mexico, from which I enclose an abstract: 

«There exist no vocabularies of the languages, nor have the grammars ever 
been preserved, written by the early missionaries. It is almost impossible to 
bring together those that have been printed. On this subject a work has been 
commenced, entitled ‘Cuadro descriptivo y comparativo de las lenguas indigenas 
de Mexico,’ compendium descriptive and comparative of the native tongues of 
Mexico, by Don Francisco Pimentel. The first volume only has been printed. 
which comprehends the analysis of twelve languages. Unfortunately, material 
is wanting. Those contained in the first volume are the Huaxteco, Mixteco, 
Mame, Othomi, Mexican, Zapateco, Tarahumar, 'Tarasco, Totonaco, Opata or 
Teguema, Cahita, and Matlaznica. If you have succeeded in publishing the 
grammars of which you informed me, (Pima and Sleve,) and they should arrive 
in time, they will be examined in the work. I have not and am unacquainted 
with the ‘Archzology of the United. States, by Samuel F. Haven,’ about which 
you write me. Of the Smithsonian Contributions I have only the seeond, third, 
and fourth volumes, unless the first volume should be ‘Ancient Monuments of the 
Mississippi Valley,’ which I possess. At present there is no way of sending 
books to Mexico, unless the Department of State will take charge of them.” 

Mr. Smith has handed me the above with the view that I might ask of you to 
send to Sefior Ramirez such other papers of the “Contributions” as belong to 
- archeology. That gentleman is well known as one of the most distinguished 
scholars in that department in Mexico, and one whom it would be ‘desirable for 
the Institution to number among its correspondents. I am, however, astonished 
at the account he gives of the paucity of works on the indigenous languages of 
that country, so entirely opposite to our general belief here. Under any circum- 
stances, Pimentel’s work should be procured if possible. 

Iam, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
GEORGE GIBBS. 
Prof. Josepn Henry, 
Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution. 


New York, November 1, 1862. 


Dear Sir: The Indian works now printing and to be completed before the 
close of the year, beside the Sextapay or San Antonio vocabulary, are: 
- I. The Mutsun vocabulary of Padre Felipe Arroyo de la Cuesta. This is a 


208 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


collection of phrases, but seems to include all the known words of the Janguage, 
and, with the grammar already printed, will furnish all necessary means of com- 
paring the language with others. To complete the subject, nothing will be — 
needed but good comparative vocabularies of the Soledad, and other dialects. 

II. The Micmac grammar of M. Maillard. Mr. Gallatin drew some ideas 
from an extract from fragments of this, but the entire work is necessary as the — 
best known treatise of the most easterly branch of the Algonquin family. d 

III. The radical words of the Mohawk language by Rev. James Bruyas. 
This work treats the language on the system introduced by the Port Royalists, — 
of learning the roots or radical words of a language and then deducing the — 
derivatives. It divides the whole language into conjugations, and gives under 
each root the derivatives with many examples. 

IV. An alphabetical vocabulary of the Chinook language by Mr. George 
Gibbs, in all probability the largest that will ever be made, as the tribe is fast 
vanishing. I have also in hand, and may have ready in time, some others, as— 

V. Vocabularies of the Klallam and Lummi, by Mr. George Gibbs. 

VI. A Névome or Pima grammar, edited by Buckingham Smith, esq. 
Next to these I wish to bring out— 

VIL. A Nisqually dictionary, by Mr. Gibbs. 

VIII. An extremely valuable and ample dictionary of the Illinois language, 
compiled, I judge, by the Rev. Father Le Boulanger, and for extent, clearness, 
and variety, one of the most important labors of the kind known to us. { 

IX. Huron radical words by Father Carheil, revised by Father Potier, also 
a very ample and important work. Nos. 8 and 9 will each form a volume of 
500 pages, such as the Onondaga dictionary published by me, and their publi- 
cation is an undertaking of such magnitude that it can be carried out only by | 
the active co-operation of those interested in philological studies. 

I thank you for the information as to the forthcoming Cree grammar, which I 
will make note of in the Historical Magazine. 

Your obedient servant, 


(nnn, ale Tl Se 


a 


JOHN GILMARY SHEA. 


DEVON, SASKATCHEWAN, Hupson’s Bay TERRITORIES, 
July 4, 1862 

Sir: I beg to forward to you the enclosed schedule, which I received about 
a fortnight since, and have now filled up according to the request of L. H. 
Morgan, esq. I have had some little difficulty in ascertaining the precise word 
for some of the relationships noted down, but I trust that the results of my 
investigations will be as free from error as can well be expected, and that the ~ 
paper as now returned will meet the wishes of the gentleman who sent it to me. 
The postal arrangements of this country are in so primitive a state that I fear 
some months will elapse ere this letter and the enclosure reaches you; but it 
shall be despatched from here by the first opportunity that may occur. I have 
been living amongst the Cree Indians for ten years, and have long been so far 
acquainted with their language as to be able to preach to my congregations 
extempore. Tor some time past my scraps of spare time have been devoted to 
the work of compiling a dictzonary of the native tongue, as nothing of the kind 
is yet extant, and my own experience in past years has taught me that it is 
greatly needed. I have now completed the first part, namely, the English-Cree, 
which contains very nearly 6,000 English words, with their corresponding 
Indian terms, and numerous idiomatic expressions; but I have still sufficient 
to oceupy my disposable hours for many months in order to complete all that 
I contemplate. A friend had advised me to apply to yourself respecting the 
publication of the work when finished, and it was my intention to do so; but as 


‘reser’ + 


£2 Se 


rary 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 209 


the failing health of Mrs. Watkins bas compelled me to seek permission to visit 
England next summer, I have declined doing so, as probably the Church Mis- 
sionary Society, with which I am connected, may undertake to carry the work 
through the press while I am in my native land, and have the opportunity of 
correcting any typographical errors which may be made in the proof-sheets. 
Still you will perhaps ailow me to ask if the Smithsonian Institution is in the 
habit of publishing such books as dictionaries of the native languages, and upon 
* what terms it undertakes to have them printed, as I have no means of ascer- 
taining this point. If you have any circular or pamphlet at hand explanatory 
of the principles and aims of the institution with which you are officially con- 
nected, I should feel much obliged by your kindly forwarding one to me. 
Believe me, sir, yours, very obediently, 
KE. A. WATKINS. 
Professor Henry. 


The writer of this letter was informed that the Institution does publish works 
of the kind mentioned, if approved by a commission of examination, provided 
that no other means exists of bringing them before the public. 


DeeErR CrEEK, NEBRASKA TERRITORY, 
September 19, 1862. 


Honorep Sir: As I am unable to express myself in English as well as is 
necessary and as I wished, I take the liberty of sending a German letter, and 
beg for a kind excuse and acceptance of the same. 

When I arrived here two years ago, unfortunately, immediately after the 
disappearance of the missionary Brunninger, | found some publications of the 
Smithsonian Institution relating to various observations. I regret that I was 
neither in a position to read them cursorily through, nor had I time to even 
grasp their contents. When, however, time and other business did permit, 1 
looked into them carefully and found great pleasure in so doing, for which reason 
I also recognize it as my duty as far as I am able with my feeble powers to 
show my gratitude. Only I must also add with much regret that understanding 
and apparatus are wanting to me in many branches. Because, however, I stand 
here so ignorant, I considered it to be well and necessary first to ask whether 
or with what subjects I could render to your honored institution my feeble 
services. One point which I in the first place considered as appropriate is the 
language of the Shyenne Indians. I have now passed a year with them in a 
capacity which is well known to you, and for a quarter of a year I have travelled 
about with them for the purpose of learning the language, but have still learned 
comparatively little. I permit myself, however, to contribute to your honored 
institution a small extract from the treasure which I have learned and collected 
for their kind consideration. Should it be acceptable to your honored institu- 
tion, I will, if you desire, send more. In the mean time I remain, honored sir, 
with the highest esteem, your obedient, 

GEORGE FLACHENECKER, 
Evangelical Lutheran Missionary. 
To the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


Hono.uvtu, July 15, 1862. 


My Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your favors, dated Aprii 14 and 21, en- 
closing an order from Professor Bache for tidal apparatus, which I forward to 


4. 


210 PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


San Francisco by this mail. I am in hopes to receive it, for I am not aware 
that any observations have ever been made, at a position similar to that of our 
islands, a long distance from a coast line. 

I have also received the reports of the Smithsonian Institution for the years 
1854~’60, check lists of American shells, and catalogue of publications of socie- 
ties, for which I beg to return my sincere thanks. 

I forward you, per this mail, a catalogue of the works in my library relating 
to the Sandwich Islands, which I believe to be near, if not quite, complete. 
You will notice in it three periodicals, formerly published at our islands, not in 
your catalogue. ‘They contain a few scientific articles. Please look over the 
catalogue, and any works published here which you may wish to obtain, please 
inform me, and if possible, they will be sent you. 

Your wishes in regard to a series of shells described by me shall be attended 
to. I also shall furnish you, as soon as I can obtain it, a specimen of the bat 
living on our islands, (the only indigenous mammal here,) for the reason that 
I received a letter by last mail from Dr. Gray, of the British Museum, acknowl- 
edging the receipt of one from me, which he decides, after a hasty examination, 
to be identical with a species common to the east and northerly part of America, 
usually called the “New York Bat.” He was to exhibit it at the meeting of 
the Zoological Society the evening of the day he wrote me. If he is correct, it 
will be a singular exception to the laws of animal distribution. 

I am about to commence the publication of a serial work in England, on the 
Natural History of the Pacific Islands, which will be furnished you from. there. 


My illustrated catalogue of the shells of the Sandwich Islands and their — 


animals must be deferred for a time, as my collector on the islauds south of the 
equator, who has been occupied near three years in searching them, informs me 
that he has been very successful, having obtained 600 new land and marine 
species, and discovered facts of great value to me in regard to distribution of 
species, &c. 

I notice in your report of 1860 an announcement of the intended publication 
of several pamphlets on shells, three by Mr. Carpenter. The one on west coast 
species and one on United States expedition shells I particularly wish to see, as 
the latter I shall be able to correct. All pamphlets, however, on shells will be 
of use to me. 

I beg strongly that duplicates of shells from the Indo-Pacific province may 
be sent me by the Institution; full valus will be returned. Are there none left 
of Wilkes’s expedition, or of Rodgers’s Japan expedition ? 

Ail packages in fature, please address to me and forward to Wells, Fargo & 
Co., New York. 

Do not fail to make use of me in any way you may consider of value to the 
Institution. 

Yours, most truly, 


W. H. PEASE. 
Professor JoSEpH HENRY. 


The books and specimens referred to in this letter have been received at the 
Institution. The species of bat so remarkable, as being the only native mammal 
found on the Sandwich Islands, has since been identified by Dr. Gray, of the 
British Museum, as the Lasiurus Gray?, belonging to the coast of Chile. 


Heapquarters, GENERAL GRaANT’s ARMY, 
Jackson, Tennessee, November 5, 1862. 
Dear Sir: A large and perhaps valuable, but incomplete, herbarium has 
fallen into my hands, captured from the confederates, or, at least, belonging to 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE RIGENTS. 211 


some institution of learning, and wanting an owner. It consists of about a dozen 
thick folio volumes of plants belonging principally to West Tennessee, very neatly 
arranged. They were guthered together by a friend of mine, and as the soldiers 
were destroying them, J have taken charge of them, with a view of presenting them 
to some scientific institution. Please inform me if it would be worth while to 
send them to the Smithsonian Institution, and let me know whether I shall for- 
ward them by Adams’s Express, so that they will go safely, and whether I must 
pay the charges, &c. 
Respectfully, &c., 
. H. R. WIRTZ, 
Surgeon United States Army, Medical Director. 
Professor Henry, 
Smithsonian Institution. 


P. $.—I have them in a box about 3 feet by 24. 


The collection of plants above referred to has been received, and will be 
earefully preserved separately until the close of the war. No information has 
been obtained as to the original owner or collector. 


Leipzic, May 31, 1861. 


My Dear Sir: In sending back, through Dr. Fliigel, agent of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, the ferns which have been communicated to me by Dr. 
Eaton, in your name, [ cannot omit to express my warmest thanks, not only for 
the kindness shown me in this instance, but also for the collection of ferns des- 
tined for the herbary of the university. 

I am under a great obligation to the Institution for having given me an oppor- 
tunity of examining these ferns, whereby it has materially assisted me in my 
studies. 

Accept the assurance of my deepest gratitude and the highest esteem. 


Yours, 
G. METTENIUS, Professor. 
Professor Dr. Henry, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Insiitution. 


The ferns sent back are the unzques of Brackenridge’s collection, and will 
be placed with the rest of the collection now in Dr. Torrey’s hands. 
DANIEL C. EATON. 


* New York, January 13, 1863. 


GENEVA, Switzerland, May 25, 1862. 


Dear Sir: Your letter of the 28th of February was duly received, and that 
it has not been sooner answered must be ascribed to the throng of pressing oc- 
cupations in which | have been absolutely absorbed. I am under great obliza- 
tions for the interest which you have been pleased to take in procuring for me 
the books and duplicata of your mammifers which 1 had requested. 

In regard to the catalogue of the Hymenoptera, I regret to say that I have 
not reached it, having been engrossed by various other labors. I have com- 
menced a large work on America, of which I have had the satisfaction of send- 
ing to the Smithsonian Institution the two first parts, the Crustacea and the 
Myriapodes. Since then I have been engaged with the Orthoptera, and have 
proposed next to proceed with the Hymenoptera. ‘The plates of the Orthoptera 
will be forthwith sent to the engraver, but | have been dreadfully retarded by 
a succession of mishaps. My original draughtsman died; another whom I had 


212, PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. 


trained quitted this service to engage in that of the railroads; a third found a 
lucrative place and left me to shift for myself, and the fourth threatens to do the 
same thing. Nevertheless, I hope to get through some day or other. 

My taxidermist, whom I had left in Mexico to complete my collections, after 
having done nothing but cajole me for several years, has ended by leaving the 
country without sending me anything of consequence. All this has greatly 
hindered me. Still, my descriptive treatise on the Vespidee of America is ready, 
but I wish to revise the manuscript and correct it from beginning to end, for it 
is my custom to leave my manuscripts in the drawer for one or two years and 


then remodel them by means of the materials | have in hand. It is only in © 


this way that zoological works can be worthily composed. If you are urgent, 
however, I will leave the Orthoptera in order to take up the Wasps and will 
send you the manuscript this winter. Please indicate to me your wishes on this 
subject. 

As to the other families, I cannot undertake them till I have done with the 
Orthoptera and the Wasps. But as you seem in haste, I think your best course 
would be to intrust this work to some American whose special line of study 
lies in that direction, and Mr. Edward Norton is well qualified for it. With the 
same view I have already prevailed on him to take in hand the Ichneumonide. 

t would be impossible to make purely and simply a catalogue of the Hyme- 
noptera. The number of known species is much too restricted. There would 
be necded a descriptive work, and you could not acquit yourself of it under 
less than ten large volumes. ‘The labor upon the Hymenoptera is a colossal 
one. When I shall have published the Wasps, I will see whether I can under- 


take another family for you, and believe that I can; but, trust me, you must | 


proceed by families or you will have nothing satisfactory. 

I take this opportunity of informing you that in July I shall forward to you 
a package containing three memoirs of mine and my map of Mexico; and in 
addition, certain books for several learned Americans. Have you Saussure’s 
Treatise on Hygrometry? Be so kind as to have the books distributed accord- 
to the address of each. 

Please accept, dear sir, my cordial good wishes and the expression of my entire 
esteem. 


D. H’Y DE SAUSSURE. 
P.S.—If you have still any Vespidz to send me to complete my manuscript, 
it will be necessary to do so soon, that I may be enabled to employ them as 
materials. My manuscript will form a volume in 8vo. 
You will inexpressibly oblige me if you will have the recent American work 
on Tehuantepec sent to me. 


We have since learned that the manuscript work on the Vespide or Wasps 


of America, mentioned in the foregoing letter, has. been completed. It will be — 


published as soon as practicable after it has been received and translated from 
the French 


—p 


New York, September 16, 1862. 


Dear Sir: My brother wishes me to address you in regard to a cabinet of 
minerals which he would like ¢o sel/ to the Smithsonian Institution. He has a 
collection of minerals, mostly Californian and Mexican, between 2,000 and 
3,000 in number, and containing about $1,500 in gold and silver. His reason 
for selling is, that it is entirely too valuable to retain in his office, as he is afraid. 
of being robbed. He asks $3,000 for it, and refers to Professor .Whitney, of 
California, for an examination. 

You would confer a favor by returning an answer to this note when conve- 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGENTS. PAS 


nient; and perhaps, if the Smithsonian Institution does not want the collection, 
you may be cognizant of some other institution which might desire to obtain it. 
Very respectfully, yours, &c., 

Professor HENRY. 


The foregoing is one of many propositions to sell specimens of natural his- 
tory, &c., to all of which the. answer has been made that the Institution does 
not purchase articles of the kind. 


The following letter was received from M. Romero, Mexican minister, in 
reply to a request made to him to furnish a letter to facilitate the explorations 
of Mr. Xantus, in Mexico: 

Wasuinaton, December 4, 1862. 


Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
the 1st instant, informing me of the object of the appointment of Mr. John 
Xantus as United States consul at Manzanillo, and asking me to furnish him 
with such letter of mtroduction for the governors of the States of Colima, Mi- 
choacan, and the adjacent ones, as may help him in the prosecution of the scien- 
tific investigations he intends to make in a portion of western Mexico whose 
natural productions are very little known. 

Being desirous to contribute to the success of Mr. Xantus’s scientific researches 
and labors, I enclose you herewith letters of introduction for the governors of 
the States of Michoacan, Jalisco, Colima, and Sinaloa, which I hope will fully 
answer his purpose. Should he desire letters for any other governor, I will 
furnish him with them as soon as you let me know it. 

As regards the entrance of the scientific apparatus Mr. Xantus may take 
with him to be used in making collections in natural history for the museum in 
charge of your Institution, I am happy to say that I think he will not have 
any difficulty with the customs authorities at Manzanillo, such articles being free 
from duty according to the Mexican tariff. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

M. ROMERO. 

Professor JosepH Henry, 

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, &c 


EULOGY 


ON 


HON. JAMES A. PEARCE, OF MARYLAND, | 


UNITED STATES SENATOR, 


ONE OF THE REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 


BY 


Pror. A. D. BACHE, LL. D., Superintendent of the U. S, Coast Survey. 


Ata meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, held 
January 31, 1863, Professor Henry, the Secretary, announced the death of 


Hon. James A. Pearce, one of the Regents. 
Prof. Bache, after appropriate remarks, offered the following resolutions, which 
were unanimously adopted : 


Resolved, That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution deeply mourn the loss 
of their distinguished fellow-regent, JAMES ALFRED PEARCE. 

Resolved, That inthe death of Mr. Pearce our country has lost a refined and influential 
citizen, the Senate of the United States an able, judicious, honest statesman, and this institu- 
tion an active, intelligent, and learned Regent. 

Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the afflicted family of Mr. Pearce, and offer to 
them our heartfelt sympathy in their great bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be communicated by the Secretary of the Smith- 
sonian Institution to the family of the deceased. 


On motion of Mr. TRUMBULL, it was— 


Resolved, That Professor Bache be requested to furnish a copy of his remarks in relation 
to Hon. James A. Pearce, for insertion in the journal of the Board of Regents. 


EU OiGay¥e 


Again has death invaded our circle, and taken from our councils and our 
active sympathies one of the most admirably gifted intellects which has at any 
time been called upon to shape the destiny or direct the labors of the Smith- 
sonian Institution. A member of the executive committee from nearly the see- 
ond year of the organization under the act of Congress of 1846, attentive to 
every detail, whether scientific, administrative, or financial, Mr. Pearce was 
always prompt at the call of every duty. lis entire and cordial acquicsrence 
in the form of organization adopted for the Institution, his liberal and zealous 
co-operation with the Board of Regents, his earnest support of, and unfaltering 


214 


EULOGY. 215 


confidence in, the discretion and integrity of its Secretary, were as conspicuous 
as they were productive of the most lasting and important benefits. And though 
it is true that the general form and policy of the Institution were determined 
under the authority of Congress, by its first Board of Regents, yet it is quite as 
certain that strenuous action was afterwards needed to maintain it in its adopted 
course, and secure it from projected innovations which, though strenuously 
advocated at the time, few now regard with aught but disfavor. ‘'T'o this end no 
one lent more effectual aid than our lamented colleague. Although, from taste 
and the conditions of his active life, he might more properly be styled a liierary 
man, yet were his scientific attainments by no means inconsiderable, and a liberal 
and cultivated mind, which admitted of no narrow views, enabled him to em- 
brace, in all its comprehensive simplicity, the idea of the generous foreigner 
who, in founding this Institution, consecrated his fortune to “the increase and 
diffusion of knowledge among men.” 

In whatever Mr. Pearce engaged he exhibited the same spirit. Marked as a 
leader from his boyhood, at school as at college, in his profession as in the 
councils of the nation, in his neighborhood, his State, his country, as well as in 
the church to which he had dedicated his faith, he stood distinguished for an 
enlightened estimate and an eflicient support of whatever is clevated and caleu- 
lated to elevate. ‘l’o him the work of construction was ever far more congenial 
than that of demolition; to improve and preserve was an instinct, to confound 
and destroy, an innate aversion of, his nature. Refined in his tastes, brilliant in 
society, instructive from the affluence of his ideas and extent of information, 
without ostentation as without pretension, social, genial, even playful among his 
intimates—such was the associate whom we must long mourn, feeling that at 
the council board as in the familiar and friendly circle, we have lost one who 
strengthened us in our adhesion to what is right, good, or true, while ever prompt 
to lead us wherever progress held out rational hopes of improvement. 

Generally, men of the temperament we have described are impatient of details ; 
but this was not at all so with our deparied friend. It afforded him pleasure to 
systematize and reduce to order even the dry details of finance, and a wonderful 
memory and a quick perception enabled him to pass them in rapid review with 
a scrutiny of every part:cular. His mental vision was as minute as compre- 
hensive, and his analytical faculty never dismissed a subject of investigation 
until he was thoroughly satisfied with the arrangement, the method, the results : 
in a word, he was content with little Jess than the perfection of whatever occu- 
pied his attention or claimed his solicitde. 

The objects which in Congress occupied most of his attention, and which it 
gave him most pleasure to defend and sustain, were those connected with litera- 
ture and science, and in these he showed the same qualities which as chairman 
of our executive committee he has here so often exhibited. With the great 
interests of state and the high objects of national politics he was abundantly quali- 
ficd to grapple; in fact, he shrunk from no occasion in which to exert himself when 
enlarged views and skilful powers of debate could be rendered serviceable to his 
country or the world. But if duty called upon him from time to time for such 
efforts, still it was to objects promotive of art and science and high civilization, 
to means for man’s moral and intellectual improvement, and for the enlargement 
of his knowledge and power over nature, that he turned with ever new and un- 
wearied interest. ‘To him probably more than to any other senator the library 
of Congress was indebted for the augmented fund which it has now for some 
years enjoyed, and for the care taken in the selection of the materials which 
render its shelves so useful. The exploring expedition was more than once 
indebted to his earnest and persistent efforts for the continuance of the means 
of publication of its results; the Coast Survey for expositions of its importance 
to the country and the world; the Smithsonian for warding oif assaults, and 
reconciling enthusiastic but misguided opposition; the naval and military expe- 


216 EULOGY 


ditions, boundary surveys, and explorations, for close, searching investigations, 
which led to important improvements and to cordial support. The great work 
of the extension of the Capitol found in him a wise advocate and judicious friend. 
Not afraid of what was new, he yet aimed at nothing for the sake of novelty. 
In connexion with the decoration of our public buildings, our sculptors and 
painters found in him a most enlightened appreciator of their works, and one 
always ready to promote the great cause of their art by legitimate means. 

He had a remarkable power of attaching to himself men of science, literature, 
and art, and, in return, found in them some of his most intimate and highly- 
prized companionships. Tis, friendships were warm, and once formed, were 
proof against all trials of absence or change of fortune. Many of his ardent 
attachments reverted to the friends and associates of his parents, and to family 
relations of even an older date, acquiring in his breast a sacred title by the 
claims of the past. 

The genial clements of his character naturally expanded most freely in the 
circle of his family and friends, where he was truly and ever at home. His 
garden, its fruits and flowers, were his habitual delight; his farm and its opera- 
tions seemed to touch by association the springs of his deepest affections. He 
superintended every process with a judgment rarely at fault, and watched all 
the varied developments of nature with the interest of the amateur or the natur- 
alist. Whoever had not seen Mr. Pearce in his dwelling, in his garden, or upon 
his farms, knew him but imperfectly. : 

JAMES ALFRED PEARCE, the colleague, the counsellor, the friend, to whom 
we must now bid a final adieu, was born in the town of Alexandria, then part 
of the District of Columbia, December 14, 1805. His parents, who were of 
Scottish descent, and citizens of Maryland, dying during his childhood, the care 
of his education devolved upon his maternal grandfather, the late Dr. Dick, of 
Alexandria, an eminent physician of that day, who will be remembered by the 
student of American history as having been one of the medical attendants who 
ministered at the dying bed of Washington. So rapid yet thorough was the 
progress of the young student in the rudimentary stages of education, that he 
graduated at Princeton College at the boyish age of seventecn, bearing away 
from competitors of no ordinary ability, and much subsequent distinction, the 
highest lonors of his class. Having adopted the law as his profession, and 
permanently settled at. Chestertown, Maryland, the former residence of his 
parents, he soon received the earnest of future success in the confidence, affec- 
tion, and support of the community—a community to whose favor he might, 
indeed, already look forward in virtue of the memory of a meritorious and dis- 
tinguished ancestry. His first step upon the more public stage which was 
thenceforth to be the scene of his labors and success was his unsolicited election. 
to the legislature of Maryland, in 1831. From that day, with a single inter- 
val of two years, his talents and time were devoted to the service of his fellow- 
citizens in the halls of legislation, his career having led him, by a progression 
founded on the uncanvassed but ever-increasing confidence and respect of the 
people, through the House of Representatives to the Senate chamber, in which 
a sia fulfilling the unexpired term of a third election at the period of his. 
death. 

His characteristic qualities and tendencies as a legislator have been already 
slightly touched upon in this memorial, but whoever recalls the momentous. 
events. the gigantic and often acrimonious struggles for ascendency, the por- 
tentous and brilliant debates which, from 1835 to 1861, fixed the public at- 
tention, and excited the alternate hopes and fears of contending parties; 
whoever pictures to himself the majestic forms which then occupied the legis- 
lative arena, will remember that, through all these events, and measuring him- 
self in no unequal competition with the foremost men of that earnest time, 
our colleague continued to advance steadily in public appreciation, to fill a yet. 


EULOGY. 217 


wider and wider space in the eyes of the country, that on him rests no imputa- 
tion of having ever purchased favor or advancement by a sacrifice of the slightest 
principle, or of having once deviated into any of those equivocal positions which 
sometimes bring disrepute on illustrious names ; whoever shall recall and consider 
these things will undoubtedly be qualified to form a more adequate and vivid 
conception of his labors and his worth than could be derived from any por- 
traiture which this occasion would permit, or perhaps even the most labored 
eulogy could supply. 

Nor were striking testimonials wanting to his peculiar and conspicuous merits : 
it rested but with himself to have occupied positions of the highest publie dis- 
tinction. A place in the cabinet and a seat in the federal judiciary were suc- 
cessively offered him; on more than one occasion his name was publicly can- 
vassed in connexion with the presidency of the United States. The former, 
however, he declined ; the latter he steadily discountenanced. He seems to have 
felt that the Senate chamber was the proper sphere for his peculiar tastes and 
powers—a sphere equal to his well-regulated ambition, not below his admitted 
merit. The patronage incident to the executive branch of government involves 
much that would have been repugnant to his feelings; the judiciary has objections 
peculiar to itself in the ever-recurrent and monotonous nature of its functions ; 
the representative department of Congress was for him too much influenced by 
the fluctuations of popular opinion. ‘The Senate, in the stability of its tenure, 
and the vivacity and variety of its discussions, in its character of a consultative 
and executive as well as legislative body, in the dignity and importance of its 
deliberations, involving the interests of States and the relations of national inter- 
course, seemed exactly fitted to give scope to his abilities, and to satisfy every 
aspiration he might indulge for usefulness or-consideration. Perhaps it was in 
the committee-room that his influence made itself more particularly felt, for here 
the extent of his information, the weight of his character, the directness: and 
integrity of his purpose, his patience for details, his familiarity with the forms 
of business, and aptitude in applying them with logical acuteness to the disen- 
tanglement of questions of fact and law, his co-operative spirit, his genial and 
companionable nature and manner, all conspired to give authority to his decisions, 
and to conciliate reliance and acquiescence on the part of those with whom he 
acted. 

Had Mr. Pearce not embraced the profession of law, he would doubtless, under 
suitable circumstances, have been celebrated as an agriculturist. Had he not 
resigned himself to political life, he could not have failed of eminence in science 
or in literature. It is indeed rare to meet with one whose capabilities and excel- 
lencies were so varied and so distinct, nor is it possible that, knowing him as I 
have done, I should speak of him otherwise than frankly and from the heart, 
though conscious of the imperfect representation which I have been able to give 
of a man so intrinsically great in all the elements which constitute true greatness, 


.80 entirely beloved for all that refers itself to the amenities of social intercourse 


and the sacred endearments of home. 

In conclusion, it is proper to add that the peculiarities which marked his char- 
acter during the active years of his life exhibited themselves in the closing period 
of his career under a new but harmonious aspect. Afdieted with an incurable 
malady, he contemplated his approaching end and endured his intense suffer- 
ing with the unwavering faith and resigned patience of a Christian. The reli- 
gious principles which he had imbibed in childhood, axd which had perhaps im- 
perceptibly formed the basis of his character, became the dominant objects of his 
thoughts, and the consolation and happiness of his last hours. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


THE BOARD OF REGENTS 


OF 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, January 20, 1864. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their annual session on the third 
Wednesday of January of each year, the Board met this day in the Regents’ 
room, at 104 o’clock a. m. Present: Hon. 8. 8. Cox, Hon. J. W. Patterson 
Hon. R. Wallach, General J. G. Totten, and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

A quorum not being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Monday, January 
25, at 74 p. m. 


Monpay, January 25, 1864. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 74 o’clock p.m 
Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Vice-President of the United States, Hon. W. P. 
Fessenden, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. H. W. Davis, Ion. | 
R. Wallach, Mr. William B. Astor, General Joseph G. Totten, Professor A. D. 
Bache, the treasurer Mr. Seaton, and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

In the absence of the chancellor, Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 

The Seeretary announced the election, by joint resolution of the Senate and 
House of Representatives, of Professor Agassiz, of Massachusetts, as a Regent 
in place of Mr. Badger, the reappointment by the Speaker of Hon. 8. S. Cox, 
of Ohio, and the appointment of Hon. J. W. Patterson, of New Hampshire, 
and Hon. Henry Winter Davis, of Maryland, as Regents from the House of 
Representatives. 

The general statement of the funds of the Institution and of the receipts and 
expenditures during 1863 was presented by the treasurer. 

The Secretary submitted the annual report of the operations of the Institu- 
tion during the past year, which was read in part. 

The Secretary made a statement as to the policy which had been adopted 1m 
regard to bequests and donations having special conditions attached to them, 


218 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 219 


and gave the reasons for declining to accept a herbarium which had recently 
been bequeathed to the Institution. 

On motion it was 

Resolved, 'That the action of the Secretary in this case be approved. 

‘The Secretary called attention to the unexpected delays and embarrassments 
which had occurred in obtaining the remainder of the original bequest of 
Smithson left in England as the principal of an annuity to the mother of the 
nephew of Smithson, and read the correspondence on the subject with the 
attorneys, and also a letter from Hon. C. F. Adams, the American minister to 
England. 

On motion it was 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed, consisting of the Secretary, Mr 
H. W. Davis, and Professor Bache, to confer with the Secretary of State and 


the British minister relative to the action of the English authorities in regard 
to the money due the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Wednesday, January 27, at 74 
o’clock p. m. 


WEDNESDAY, January 27, 1864. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at the Institution at 74 o’clock 
p-m. Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Vice-President of the United States, Hon. 
G. Davis, Hon. R. Wallach, Mr. William B. Astor, Professor A. D. Bache, and 
the Secretary. 

Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Professor Bache presented the report of the executive committee, which was 
read and approved. 

The Secretary presented the remainder of his annual report, which was read 
and adopted. 

He also presented a series of letters illustrating the correspondence and 
operations of the Institution.* 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


Turspay, March 15, 1864. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 104 o’clock a. m. 
Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Vice-President of the United States, Hon. S. S. 
Cox, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. R. Wallach, Professor L. Agassiz, Professor 
A. B. Bache, and the Secretary. 

Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary presented a series of works on natural history, which had 
been prepared and printed at the expense of the Institution, and also the 


920 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


) 


manuscripts of several others which had been offered for publication. All of 
these, he stated, had been referred for critical examination to Professor Agassiz, 
who would favor the Board with some remarks in regard to them. 

Professor Agassiz stated that, so far as he had had an opportunity of 
examining the original papers, he considered them worthy of publication; that 
he would give the whole series of works on natural history, which constitute 
portions of what is called the Miscellaneous Collections, a critical examination, 
and present a report upon them ata future time. At present he would beg 
leave to make a few remarks on the importance of adopting measures for in- 
creasing the efficiency of the active operations of the Institution by relieving 
them of the expense of the support of the museum, library, and gallery of art. 
Unless this could be done, many valuable contributions to science offered for 
.. publication would have to be postponed or refused. He thought that the 
resources of the Institution were inadequate to carry on at the same time its 
active operations, and maintain a museum, a library, and a gallery of art upon 
the only footing upon which they can truly be creditably supported. Without, 
therefore, making a definite motion, he would submit for future consideration 
the propriety of asking fhe government to take charge of the museum, the 
library, and the building now occupied by the Institution, with a view of main- 
taining them on a more extensive scale, and relieving the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion of a large expenditure which, for the advancement and diffusion of science, 
had better hereafter be devoted to the active operations of the Institution. He 
hoped that if such a plan would be carried out, the resources reverting to the 
Institution from the transfer of the museum and library to the government, 
either to form an independent organization or to be carried on hereafter as 
before by the Smithsonian Institution, the active operations of the latter would 
be greatly extended. 

The Secretary stated that the suggestions of Professor Agassiz were in 
accordance with the views which had been entertained by the majority of the 
Board of Regents from the first discussion of the organization of the Institu- 
tion; that the present disposition of the funds was a necessity which was im- 
posed upon the directors by the requirements of the law of Congress establish- 
ing the Institution, and that he had always entertained the hope that the sup- 
port of the building and collections would in due time be provided for by the 
general government, and a national museum be founded which would be com- 
mensurate with the intelligence, extent, and resources of the country. 

Professor Bache fully concurred in these remarks, and moved the following 
resolutions, which were adopted : 


Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report to the Board of Regents 
any suggestions for extending the active operations of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, and for the separate maintenance of the collections. 

Resolved, 'That this committee consist of Professor Agassiz, the Secretary 
of the Institution, Mr. Fessenden, Mr. Patterson, and Mr. Cox. 


The Board then adjourned sine die. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 221 


LETTERS PRESENTED TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS TO ILLUSTRATE THE 
CORRESPONDENCE AND OPERATIONS OF THE INSTITUTION. 


Communication from Dr. B. A. Gould, on a new discussion and reduction of the 
observations of Piazzi of Palermo. 


CaMBRIDGE, May 16, 1863. 


My Dear Sir: For many years I have been strongly convinced that an 
extremely valuable contribution to astronomical science might be made by a 
new discussion and reduction of the observations of Piazzi at Palermo. 

This eminent astronomer, with his assistants, was engaged, during the twenty- 
two years from 1792 to 1813, in observing the positions of the principal fixed 
stars. He was provided with the best instruments which could be obtained at 
that time, and his observations have been, and must continue to be, our prin- 
cipal and most trustworthy source of information as to the places of between 
seven and eight thousand fixed stars at the beginning of the present century. 
As nearly as I can estimate without an actual count, he must have made about 
ninety thousand determinations of right ascension, and from sixty to seventy 
thousand of declination, the original records of which observations still exist. 
From these he censtructed his two well-known catalogues—the first in 1803, 
the second in 1814—containing the mean places for 1800.0 of 7,646 stars. 

His methods of observation, while, of course, far inferior in many respects to 
those of the present day, were the best in use at that period; and the care and 
fidelity with which they were used seem to have been unsurpassed ; and, al- 
though the reductions upon which the catalogue was based seem to have been 
incommensurate in precision with the observations themselves, still this cata- 
logue has, for the past fifty years, been a standard authority with astronomers, 
and, fora great part.of that time, their chief dependence for both the right 
ascensions and declinations of stars. 

The original observations of Piazzi were sent by him for safe keeping to his 
friend Oriani, in Milan, and have been carefully preserved at the Observatory 
of the Brera in that city. In 1845, Professor Littrou, the director of the Impe- 
rial Observatory of Vienna, incited specially, as he says, by Argelander, and 
encouraged by Bessel, Gauss, Schumacher, Struve, &c., commenced the printing 
of these original observations as part of the series of Annals of the Vienna 
Observatory, and they have thus been for several years accessible to astronomers. 

When organizing the Dudley Observatory in 1856-58, it formed an integral 
part of my plan, not merely to institute new observations of the heavenly bodies, 
but to carry on such computations, reductions, &c., as might render available 
past observations of this and the last century, which would otherwise be either 
useless or of inferior value to astronomy. Various undertakings of this kind 
were planned, but the first of all to be begun was the re-reduction of the whole 
series of Piazzi’s observations, using the best values of the constants of pre- 
cession, aberration, and mutation, and investigating all the instrumental errors 
with care; and I made considerable progress in arranging the details of the 
computation. After communication with Professor Littrou, and an extended 
correspondence with Professor Argelander on the subject, in which this distin- 
guished astronomer gave me many very useful suggestions, the whole plan was 
completed, and, but for the misfortunes which interfered with the usefulness 
of the Dudley Observatory before its activity had fairly begun, the new cata- 
logue would doubtless now have been in the hands of astronomers. 

My health and opportunities of labor being now greatly improved, I am 
anxious to resume this work, and write to ask for your influence and aid, as far 
as possible, in furtherance of the plan. Knowing, as you do, the nature of the 


222, PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


work proposed, it is almost needless to dwell upon its value to science. The 
one consideration, that Piazzi’s observations must, for long years to come, fur- 
nish the only means of determining the proper motions of more than five 
thousand stars, is of itself sufficient. For the other stars observed by him, 
they constitute a most important element in the determination. The huge 
number of stars, observed in zones by Lalande, at almost the same period—more 
than fifty thousand—depend for their reduction and value almost solely upon 
Piazzi’s results; and the formation of a new catalogue of the latter will give an 
altogether new value to the results of Lalande. The great mass of independent 
observations thus rendered more accurate can speak for themselves, and it is 
manifest that their usefulness will be far greater than that of the same number 
of new observations made now. 

Unfortunately, Piazzi’s observations do not afford all the elements now 
known to be needed for their reduction, and it will doubtless be necessary to 
reduce them differentially, thus greatly increasing the labor. Not merely ques- 
tions of azimuth, zenith point, and clock correction, but also questions of 
graduation, of irregularity of pivots, and even of refraction, must be discussed, 
thus rendering the undertaking one of no small magnitude; still it would, I am 
sure, be labor well bestowed, and, as Professor Argelander wrote me in 1857, 
“it would be a grand thing, * * * * and one of the most important 
things that could be done.” 

The first process required is the reduction to the mean equinox of 1800.0 of 
all the observations just as they were given by Piazzi. This is a work which 
could be carried on by ordinary computers, and would in itself be of great service, 
even were the discussions of the observations to be omitted. It would consti- 
tute nearly two-thirds of all the labor, and possesses the great advantage that 
whatever is done, be the amount large or small, is immediately available. The 
best estimate that I am able to make gives about $5,000 as the probable cost 
of this reduction, to which from one-quarter to one-third should be added for 
the expense of checking, comparing, and correcting mistakes. Therefore, be- 
fore beginning, I desire to make sure that at least $6,000 will be available for 
the purpose. There is scareely a limit to the number of computers who could 
be employed at once upon this part of the work. It might easily be accom- 
plished in a single year, or it might be slowly and regularly carried on for a 
long time, the expense being not very different in the two cases. 

This process being completed, the remainder of the work, consisting of various 
investigations, in addition to the discussion of the instrumental corrections, and 
the formation of a catalogue from the observations after all reductions have been 
applied, would, of course, require more deliberate study. It would probably 
occupy at least two years, but I think the expense would be decidedly inferior 
to that of the first process. Indeed, I have convinced myself that all the out- 
lays needed for the whole undertaking in all its branches would not exceed 
$10,000, and that if this sum were now available, the work might be completed 
in two years, inasmuch as parts of all the processes could go on simultaneously. 

My sense of the usefulness of this work, and my conviction that astronomers 
everywhere would agree in this opinion, are so strong that I have determined 
to appeal to you for aid, well knowing that your interest and moral support 
will, under any circumstances, not be wanting. It is precisely such an under- 
taking as the plan of the Smithsonian Institution would lead it to encourage; 
and although I can readily see that the amount needed is larger than the Smith- 
sonian would probably be able to apply at any one time to the furtherance of 
any one science, still I come to you with my plan, well assured that you wilh 
willingly do what you can in its behalf, whether by some gradual appropriation 
year after year, from the Smithsonian funds, in aid of what I have called the 
first process, viz.: The computation of the correction to the mean equinox of 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 998 


1800.0, or in some still more active way, by enlisting interest and securing aid 
from other sources. 

For several months past I have devoted such time and means as I could to 
the preliminary steps, and, as you are aware, I now desire only the means of 
dcfraying the indispensable outlays, wishing to contribute my own services in 
behalf of the work. 

I am, dear sir, very respectfully and truly yours, 
B. A. GOULD. 

Professor Josepu Henry, 

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


Project of an outline history of public education in the United States, by 
Frederic A. Packard. 


The proposed volume to contain from 600 to 800 pages royal 8vo, to be 
put up in a cheap form, in the manner of legislative documents, with ample 
tables, indexes, &c., for easy reference. If it shall be thought best, the form 
might be changed to wo volumes—one embracing the original thirteen States, 
and the other the remaining States and Territories. The plan of the work 
would comprise the following topics: 

I. Of universal education, considered as an essential element of free political 
institutions, what should be its character and extent ? 

Il. An historical sketch of the laws of the several States on the subject of 
education, and the establishment of public schools, academies, and colleges. In 
this connexion would be given the provisions for education under the colonial 
government, and their influence on succeeding legislation. 

Til. An abstract or synopsis of all laws now in force in the several States 
touching public education, and of contemporaneous judicial expositions of the 
law, so far as they affect the essential principles of the system. 

IV. A sketch of the present state of public education in the country : 

(a.) Of the division of territory for school purposes, what and how made ? 

(6.) Of the manner of raising money for the support of schools, and the 
amount raised and expended in each decade of years, of the present century. 

(c-) Of the permanent revenue for the support of schools—if derived from 
a fund—when and how was such fund created, and what is its amount and in- 
vestment? what portion of the annual school expense is derived from it, and 
what is its effect to stimulate or depress the working of the system ? 

(d.) Of the number and average age of children under instruction, distin- 
guishing the sex; the number in attendance, in proportion to the whole popu- 
lation, and the average time of attendance. 

(e.) Of the mode of employing ¢eachers and determining their qualifications. 

(f) Of the number of teachers employed, distinguishing the sex ; the compen- 
sation allowed; the average age of teachers, male and female separate; and the 
average amount of time employed in daily teaching, making distinct heads 
of summer and winter schools. 

(g-) Of the branches taught in the public schools, and the proportion of time 
devoted to each. 

(i.) Of the preparation and introduction of school-books ; character of them 
in early schools—iimprovements in them; expense of them, and by whom borne; 
and the number and variety of them, in the different branches, which are in 
use in the different schools. 

V. Of normal schools, number, when organized, how supported, number of 
pupils, terms and condition of admission; what proportion of pupils pursue 
teaching for a livelihood, and what proportion of these succeed. 


994 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


a 


VI. Of school-houses, their number, average capacity, manner and means of 
building, and improvements in respect to site, ventilation, heating, furniture, 
out-houses, &c., &c. 

VII. Of school libraries, number of schools supplied with ; how and by whom 
selected ; funds to purchase, and the amount and source of the same; number 
and character of volumes ; cost, mode of distributing, preserving, and extent of 
circulation. 

VIII. Of the religious element in public schools; if less than formerly, 
why? ‘To what extent necessary and practicable ? 

1X. Of popular manners and customs in the schools; habits of thinking and 
acting; domestic and social character, and qualifications for citizenship, as they 
are influenced by our systems of public education. 

X. Of physical education, what time appropriated to it; what facilities and 
encouragements are afforded; what methods adopted, as drill, gymnasium, or 
athletic games; and what part teachers take therein. 

XI. Of infant schools. 

XII. Of Sunday schools. 

XIII. Of colleges and other public literary institutions, so far as they afford 
aid to, or receive aid from, the public schools. 

XIV. Of the comparative expense and value of public education at different 
periods of our history. 

XV. Of lyceums, mechanics’ stitutes, evening schools, and other methods of 
adult education, to make other means of education available, or to compensate 
for the want or neglect of early advantages. 

XVI. Number of persons of school age that are under instruction, the pro- 
portion of the population that can both read and write; the qualifications of 
the pupils, upon leaving school, to engage in the active pursuits of life, with a 
superior physical, moral, and intellectual character. 

The materials being thus collected, would be arranged under the title of each 
State, respectively, whatever is peculiar in its educational history and statistics 
being placed under specific heads, and what is common to all under general 
heads. 

lor example, Maine might occupy the first chapter or section of the volume— 
and we should first refer to Massachusetts for all matter preceding 1820, when 
it ceased to be a province. Then would come a succinct account of all legisla- 
tion on the subject, including an abstract of existing laws; then the origin, 
amount, and mode of distributing any school fund. Next, a bird’s-eye view of 
the actual condition of the schools, government, discipline, construction of 
buildings, character of teachers, text-books, and ihe obvious fruits of the sys- 
tem. Whatever peculiarity there may be in the climate, in the habits and 
pursuits of the people, or in the condition of society, affecting favorably or 
otherwise the interests of education, would find a place in this connexion. 

After completing the circle of States in this way, a condensed chronological, 
historical, and statistical survey of the entire country would be in place, and 
such eel or conclusions as are established by the facts stated and illus- 
trated. 

It will be observed that the plan contemplates the history of each State 
complete tn itself, and if prepared by an individual selected for the purpose, 
might bear the author’s name, like contributions to a biographical dictionary or 
an encyclopedia. Of course it would serve a valuable local purpose, and if 
properly prepared, would secure a share of public patronage, while the whole 
volume would furnish highly interesting and important information to the 
country at large and to foreign inquirers. 

When the outline thus sketched is well digested and matured, my purpose 
would be to forward a schedule of the subjects to some qualified patriotic person 
in each State, requesting his co-operation. The great advantages of having the 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. Dos 


work done by a resident of the States, respectively, are the accuracy, fidelity, 
and fulness which would be secured, the facilities for obtaining materials, and 
the authority which it would bear. These considerations might induce one or 
more suitable persons in each State to encounter some personal inconvenience, 
especially as the service is one of vast and permanent importance, and can be 
better done now than at any future period. 


The President of the Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux to the Secretary of 
the Smithsonian Institution at Washington: 


Sir: I am not ignorant that the Institution of which you are the Secretary, 
and which labors with the most praiseworthy zeal to promote the progress of 
the different branches of human knowledge, maintains relations of exchange 
with the Imperial Academy of Sciences, Belles Lettres, and Arts of Bordeaux. 

The Chamber of Commerce, anxious in its turn to co-operate, as far as pos- 
sible, in the realization of the plans which you pursue, feels pleasure in trans- 
mitting to you a copy of its publications. They comprise a collection of its 
proceedings since 1850, the first volume of the catalogue of its library, &c. It 
is hoped that these various publications will find a place in your collections. 
The Chamber has, on its own part, founded a considerable library, which is 
open to the public, and it would be happy if the Smithsonian Institution should 
think proper to send us some of the volumes which it publishes, and which are 
filled with documents of the greatest interest on America, and on different ques- 
tions of importance. ‘These works would thus be at the disposal of a consid- 
erable number of studious persons, and they would contribute to make the 
services of the Institution of which you are the organ appreciated in all their 
extent in Europe. Be pleased, sir, to accept the assurance of my most dis- 
tinguished consideration. 


CaRTE DEL Paasio, MiLan, 
October 31, 1862. 

Sir: Through the kindness of your agent, Mr. Bossange, of Paris, we have 
received the Annual Report of the Board of Regents, presented by the great 
and liberal Smithsonian Institution to the Carte del Palasio’s Agricultural As- 
sociation, of which we are directors and regents. Reading your valuable re- 
port, we have seen with the greatest satisfaction that the interesting and useful 
results of your labors have been approved and commended by intelligent men 
everywhere. Whilst expressing, honored sir, our warmest thanks for having 
been deemed worthy by your Institution to participate in the gifts which the 
liberality of the Smithsonian Institution renders to men devoted to science, it 
will be a source of pleasure to us to endeavor to reciprocate your kindness. 
To promote knowledge and facilitate its progress by stimulating men of science 
to undertake general and extensive researches, and to offer the means of con- 
tinuing them, is the most useful service which can be rendered to mankind. 
The very extensive means which your great Institution has at its command, 
the ardor with which your officers and regents began and continue their difficult 
work, are infallible indications of the greatest results which will be produced. 
And we do not doubt that the material and moral progress of individuals, with that 
of science in general, will fully realize the anticipations of the founder, and 
amply recompense the continued labors of the distinguished directors of the 
Smithsonian Institution. 


15 


226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


As directors of a new institution, which we hope will also soon produce im- 
portant results in agriculture, we shall be content if, in reciprocating your 
kindness, we can also in any way serve the laudable purposes of your Institu- 
tion by presenting the results of our own labors and researches. 

Again expressing our thanks, we have the pleasure of sending some of the 
publications relating to our institution, with the hope that they will be placed 
in the Smithsonian library. They are the following: 1. Programme of organi- 
zation of the Carte del Palasio’s Agricultural Association. 2. Annual Reports 
of the Association for 1859-’61. 3. Agricultural Annals, by Dr. Gaetano Can- 
tom, professor of agronomy. 

# a * * * * * * 


Your most obedient servants, 
Sic. ANTONIO RESCHIN, Direttore. 
Dr. GAETANO CANTONI, Professor. 


OrFice Sup’r U.S. Minirary GENERAL HospiTAa.s, 
Memphis, Tennessee, September 5, 1863. 


My Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 25th ultimo, by which 
I learn the pleasing intelligence that the “ great Tucson meteorite” is in a fair 
way of getting to Washington at last. J amsure you will feel proud of it when 
you sec it. I knew the “Carlton specimen” was not ours, as I had sent it to 
Hermosilla before I left Arizona. ‘That sent in by General C. is about 750 
pounds, while ours is about twice that weight. 

The only history I can give you is a vague one, as there is no written record 
of its advent in Tucson. ‘The old inhabitants of that place all agree that it 
was brought there from the Santa Catarina mountains, which lie to the north 
of ‘Tucson, about .~idway between the Rio San Pedro and that town. It was 
brought in by the military stationed at the old presidio, where it remained until 
after the withdrawal of the Spanish garrison. It was then taken into town, 
set up on end, and used as a kind of public anvil for the use of the inhabitants. 
The smaller one was used in a blacksmith’s forge for similar purposes. In 
1857 I found the large one lying in one of the by-streets half buried in the earth, 
having evidently been there a considerable time. No person claimed it, so I 
publicly announced that I would take possession of it in behalf of the Smith- 


sonian, and forward it whenever an opportunity offered. Mr. Palatine Robinson, . 


near whose house the iron was, assisted me in getting it sent to Hermosilla. 
There was some expense attending its hoisting into the truck-wagon that took 
it down to Sonora, which I paid to Mr. R. Mr. Ainsa agreed to take it, or 
have it taken, to Guaymas, Sonora, for fifty dollars. 

The people of Tucson all agree that a shower of these meteorites fell in the 
Santa Catarina mountains some two hundred years ago, and I have been told 
that there were plenty of them remaining in the mountains. I never was in 
the immediate portion of the mountain range where they report the specimens 
are to be found, so I cannot vouch for the correctness of their reports. As the 
country is volcanic almost entirely, I have often thought, from the fact that 
iron ore is abundant in several of these mountains, that it might have been that 
masses of iron mineral were reduced to the metallic state by volcanie heat. See 
in the case of the famous ‘ Planchas de plata”’ silver mines, some one hundred 
miles south of the Santa Catarina, where large pieces of pure silver haye been 
found reduced to the pure state by fire, which has left everything in its vicinity 
in a state of calcination. One piece weighing 1,500 pounds was found and cut 
in two to allow its removal to the city of Mexico by the Spanish authorities. 
aes you will find allusion to those interesting and once rich mines in Brautz 

: ayer. 


oe el 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS, 227 


I believe I have given you some data about the Tucson meteorites in a 
monogram published by the War Department in 1860; Medical Statistics of 
United States Army, 1855-’60. 

I wish I could give you full information on this matter. Please let me know 
when you receive it, and be assured that when I go to Washington I will pay 
my respects in person to you and it. 

I am very busy, so you will excuse this hurried letter, and believe me 

Yours, very respectfully, 
BJ DS IRWIN, 
Surgeon United States Army. 


San Francisco, Cau., July 2, 1863. 


Dear Sir: The aerolite which had remained so long at Alamito, for want 
of a proper person to bring it here, was brought by one of my brothers, Jesus 
M. Ainsa, who visited Sonora lately. We have been induced to retain it here 
for a short time, to satisfy the curiosity of the San Francisco people. The 
State Geological Society asked to be allowed to have a small piece for their 
collection, which request was, of course, granted. With this exception the 
aerolite has been preserved entirely in the same condition in which it was found 
in Arizona, and by the 13th of this month we will have the pleasure to ship it 
to New York, under the care of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. 

I take this opportunity to offer my services to the Institution. 

I remain, respectfully, 
SANTIAGO AINSA. 

Professor Henry, 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 


San Francisco, Ca., August 26, 1863. 


Dear Sir: I have the pleasure to acknowledge your favor of July 31, and 
I take pleasure in complying with your request. In fact I intended to do this 
before, but, owing to many engagements on hand, I have been postponing it to 
this moment. 

I announced in my last that the meteorite would be sent by the following 
steamer from that date; but we were asked to retain it some time longer by 
some scientific men, who wished to examine it closely. 

The history of this aerolite we have from our grandmother, Dofia Ana Anza 
de Islas, daughter of Don Juan Bautista Anza, our great grandfather. The 
Jesuit missionaries had the earliest knowledge of this curiosity. There were 
various theories entertained about it; but it was generally believed to proceed 
from some iron mine in the vicinity, which belief holds to this day in Sonora. 
In an expedition made by Don Juan Bautista Anza, then “Gran Capitan de 
las Provincias del Occidente,” about the year 1735, to the country about 
Tucson, he was induced to visit the aerolite, and he undertook the work of 
transporting it to Spain. The place where it was found is called “Sierra de 
Ja Madera,” on a spot called Los Muchadios. Through the want of proper 
means and the bad state of the roads, (having to carry it to San Blas, then the 
nearest port of entry,) the work of transportation was given up, and they were 
satisfied to take it as far as Tucson. There it remained ever since, until my 
brother, Agustine Ainsa, undertook to transport it, in 1860, and present it to the 
Institute. His intentions, however, were never carried out until May last, 


228! PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS, 


when another of my brothers, Jesus M. Ainsa, visited Sonora and brought it 
with him on his return. 

By the time of the receipt of this the aerolite must be already in Washington, 
as we delivered it to the agent of the Institute about a month ago, to have it 
transported to you. Your agent spoke to us about expenses; but we wish not 
to deprive ourselves of the honor of having presented it to the Institute, and 
as such we desire that you should accept it. 

I would be thankful if you would send me a copy of the analysis, and of other 
informat‘on about the aerolite; and if you find it not too troublesome, to send 
the same, with my compliments, to St. John’s College, Fordham, New York, 
where I was educated. 

I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, 
SANTIAGO AINSA. 

Joseru Henry, Esq., i 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 


[This meteorite is now in the museum, and is an object of special interest to 
visitors. ] 


LirTLe GLAcE Bay, Care Breton, Nova Scorta, 
October 25, 1868. 


My Dear Sir: I send you a specimen of ‘“cone-in-cone,” which I have 
lately obtained in sinking a shaft at this place upon the Harbor Vein seam of 
coal described in Professor Lesley’s report of this coal-field last year. 

It was found in the band that corresponds to the black bituminous shales 
below the one inch of cannel coal, and 23 feet above the Harbor series of five 
feet of coal. 

It was only obtained on the northwest side of the shaft, thinning out to the 
south and east, or towards the “crop.” The greatest thickness of the bed was 
about 7 inches. ‘The largest “‘cone-in-cone”’ was 54 inches in diameter. 


The journal of the strata sunk through differs somewhat from Professor 


Lesley’s taken at the shore. 


ft. in. 
At the, shaft-drift; and) -eravel ...)20 3. 2). [., <1 © ae a ee ere 10.0 
Blue shales, with cyclas shells, fish teeth, and other remains......-- 3.0 
Cone-in-cone se eek ne neki st cle on eee ee ee 5 
Brown, band, with coprolites, 'i0U/. iia.\t aL eee dose Aen are eee a 
Blue.arenaceous shales;. aceon oo. bokeh ee ee ee eee 1.0 
Hard white sandstone -.2 9: isdh. 2k ee ces He ee eee 2.0 
‘Ehin bands, of. shales. “fucoids?’.. 2s22 242.88 e. Kee eee eee S22 
lard sandstone. 2. sche ce So hea see eek LE A 
Blue arenaceous shales). ok ese beck OO ee ee 2.6 
Sandstone, black mark, like the fruit “cardeocarpon”........---.-- 1.04 
mndy shales! 228 2its Misc sas ate, dela Se ce oe lt 
Hard blue shales: «sc04- 30255 32 See Lee eee 3.10 
Blacker band: «cob: «ss ok hicee ce ee as ee ee ee 4 
Bine-clay and; ironstone balls’ .//-1,26. 1. ble cee ee oe eee 7.5 
OO ins Rosy clc: Seay Sid chosen. Beditrand we eisis Saeco amet e EAN a 

41.11 


—— 
= 


I cannot find in any work that I possess anything exactly like them, so 
think they may be of interest to add to your museum. 
The points of the cones are downwards. 


a at 


ae 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 229 


I shall be glad to hear from you about them after they have been examined. 
I have sent a specimen to Dr. Dawson, Montreal, but fear the season is too 
late for him to get it this year. 
I remain, my dear sir, your obedient servant, 
HENRY POOLE. 
JosEPH Henry, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


The above relates to a very interesting specimen of a remarkable concretion 
of a clayey material, which occurs in thin slabs, entirely formed of cones, the 
axes of which are all at right angles to the parallel surfaces of the slabs. The 
only explanation which occurs to us of the mode of formation of this structure 
is that of percolation of water charged with earthy material through a porous 
rock, and filling a horizontal crevice with parallel sides, with a series of stalac- 
tites and stalagmites. alee. 


HUNGARIAN NATIONAL Museum, 
Pesth, October 15, 1863. 


Sir: In reply to your esteemed letter of the 29th of May, I have the honor 
to inform you that the birds sent us through Dr. Flugel have been duly re- 
ceived, and I beg leave to return the heartfelt thanks of our institution for the 
same. Full acknowledgments have also been made in our reports, and in the 
newspapers, of our obligations to the Smithsonian Institution, which stands so 
high in public opinion everywhere. 

AUGUST V. KUBINYI, Director. 

Josepy Henry, Esq., 

Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


CHRISTIANA, Norway, November 4, 1863. 


_ rr: Having been appointed director of the Ethnological Museum at the 
University of Christiana, I have perused a letter of the 6th May, 1862, from 
the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to the secretary of this university. 
As this letter alludes to the endeavors of your excellent Institution for the 
collection of ethnological objects from North America, and the utility of estab- 
lishing a system of exchange for European curiosities, 1 have made use of the 
opportunity to offer you what wé have in this line. 

The aboriginal pepulation of this country are the Laps or Laplanders, living 
at present on the mountains and sea-coasts farthest north of Norway, Sweden, 
and Russia. ‘Their language proves them undoubtedly to be of the Mongolian 
stock in Asia, and, as such, related to the red man of America. The Laps are 
a remarkable instance of this race, as they are converted to Christianity and 
have adopted the habits and industry of civilization, modified by the severity 
of the arctic climate in their country and their peculiar mode of subsistence as 
nomads with flocks of reindeer. We have procured a set of models made by 
the individuals of the people themselves, and illustrative of their present mode 
of existence. 

In offering this small collection for your acceptance, we hope that it may 
serve a scientific purpose in comparing the red man with his yellow brother in 
the old continent. If it should be in your power to afford us some correspond 
ing objects from your field of research, that is so immensely more extensive, a 


230 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


very great desideratum in our collection would be supplied that would engage 
our most earnest attention. 

The articles in question are— 

I. Three casts, in plaster, taken from living individuals, viz: 1, an unmixed 
Lap, 39 years old; 2, a man whose father was a Fin from Russian Finland, 
and whose mother was a Lap, 42 years old; 3, a man whose grandmother was 
a Swede, (of the Teutonic stock,) otherwise Lap, 43 years. 

Il. Four photographic portraits: 1, mixture of Lap and Fin, 28 years; 2, 
74 years; 3, 28 years; 4, 38 years—pure Laps. 

III. A reindeer, harnessed with its sledge. The sledge is canoe-shaped, so 
as to be able to move upon the deepest and softest snow without going down into it. 

IV. A pair of snow-shoes, being very long pieces of thin wood, with which 
the Lap can walk upon soft snow. ‘They have straps or stirrups to put the 
feet into. ‘The man moves on with the staff. 

V. A pair of pack-saddles, with which they move their luggage in summer 
on the back of the reindeers; included is a model of a wooden tub and a cask; 
two flat pieces of wood to lay across the back of the reindeer are attached. 

VI. A trunk, in which is included the wooden bowl for preserving the rein- 
deer milk, and the press for making cheese out of it. 

VII. A spade for removing the snow. 

VIII. Two large wooden bowls. 

IX. A tent; in the middle the fireplace and two pots hanging over it; 
behind is a scaffolding of wood for their stores, raised upon poles, so that it 
may not be attacked by dogs. 

Confiding in your interest for the advancement of science, I remain, very 
respectfully, your obedient servant, 

LOUIS KR DAA. 

JosePH Henry, Esq., 

Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


[These articles are now in the museum. | 


KAISERLICHE-K6ONIGLICHE GEOLOGISCHE Retcus-ANSTALT, 
Vienna, December 11, 1863. 


Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you for the Smithsonian Institution a 
series of tertiary fossils from the Vienna basin, viz : 


rom the Congeria, beds...) 2). -2 406 = oe eee 6 species. 
Promthe Cerithium beds: 2. as oes eee ee eee ee eae 10 species. 
irom the: Marine. beds-., «<..csdeccen cocci hee eee eee 270 species. 

Wotall oi: e/sciie  o oyea = Sage israte afore cieleistelsr eee eee 286 species. 


In the box prepared to be sent you will find, 1, the present letter; 2, a sys- 
tematic catalogue, with tabular reference to the localities; 3, a catalogue in 
which the localities are kept separate; 4, a guide of geographical reference for 
the localities. ‘The number of specimens or lots in catalogue 3 is 622. Beside 
these there are a number imperfectly determined or not belonging to Austrian 
localities. ‘The rest will give a pretty fair idea of the leading or type mollusea 
of our Vienna basin. The series here offered has been composed or selected 
under the auspices of Dr. Hérnes, director of the Imperial Museum of Miner- 
alogy, and he placed it at the disposal of our Imperial Geological Institute, se 
that I beg you will consider it as a joint offer from both establishments. 

I have the honor to be, dear sir, ever most truly yours, 


W. HAIDINGER. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 93 


British Museum, December 30, 1863. 


Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day’s 
date, and to acquaint you that the trustees have acceded to the request made 
by Professor Henry, on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, and that I have 
instructed Dr. Gray to give you every facility with a view to such electrotype 
impressions being made for that Institution as are required from our wood 
engravings illustrative of the conchology of the North American continent. I 
shall be happy to see you, and to give you any assistance in my power when 
ever it may be convenient for you to call at the museum, as you propose. 

Believe me, dear sir, yours truly, 
A. PANIZZI. 

Dr. P. P. CARPENTER. 


31 PFEIDEMARKET. HAmbBurG, 
February 4, 1864. 


Dear Sir: I duly received your very kind letter of the 6th of January, in- 
forming me that the director of the Smithsonian Institution would have the 
kindness to send me five of the American perennibranchiates for investigation. 
A few days afterwards the box was delivered into my hands, containing— 

. Menopoma Alleghaniense. 

2. Menobranchus lateralis. 

3. Siren lacertina. 

4. Amphiuma tridactylum. 

5. Siredon pisciformis. | 

All these amphibia being of the greatest importance for my studies, I cannot 
but express to you my most sincere thanks for this most valuable assistance. 
You will allow me to pay to yourrenowned Institution, in the mean time, my thanks 
for the reports and other valuable works, particularly on the Zodlogy and Anatomy 
of Amphibia, published at Washington, and directed to me some years ago. 

I should feel most happy if you would give me a direction how I might pay 
my thanks in a more material manner. You will, therefore, oblige me very 
much by informing me of the desiderata in your collections. Perhaps there 
might be some European fishes or amphibia which I might be able to procure for 
you. Of sea snakes, which family of snakes I have described some years ago, 
there are also some few species in my own possession. In minerals I am pretty 
rich, having the best private collection of this branch that exists in our place. 

It is only on the supposition that I might be able to furnish to the Smithso- 
nian Institution some equivalent that I take the great, and, perhaps, immodest 
liberty to mention, that one specimen more of the genera amphiuma, siren, and 
menopoma, would be of the greatest importance for my studies. It would be 
very difficult to decide all the anatomical questions concerning the named 
amphibia after the investigation of only one specimen. Having the intention to 
describe in a comparative manner the bones, muscles, and nerves of the famous 
Salamandra Japonica, with relation to the other genera of Ichthyodea, I feel 
myself in a high degree advanced by the specimens which I owe to your kind- 
ness, and would be induced to hope that my little work might not remain quite 
imperfect, if there would be any chance to acquire still one specimen more of 
the above-mentioned three genera. 

Finally, you will allow me to say that I am not now in any connexion with 
the Hamburg Museum, as the address of your letter said, but that, though 
being on very friendly relations with the directors of our collections, I have 
given up my place among them. 

With the highest regards, | am yours. very respectfully, 

Dr. J. G. FISCHER. 


[The specimen requested was sent to Dr. Fischer. | 


— 


932, PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


VieNNA, February 9, 1864. 


My Dear Sir: Permit me to enclose here an invitation to join in a subserip- 
tion for a gold honorary medal to be presented to our most worthy Professor Oh. 
Fr. Ph. von Martius, of Munich, on his fiftieth anniversary of medical doctorship 
on the 30th of March, 1864. 

Our most honored friends on the other side of the Atlantic should not fail in 
the list; only I am sorry that by various impediments I was prevented from 
writing at an earlier period. It is now so late that only by very good luck it 
will be possible that an answer may arrive previously to the 15th of March, to 
be entered in the first list which must be printed, embellished, and then bound 
up, and sent to Munich from Vienna before the 30th of March. Whatever is 
brought to notice later than the 30th will be appended, and what comes to hand 
after the 30th up to the end of June will be given in the first complementary 
report to be published on the 1st of July. Nothing will be lost, as even what 
comes after that period will be published afterwards. 

Every subscriber, of course, will have a bronze copy of the medal, and the 
votary tablet sent to him. Subscriptions should be three florins Austrian silver 
money. or more, which is about one and a half dollar American silver. 

By this trme you may aiready have received our last box with tertiary fossil 
types of several localities of the Vienna basin, being a joint parcel from the 
Imperial Mineralogical Cabinet and our own Geological Institution. 

I am happy to hear you have now the Ainsa Tucson meteoric iron. I shall 
send some of these days a paper of mine on the Carleton Tucson, which ap- 
peared in the V.enna Academy Proceedings. I enclose impression from the 
surface, cut, polished, and etched, and galvanographed positively and negatively. 
We shall be happy, as soon as you may fix on cutting some slices off the block, 
to receive a bit from you for our Imperial Mineralogical Museum of the Ainsa. 
Tucson too. 

With all the most cordial wishes, ever most truly yours, 
W. HAIDINGER. 

Professor JosepH Henry, 

Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington. 


OrFicE Hupson’s Bay Company, 
Montreal, February 26, 1864. 


My Dear Sir: Aosence from home and subsequent indisposition have pre- 
vented my acknowledging receipt of your letter of 19th ultimo at an earlier date. 

The settlement you have made of Mr. Kennicott’s account is quite satisfac- 
tory. There was a small deficiency in consequence of a change in the rate of 
exchange when your draft reached me; but that matter can be arranged when 
we receive Mr. Mactavish’s final statement of Mr. Kirkby’s account. 

The kind expressions of thanks contained in your letter are very gratifying. 
We have always felt pleasure in promoting scientific research; but, in Mr. 
Kennicott’s case, this was enhanced by his amiable character and prudence. It 
is no easy part to play, going as a stranger into a territory inhabited by men 
_bound to a foreign government, and with exclusive views on many points. But 


Mr. Kennicott knew how to meet the circumstances ; and from his arrival among 


us until his departure was always popular, and I believe inspired a sincere 
friendship and esteem among those with whom he most associated. If in 
Washington, pray offer him my kind regards. 

Hoping some day to have the honor and pleasure of forming your personal 
acquaintance, believe me, sir, very truly yours, 
EDW. M. HOPKINS. 
JosEpH Henry, Esq., 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


Pre pOAKD OF REGENTS, 


WASHINGTON, January 9, 1865. 

A special meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 74 o’clock 
p.m. in the hall of the Institution. Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. 8. P. 
Chase, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. G. Davis, Hon. S. 8. Cox, Hon. J. W. Patter- 
son, Professor L. Agassiz, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 

The Secretary stated that this meeting had been called in accordance with 
a provision of the law of Congress authorizing a meeting at any time, at the 
request of three members of the Board. That the objects of this meeting were — 

First. To announce officially the death of Chief Justice Taney and General 
Totten, both members of the Board from the beginning of the Institution, and 
who had ever evinced a lively interest in its prosperity, and had faithfully dis- 
charged their duties as guardians of the trust. 

Second. To elect a Chancellor or President of the Board in place of Chief 
Justice Taney. 

Third. Vo consider the disposition to be made of the remainder of the legacy 
of Smithson, which was now deposited with Messrs. Peabody & Co., of London, 
subject to the order of the Institution; and, 

Fourth. To consider the report of the committee appointed at the last session 
of the Board, relative to the suggestions of Professor Agassiz as to the separate 
maintenance of the museum, &c. 

On motion of Mr. Cox, it was resolved that the proper expression of sympathy 
be tendered to the families of the Regents whose deaths have been announced, 
and that provision be made for the preparation of an account of their lives and 
labors for the annual report to Congress. 

On motion of Mr. Cox, Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase was unanimously 
elected Chancellor of the Institution. 

On motion of Mr. Chase, the Secretary was instructed to draw the money now 
in England, and to deposit it with the Treasurer of the United States. 

Professor Agassiz, as chairman of the special committee, appointed at the 
meeting held March 15, 1864, to report suggestions for extending the active 
operations of the Institution, and for the separate maintenance of the collections 
at the expense of the government, submitted a report.* 


7; 


“This report was lost in the fire, and the absence of Professor Agassiz from the ccuntry 


has rendered it impossible to obtain another copy in time for insertion in this journal 


29 
Don 


934 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The opinion was expressed by several members of the Board that the views 
of Professor Agassiz were highly important, and believed to be such as were 
entertained generally by the scientific men of the country, but in consideration 
of the financial condition of the government, the present time was not favorable 
for action in regard to them. 

On motion of Mr. Trumbull, the consideration of the subject was postponed 
to the annual session to be held in January, 1866. 

The Secretary stated that the question had arisen at a previous meeting of 
the Board as to whether the interest on the Smithsonian fund, permanently in 
the treasury of the United States, ought not to be paid in coin, in common with 
the interest on other trust funds in charge of the government; that he had 
addressed a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury on this subject, but on 
account of the large demands on the government for the prosecution of the war, 
he had not pressed a decision of the question. 

On motion of Mr. Chase, it was 


Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to renew the application to the 
‘Treasury Department, in behalf of the Board, for the payment of the interest 
in coin. 

- The meeting then adjourned. 


WASHINGTON, January 19, 1865. 
Tn accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, fixing the time of beginning of their annual session on the third 
Wednesday of January in each year, a meeting was called for this day. . 
No quorum being present, and the Secretary having stated that the book- 
keeper had not yet been able to make up the annual accounts, the Board 
adjourned, to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


WASHINGTON, January 28, 1865. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 3 o’clock p. m. in the cast 
wing of the Smithsonian building. Present: Hon. §. P. Chase, Hon. H. Ham- 
lin, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. R. Wallach, Mr. Seaton, 
treasurer, and Professor Henry, Secretary. 

The Chancellor, Chief Justice Chase, took the chair. 

The Secretary stated that the principal object of this meeting was to officially 
inform the Regents that, on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 24, a fire broke 
out in the roof of the main building of the Smithsonian Institution, which de- 
stroyed the principal part of the contents of the rooms in the upper story of the 
building and the adjoining towers. The loss, however, did not include the large 
library, the museum, with the government collections and those of the Institu- 
tion, the duplicate specimens intended for distribution, and the meteorological 
records. - The accident would not, therefore, materially affect the essential opera- 
tions of the Institution, which would be continued as usual. 


Spi - 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 235 


The Secretary stated that, immediately after the occurrence of the accident, 
he had applied to the Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, for aid in constructing a 
temporary roof to protect the building and its contents from the weather. The 
Secretary of War expressed his willingness to grant this, provided the Presi- 
dent gave his sanction, and the expense should be refunded to the department. 
The latter was promised on the part of the Institution by the Secretary, after 
consultation with the Chancellor. The President readily gave his consent to 
the proposition, and General Rucker, of the Quartermaster’s Department, 
furnished the materials, and detailed a large force of carpenters and laborers, 
under the direction of Mr. E. Clark, to erect a temporary roof, which would be 
sufficient to protect the building from storms, and would not interfere with the 
construction of a permanent covering. 

At the suggestion of the Chancellor, it was 


Resolved, That the measures which had been taken by the Secretary be 
approved. 


Mr. Patterson informed the Board that the House of Representatives had 
adopted, on the motion of Hon. Mr. Rice, a resolution directing the Committee 
on Public Buildings and Grounds to inquire into the origin of the fire, the ap- 
proximate loss to the government and private persons, the means necessary to 
preserve the remaining portions, &c. 

The Chancellor remarked that it would be proper that a joint committee 
should be appointed, to be composed of members of the Senate, of the House of 
Representatives, and of this Board, to take the whole subject into consideration. 

In anticipation of this, however, it was thought advisable that a special com- 
mittee should be appointed to report directly to the Board; and, on motion of 
Mr. Wallach, it was 


Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into the origin of the fire. 
to ascertain the extent and character of the loss sustained, and to make sugges- 
tions as to what measures should be adopted for the repair and improvement of 
the building. 


The Chancellor appointed the mover of the resolution Mr. Wallach, and the 
Secretary, as the committee. 

The Board having examined the building, adjourned, to meet on Thursday 
evening at 74 o’clock p. m. 


WASHINGTON, February 2, 1865. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was held 
at 8 o’clock p. m. at the residence of one of the Regents, Hon. R. Wallach, 
Mayor of Washington. Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. G. Davis, Hon. J. 
W. Patterson, Hon. S. S. Cox, Hon. R. Wallach, and the Secretary, Professor 
Henry, and, by invitation, Hon. J. H. Rice, chairman of the Committee on 
Public Buildings of the House of Representatives. 

Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 


| 


230 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The minutes of the meetings held on the 9th, 19th, and 28th of January 
were read and approved. 

Mr. Wallach presented the report of the Executive Committee for the year 1864, 
which was read and adopted. ‘ 

The Secretary stated that, in accordance with the instructions of the Board, 
he had renewed the inquiry to the Secretary of the Treasury whether the interest 
of the Smithsonian fund ought not to be paid in coin or its equivalent, but had 
not yet received a reply, it having been referred to the Solicitor of the Treasury 
tor a legal opinion. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, it was 

Resolved, That if the Secretary of the Institution should ascertain that the 
legal opinion of ihe Solicitor would be adversé to the application, that he should 
request the Secretary of the Treasury to submit the question to Congress for 
its action. 

Professor Henry presented the question as to the disposition of the residuary 
legacy of Smithson which had been received from England, and was now on 
deposit with the Treasurer of the United States. 

On motion of Mr. Patterson, it was 


Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to invest the money now on de- 
_ posit with the Treasurer of the United States, derived from the residuary legacy 
of James Smithson, in United States bonds bearing 7,5; per cent. interest. 


Mr. Wallach presented the following report from the special committee ap- 
pointed at the last meeting to inquire into the origin of the fire, &c., which was 
read and adopted: 


REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF 
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION RELATIVE TO THE FIRE. 


The special committee appointed by the Board at its meeting on January 28, 
1865, to inquire into the origin of the fire at the Smithsonian Institution, to 
ascertain the extent and character of the loss sustained, and to make sugges- 
tions as to what measures should be adopted for the repair and improvement 
of the building, respectfully report that they have performed the duty assigned 
them, so far as the time and their means of information would permit. 


I.—THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. 


The testimony has been taken of all persons connected with the establish- 
ment that had any knowledge of the occurrence, and a written account of the 
whole is herewith submitted ; also a report from Colonel B.S. Alexander, United 
States army, who superintended the fire-prooting of the main building, of his 
examination of the flues connected with the accident. 

It is evident, from the concurrent testimony thus obtained, that the fire com- 
menced in the southwest part of the roof of the main building in the wood- 
work immediately under the slate covering, and that it was kindled by the 
heated air or sparks from a stove which had been temporarily placed in the 
room immediately below. The pipe of this stove had been inserted, by mistake, 
into a brick furring-space resembling a flue, which opened under the rafters in- 
stead of into the chimney flue, within a few inches of the latter. By whom 
the hole into which the pipe was inserted was originally made is not known, 
but it is remembered that a stove-pipe was put into it as far back as 1854, at the 
time of the exhibition held by the Mechanics’ Institute in the building. No 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 237 


fire, however, had been in this room for ten years previous to Monday, 15th 
January, when the mechanist and carpenter of the Institution were engaged, 
with several other of the employés, in rearranging the pictures of the gallery, 
the weather at the time being unusually cold. These persons, for temporary 
convenience, set up the stove above mentioned, intending to remove it as soon 
as their task was finished. A coal fire, kindled with wood, had been burning 
in this stove for eight days previous to the conflagration, yet it appears from the 
testimony that no evidence of combustion was observed by a person who passed 
through the loft six hours before the breaking out of the flames. It is probable, 
however, that the wood had been undergoing a process of charring for several 
days. i 

Be ccanet of the very expensive style of architecture selected for the build- 
ing, and the limited means at the command of the Board, the plan had been at 
first adopted of finishing the interior of the whole edifice with wood and plaster. 
A large portion, however, of the interior woodwork of the main building, after 
the roof and exterior had been finished, gave way and fell; whereupon the Re- 
gents ordered the removal of the woodwork and its place to be supplied with 
incombustible materials. ‘Thus the main building was rendered fire-proof, with 
the exception of the supports of the roof, which being covered with slate was 
assumed to be safe. The only danger of the occurrence of fire was supposed 
to exist in the two wings and the towers, and to guard against this contingency 
especial precautions were constantly observed, viz: 1. No smoking was al- 
lowed in any part of the building at any time. 2. No lights were allowed to 
be carried from one part of the building to another except in lanterns. 3. 
Three coils of large hose.were deposited, ready for use, one in the upper story 
and the other two on the first floor of the building ; and there were water-pipes 
in the basement with faucets. 4. Barrels and buckets, kept constantly filled 
with water, were placed at different points of the building. 5. The rule was 
observed of cleaning the flues every autumn before the commencement of fires. 
6. A watchman was employed each night, who made every hour the rounds of 
all the rooms in the building, giving special attention to those in which fire had 
been kindled during the day, including the apartments occupied by the family 
of the Secretary. 

These precautions, however, as it has proved, were insuflicient—the fire hav- 
ing occurred at a point where no danger was apprehended, and to which access 
could with difficulty be obtained. 


IIl.—THE CHARACTER AND EXTENT OF THE LOSS SUSTAINED. 


The loss to the Institution was as follows: 

1. The contents of the Secretary’s office, consisting of the official, scientific, and 
miscellaneous correspondence, embracing 35,000 pages of copied letters which 
had been sent, at least 30,000 of which were the composition of the Secretary, 
and 50,000 pages of letters received by the Institution. Here, moreover, were 
lost the receipts for publications and specimens; reports on various subjects 
which have been referred to the Institution; the records of experiments 
instituted by the Secretary for the government; four manuscripts of original 
investigations, which had been adopted by the Institution for publication; 
the manuscript material of the report of the Secretary for 1864; a large number 
of papers and scientific notes of the Secretary; a series of diaries and memo- 
randum books, and a duplicate set of account books, prepared during the last 
twelve years, with great labor, by Mr. Rhees, the chief clerk; also, about one 
hundred volumes of valuable works kept at hand for constant reference. 

2. In the apparatus room, the large collection of scientific instruments, in- 
cluding the donation of the late Dr. Hare. 


a 
" | 
2 
ea 

; 
i 


3. A part of the contents of the Regents’ room, including the personal effects * 
of Smithson, with the exception of his portrait and library. 

4. The contents of the rooms in the towers, including the meteorological 
instruments, the workshop, containing a lathe and a large number of valuable 
tools, nearly all the stock on hand of the duplicate copies of the annual reports, ” 
and many other public documents and books intended for distribution to libra- 
ries, as well as a quantity of stationery, hardware, &c. i 

5. The wood-cuts of the illustrations contained in the Smithsonian publi- 
cations. 

The loss to other parties was as follows : i: 

1st. The contents of what was called the Picture Gallery, viz: a. About two i 
hundred portraits, nearly all of life size, painted and principally owned by Mr. 
J. M. Stanley, formerly of this city, and now of Detroit, Michigan, and which 
were on deposit in the institution. 4. A number of half-size Indian portraits, , 
painted by Mr. King for the government. c¢. A copy, in Carrera marble, of the 
antique statue known as the “ Dying Gladiator,” by John Gott, and owned by 
Mr. J. C. McGuire, of this city. E 

2. A number of surveying instruments belonging to the government. BS 

3. 'The clothing, books, and private effects of several of the persons connected 
with the Institution, and of those engaged ia scientific studies. 

4. The library removed from Beaufort, South Carolina, by the army, and 
also that of Bishop Johns, from Fairfax Theological Seminary, given in charge 
to the Institution by the Secretary of War for safe-keeping, which libraries were 
stored in an upper room in the south tower. 

Independent of injury to the building, the loss to the Institution, as far as it 
may be estimated and can be restored by money, may be stated at about $20,000, 
and to individuals $26,000, viz: To Mr. J. M. Stanley, $20,000; Mr. J.C. 
McGuire, $1,000; Professor Joseph Henry, $1,500; Mr. W. J. Rhees, $1,200; | 
Mr. W. DeBeust, $1,300; and all others, $1,000. ‘4 

Although the loss which the Institution and individuals have sustained is | 
much to be regretted, yet.it is a source of consolation that by far the greater 
part of the valuable contents of the building have escaped without injury. The 
valuable library of the Institution, the most extensive, in regard to the transac- 
tions of learned societies and scientific books, in this country; the museum, in- 
cluding the collection of the exploring expedition and those of the Institution;  —__ 
the large stock of many thousand duplicate specimens for distribution to all | 
parts of the world; the records of the museum; a large portion of the corre- 
spondence relative to natural history; nearly all the records of meteorological 
observations which have been accumulated during the last fifteen years; the 
sets of Smithsonian publications (except the annual reports) which have been 
reserved to supply new institutions, and the stereotype plates of all the works 
which have been published during the last four or five years, have been saved. 


938 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


All the original vouchers of the payments made by the Institution, the ledger :| 
in which they were posted, and the daybook from 1858, were also preserved, 
having been deposited in a safe in the Regents’ room. The contents of the con- 


necting range between the library and the museum are uninjured ; this includes 
a series of plaster casts and portraits of distinguished men, among the lattera 
life-size portrait of Guizot, by Healy; an original full-length figure of Wash- 
ington, by the elder Peale; and also a valuable series of rare engravings illus- e 
trative of the history of the art, purchased from the Hon. George P. Marsh. 

All the important acts of the Regents from the beginning, and an account of 
the operations of the Institution, having been published from year to year in the 
several reports to Congress, a continued record of the history of the establish- 
ment from the beginning is, therefore, still in existence. As these reports have 
been widely distributed, they are generally accessible to the public. 

The burning of the roof of the building can scarcely in itself be considered 


eae Lreneial 


Reese mS 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 239 


+ acalamity, since it probably would have occurred at some future time when a 
much larger accumulation of valuable articles might have been destroyed, and 
since the arrangement of the building can now be improved, and the repairs 
made with fire-proof materials. ‘The fire-proofing, as far as it was carried, was 

well done, and it is to this circumstance that the preservation of the most valu- 
able objects of the establishment is due. 


IlI.—SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT SHOULD BE DONE. 


There can be no hesitation in adopting the conclusion that steps should be 
immediately taken not only to repair the injury, but to improve the condition of 
the building. 

1. The main edifice should be provided with a metallic roof. 

2. For the wooden conical termiuations of the towers should be substituted 
metallic coveriugs. 

3. All valuable articles belonging to the Institution or deposited in it, including 
the library, should be placed in the main building, which should be cut off from 
the wings by iron doors. 

4. Provision should be made for a thorough heating of the whole building by 
steam or hot water. 

5. Suggestions should be requested from competent architects and engineers 
as to the work to be done, and those which are adopted should be embodied in 
working plans and drawings. 

6. A building committee of the Board should be appointed to have charge of 
the work. 

No very exact estimate can as yet be made as to the cost of the repairs, &c., 
for it has not been possible, without erecting a scaffolding, to determine whether 
it will be necessary to take down the high northern tower. Colonel Alexander, 
of the engineer corps, however, has informed the committee that he thinks 
$100,000 will be required to make the necessary repairs and improvements. 

The committee cannot conclude without adding that, in their opinion, the 
occurrence of the fire ought not to be allowed to interfere with the active ope- 
rations of the Institution, on which essentially depends the reputation it has 
established throughout the world, and its efficiency as an instrument for “ the 
increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” To the support and exten- 
sion of these operations, therefore, the annual interest from the original fund 
should, as far as possible, continue as heretofore to be conscientiously applied. 


Respectfully submitted: 
RICHARD WALLACH, 
JOSEPH HENRY, 
Special Committee. 


WASHINGTON, February, 1865. 


The question was then discussed as to the measures to be taken for procuring 
the means for the repair and improvement of the building; and the Regents 
present connected with Congress, as well as Hon. Mr. Rice, expressed the 
opinion that it was probable an appropriation would be made by Congress for 


the purpose, without opposition. 


On motion of Mr. Cox, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary prepare a statement of the amount necessary to 
reconstruct the building; the legislation necessary to place the residuary legacy 
of Smithson, with the original amount, permanently in the treasury of the 
United States; and the action requisite to secure the payment of the interest on 
the fund in coin, to be furnished to the joint committee of Congress which has 
been appointed with reference to the Smithsonian Institution. 


240 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


On motion of Mr. Wallach, the following resolutions were adopted: 


Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents are hereby tendered to 
all who assisted in any way in endeavoring to save the property of the. Smith- 
sonian Institution, or to extinguish the fire which lately destroyed a part of its 
building. 

asian: That the thanks of the Board of Regents are hereby tendered to 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, General W. S. Hancock, General C. C. 
Augur, General A. B. Dyer, General Rucker, Colonel B. S. Alexander, Colonel 
Giles, and others connected with the military department of government, for 
services rendered in saving the property, or in facilities granted for its protection. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board are hereby tendered to the military 
and civil fire departments, and to Mr. E. 8. Smith, superintendent of Harnden 
Express Company, A. O. Richards, Chief of Police, Messrs. J. R. Elvans, J. 
Farrel, M. Tiffany, G. Gibbs, and many others who rendered valuable services 
at the time of the fire. 


The Board then adjourned, to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


—_——————— 


WEDNESDAY, March 1, 1865. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was held 
this day in the room of the Senate Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, 
at the United States Capitol, at 10 o’clock a.m. Present: Hon. L. Trumbull, 
Hon. G. Davis, Hon. 8. S. Cox, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. R. Wallach, and 
the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Trumbull was called to the chair. 

The Secretary announced the election of General Richard Delafield, United 
States army, by joint resolution of the United States Senate and House of 
Representatives, as a Regent for the term of six years, to fill the vacancy occa- 
sioned by the death of General Totten. 

The Secretary stated that intelligence had recently been received of the sud- 
den death of the Hon. Witttam L, Dayton, one of the Regents, while repre- 
senting our government in France; that, although Mr. Dayton had not been 
able to be present at the meetings of the Board, he had rendered good services . 
to the Institution by attention to its interests abroad. 

On motion of Mr. Cox, it was 

Resolved, 'That the Hon. J. W. Patterson be requested to prepare a eulogy 
on Mr. Dayton; that Hon. Henry Winter Davis be requested to prepare a 


eulogy on Chief Justice Taney; and Professor Henry one on General Totten, 
to be presented at the next meeting of the Board. 


The Secretary mentioned the death of Mr. John Varden, for many years the 
curator of the government museum while it was in the Patent Office, and who, 
since its removal to the Institution, had assisted in the care of the specimens. 
He was a very worthy citizen, and faithfully discharged his duties in connexion 
with this establishment. 

The Secretary also stated that one of the employés, John Connor, who had 
been connected with the Institution for upwards of fifteen years, died suddenly 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 241 


last summer, leaving a family of daughters in a destitute condition; that he had 
given the widow permission to sell articles of refreshment, exclusive of intox 
icating liquors, to the visitors of the museum, and that he thought, in considera- 
tion of the long and faithful service of the deceased, the expenses of his funeral 
should be paid from the Smithsonian fund. . 

On motion of Mr. Wallach, it was 


Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to pay the funeral expenses of 
John Connor. 


On motion of Mr. Patterson, the vacancy in the Executive Committee was 
filled by the election of General Delafield. 
On motion of Mr. Trumbull, it was 


Resolved, That the annual salary of the Secretary of the Institution be in- 
creased one thousand dollars, that of the Assistant Secretary five hundred dol- 
Jars, and of the Chief Clerk three hundred and fifty dollars, and that the said 
increase take effect from the 1st of January, 1865. 


The Secretary stated what measures had been taken in regard to the preser- 
vation of the Smithsonian building, and that Mr. A. Cluss, architect, had been 
employed to prepare plans and estimates. 

On motion of Mr. Cox, it was 


Resolved, That the whole subject of the repairs and reconstruction of the 
building, and the disposal of the stocks held by the Institution, be intrusted to 
the Chancellor, Secretary,.and the Executive Committee. 


The Board then adjourned sene die. 


16 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


THE BOARD OF REGEN 


WASHINGTON, January 17, 1866. 
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Tnstitution, fixing the time of beginning of their annual session on the third 
Wednesday of January in each year, a meeting was called for this day. 
No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Saturday, Feb- 
ruary 3, 1866. 


—_ 


WASHINGTON, February 3, 1866. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 12 m. in the laboratory of the 
Smithsonian Institution. 

Present : Hon. L. F. §.Foster, Vice-President of the United States, Hon. Garret 
Davis, Hon. Lyman Trumbull, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. J. A. Garfield, 
Hon. J. F. Farnsworth, General Richard Delafield, Hon. Richard Wallach, and. 
Professor Henry, Secretary. 

Mr. Foster was called to the chair. 

The Secretary stated that since the last annual session the following gentle- 
men had been appointed as Regents by the Speaker of the House of Represen- 
tatives : 

Hon. J. W. Patterson, of New Hampshire; Hon. J. A. Garfield, of Ohio; 
Hon. J. F. Farnsworth of Llinois. 

Mr. Patterson was reappointed a Regent, and Messrs. Garfield and Farnsworth 
were appointed to succeed Hon. 8. S. Cox and Hon. H. Winter Davis, whose 
terms as members from the House of Representatives had expired. 

The Secretary gave a general account of the objects and operations of the 
Institution, the nature of the will of Smithson, &c. 

General Delafield, from the Exeeutive Committee, presented a report of the 
financial condition of the Institution, and gave an account of what had been 
done towards the reconstruction of the building. 

The Secretary presented a notice from Roswell C. Brainard, esq., surrogate 
of the county of Kings, New York, requiring the Smithsonian Institution to 
appear at his office, in Brooklyn, New York, on the 19th of March next, at 
10 o’clock a. m., to attend the final settlement of the account of Francis Vinton, 
as executor of and trustee under the last will and testament of Thomas Wynns, 
deceased, of whose estate the Institution is a residuary legatee. 


242 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 243 


On motion of Mr. Davis, it was 

Resolved, ‘That the Secretary be authorized to have the Institution represented 
at the surrogate’s office, Brooklyn, New York, on the 19th of March next. 

The Secretary stated that during the past year the interest on the Smith- 
sonian fund in the treasury of the United States had been paid in coin; but 
that Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor of the Institution, had recommended that 
application be made to the Secretary of the Treasury for the payment of all 
the interest in coin, which for the previous three years had been received in 
currency, since he had while Secretary of the Treasury authorized a similar 
course in regard to other applications of the same character. 

On motion of Mr. Garfield, it was 

Resolved, 'That the Secretary of the Institution be directed to apply to the 
Treasury Department for the payment of the difference between the interest 
actually received in currency during the years 1862, 1863, and 1864, and the 
amount in coin to which the Institution was justly entitled. 

Mr. Patterson addressed the Board in relation to the great value of the library 
of the Institution, and recommended that some action be taken to secure it from 
danger of destruction, and advised the placing of it, under proper restrictions, in 
the library of Congress. 

After remarks by Messrs. Delafield, Garfield, Davis, and Trumbull, 

On motion of Mr. Patterson, it was 

Resolved, That a.committee be appointed, to consist of one Regent from the 
Senate, one from the House of Representatives, one resident member, and the 
Secretary of the Institution, to confer with the Committee on the Library of 
Congress in relation to an arrangement for the removal of the library of the 
Smithsonian Institution to the Capitol. 

The Chair appointed Mr. Patterson, chairman, and Messrs. Trumbull, Dela- 
field, and Professor Henry as the committee. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Saturday, February 17. 


WASHINGTON, February 23, 1866. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was held 
this day at 12 m. in the room of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, United 
States Capitol. 

Present: Hon. L. F. 8. Foster, Vice-President United States, Hons. W. P. 
Fessenden, L. Trumbull, and G. Davis, of the United States Senate; Hons. 
J. W. Patterson, J. A. Garfield, and J. F. Farnswo:th, of the House of 
Representatives ; General R. Delafield, Hon. R. Wallach, and Professor Henry, 
Secretary. 

Mr. Foster took the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and 
approved. 

The Secretary stated that, in accordance with the instructions of the Board, 
he had addressed the following communication to the Secretary of the Treasury 
relative to the payment of the interest on the Smithsonian fund in coin; but as 
yet had received no answer: 


244, PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 
Washington, February 7, 1866. 

Sir: I am directed by a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, adopted at a meeting on the 3d of February, to make applica- 
tion for the repayment in coin of the six instalments of interest on the Smith- 
sonian fund for the years 1862, 1863, and 1864. 

These payments were made in currency, but it has since been decided by the 
legal adviser of the ‘T'reasury Department that the Institution was entitled, by 
the usages of the government in paying the interest on the permanent debts of 
the United States, to receive its interest in coin. 

The Board of Regents have been informed by Chief Justice Chase that, when 
Secretary of the Treasury, he had made several repayments of this kind, and there- 
fore they consider that the Institution is not only in justice entitled to this claim, 
but that also a precedent has been established by which it can be readily allowed. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary. 
Hon. H. McCuuocn, 
Secretary of the Treasury. 


The Secretary stated that Joseph H. Patton, esq., attorney, 112 Broadway, 
New York, had kindly consented to attend at the settlement of the account of 
the executor of Mr. Wynns, that gentleman having from the beginning been 
fully acquainted with all the facts of the bequest. 

Mr. Patterson, from the special committee appointed at the last meeting, re- 
ported that a conference had been held with the Library Committee of Congress, 
and that certain propositions had been discussed relative to the transfer of the 
library of the Institution, and he recommended the adoption of the following as 
the conditions on the part of the Institution : ; 

1. That the Smithsonian library be deposited in the library of Congress, 
subject to reclamation when the Regents may so desire. 


2. The public to have access to the library for purposes of consultation every _ 


ordinary week day. 

3. The Institution to have the use of its own books as at present, and through 
its Secretary to have the use of the library of Congress, under the same regu- 
lations as senators and representatives. 

4. That the books, maps, charts, &c., of the Smithsonian library be properly 
cared for as are those of the library of Congress. 

Atter considerable discussion, in which Messrs. Fessenden, Trumbull, Dela- 
field, Patterson, and Farnsworth took part, on motion of Mr. Trumbull the fol- 
lowing was adopted as a substitute for the first proposition reported by the 
committee. 


1. That the library of the Smithsonian Institution be placed on deposit with — 


the library of Congress, not to be withdrawn except on reimbursement by said 
Institution to the United States of the expenses incurred in taking care of said 
library, or on such terms and conditions as shall be mutually agreed upon be- 
tween the United States and the Regents of the Institution. 

On motion of Mr. Patterson, it was 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 245 


Resolved, That a committee be appointed to make the necessary arrange- 
ments with the Library Committee of Congress for the proposed transfer. 

Mr. Patterson, Mr. Trumbull, Mr. Garfield,-and Professor Henry were ap- 
pointed the committee. 

Professor Henry presented his annual report of the operations of the Institu- 
tion during 1865, which was read in part. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


WasHINGToN, March 24, 1866. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day in the laboratory of the 
Institution, at 7$ o’clock p. m. 

Present: Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor; Hon. G. Davis, Hon. J. A. Gar- 
field, Hon. R. Wallach, General Richard Delafield, and the Secretary, Professor 
Henry. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary stated that the Secretary of the Treasury had granted the re- 
quest made by the Board relative to the payment of the interest in coin on the 
Smithsonian fund, in the following manner: The amount which had been paid 
to the Institution for six instalments of interest, from January, 1862, to July, 
1864, in currency, was repaid into the treasury of the United States by Riggs 
& Co., bankers of the Institution, who received in exchange for it the same amount 


in coin. This coin was sold immediately in New York, as follows: 


Prarcuyi4, tooG, wou, 000) at 1299 1. oS. Se a $64,875 00 
IOV at 1295 LEY Ses Saas 6,475 00 

Sh MoO ab LOOM ek Se. 5 aratoge ao. selpee eae a 48, 813 73 

92, 730 120, 163 73 

Less brokerage and tax ............ 351 98 

119;,81be75 


The profit, therefore, to the Institution by the change of the currency to coin, 
and the sale of the latier, is $27,081 ‘74. 

The report of the Executive Committee was presented by the chairman, Mr. 
Wallach, and after explanations in detail by Generald Delafield, on motion of 
Mr. Davis, was adopted. 

General Delafield, chairman of the Building Committee, presented plans and 
estimates for the reconstructicn of the building. 

The subject of the disposition of the money in possession of the Secretary of 
the Treasury, resulting from the residuary legacy of Smithson, was next con- 
sidered. The Secretary suggested that so much of this sum as was received 
from England, independent of the premium on the coin, viz: $26,210 63, should 
be added to the amount originally deposited in the treasury of the United 
States by Mr. Rush, making $541,379 63 as the total bequest of Smithson, and 
that the premium and the interest since accrued be applied to the current uses 
of the Institution, and to assist in defraying the cost of the restoration of the 


246 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


building. By this arrangement the interesting fact could be stated that, after 
all the Institution has done in the way of increasing and diffusing knowledge, 
the entire sum derived from the bequest of Smithson is still undiminished in the 
treasury of the United States. 

The Chancellor recommended that the sum thus added to the money now in 
the treasury of the United States should be sufficient to make up the amount to 
$550,000. 

On motion of Mr. Wallach, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to apply to Congress for an act by 
which the residuary legacy of James Smithson, now in the possession of the 
Secretury of the Treasury, amounting to $26,210 63, be added to the sum 
originally received; and that also from the income of the above-mentioned 
residuary legacy the further sum of $8,620 37 be added, making the total 
amount deposited in the treasury of the United States $550,000 as the trust 
fund, the interest on which alone is to be applied to the maintenance and uses 
of the Institution ; and further, that the Regents be authorized to apply the re- 
mainder of the income of the residuary legacy to the current expenses of the 
Institution and the reconstruction of the building. 

The Secretary stated that at the last annual session of the Board the disposal 
of the State stocks held by the Institution was left to the discretion of the 
Chancellor, Secretary, and Executive Committee; it having been found that it 
was not necessary, in order to meet the expenditures on the building during the 
year, to make a sale, it had been concluded not to dispose of these stocks, it — 
being thought that the value of those of Virginia and Tennessee would increase, 
and that the accumulated interest due would in time be paid. 

On motion of Mr. Garfield, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary present a statement at the next meeting of the 
value of the State stocks held by the Institution. 

In the absence of Hon. Mr. Patterson, chairman of the Committee on the 
transfer of the Library, the Secretary stated that a bill had been presented in 
the House of Representatives by Mr. Patterson, which had been referred to the 
Library Committee of Congress, who had reported an act providing for the 
transfer of the Smithsonian library on the terms agreed to by the Board at its 
Jast. meeting. 

The reading of the annual report of the Secretary was then continued. 

On motion of Mr. Wallach, the report was accepted. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


WASHINGTON, April 28, 1866. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day, at 11 o’clock a. m., in the 
laboratory of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Present: Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor; Hon. L. F. S. Foster, Vice-Pres- 
ident United States; Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. J. F. 
Farnsworth, Hon. R. Wallach, General Richard Delafield, Dr. T. D. Woolsey, 
and Professor Henry, the Seerctary. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 247 


Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor, took the chair. 

A note from General Garfield, stating the cause of his absence from the mecting, 
was read. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary, in accordance with a resolution of the Board at its last meeting, 
presented the following statement relative to the present value and original cost 
of the State stocks forming the extra fund of the institution : 


Extra fund. oe eereta Sanaa Present rate. | Present value. 
$53,500 Virginia .....- 93 $49, 832 50 68 $36, 380 00 
12, 000 Tennessee.----- 94 11, 167 50 91 10,920 00 
fond mindianae =. 5: cr. 84 63, 000 00 85 63,750 00 
500 Georgia .----.-- 100 500 00 100 500 00 

100 Washington ..-. 100 100 00 100 100 00 
141, 100 | 124,600 00 111,650 00 


The Secretary presented to the Board the following copy of the act of Con- 
gress which had been approved by the President of the United States, April 
5, 1866, relative to the Smithsonian library : 


[PUBLIC—No. 20.] 


AN ACT to provide for the transfer of the custody of the library of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion to the library of Congress. 


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in 
Congress assembled, That the library collected by the Smithsonian Institution under the pro- 
visions of an act approved August tenth, eighteen hundred and forty-six, shall be removed 
from the building of said Institution, with the consent of the Regents thereof, to the new 
fire-proof extension of the library of Congress upon completion of a sufficient portion thereor 
for its accommodation, and shall while there deposited be subject to the same regulations as 
the library of Congress, except as hereinafter provided. 

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That when such library shall have been so removed and 
deposited, the Smithsonian Institution shall have the use thereof in like manner as it is now 
used, and the public shall have access thereto for purposes of consultation on every ordinary 
week day, except during one month of each year, in the recess of Congress, when it may be 
closed for renovation. All the books, maps, and charts of the Smithsonian library shall be 
properly cared for and preserved in like manner as are those of the Congressional library, 
from which the Smithsonian library shall not be removed except on reimbursement by the 
Smithsonian Institution to the treasury of the United States of expenses incurred in binding 
and in taking care of the same, or upon such terms and conditions as shall be mutually 
agreed upon by Congress and the Regents of said Institution. 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, ‘Vhat the Smithsonian Institution, through its Secretary, 
shall have the use ot the library of Congress, subject to the same regulations as senators and 
representatives. 

Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That the librarian of Congress shall be authorized to 
employ two additional assistants, who shall receive a yearly compensation of eight hundred 
dollars and one thousand dollars, respectively, commencing July one, eighteen hundred and 
sixty-six, to be paid out of any moncy in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 

Sec. 5. And be rt further enacted, ‘That the sum ot five hundred dollars, or so much thereof 
as may be necessary, shall be appropriated, out of any moncy in the treasury not otherwise 
appropriated, to detray the expenses of the removal herein provided for. 

Approved April 5, 1866. 


The subject of selling the State stocks forming the extra fund, and of request- 
ing Congress to receive the amount on the same terms as the original bequest of 
Smithson, was considered. 


9248 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


On motion of Mr. Trumbull, it was 

Resolved, That, in addition to the direction given at the last meeting, the 
Secretary be instructed to apply to Congress for an act authorizing the Treasurer 
of the United States to receive into the treasury on the same terms as the 
original bequest, such sums as the Regents may from time to time see fit to de- 
posit, not exceeding, with the original bequest, the sum of one million dollars. 

On motion of Mr. Patterson, it was 

Resolved, That, in case the privilege is granted to increase the capital of the 
Institution, the Executive Committee, with the Chancellor and Secretary, 
be authorized to dispose of any or all of the stocks now held by the Institution, 
and to deposit the proceeds in the treasury of the United States. 

General Delafield presented the report of the Building Committee ; which was. 
read and adopted. 

The Secretary presented a number of communications to illustrate the cor- 
respondence of the Institution. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE INSTITUTION TO ILLUS- 
TRATE ITS OPERATIONS, ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, PROFESSOR 
JOSEPH HENRY. 


From Joseph Leidy, Curator Academy of Natural Sciences. 


PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 1866. 


Dear Sir: I write in answer to your letter of February 20, in relation to 
the donation of shells by the Smithsonian Institution to the Academy of Natural 
Sciences. I was obliged to wait until now to give the committee an opportunity 
to make out an account of the shells, which account I have just received from 
the chairman, Mr. Tryon. He reports as follows : 

“The collection of shells recently presented to the Academy of Natural Sci- 
ences by the Smithsonian Institution embraces over 1,300 species, of which 793 
are new to our collection ; an extraordinary increase, due in great part to the fact 
that many of the species are those collected by the Wilkes exploring expe- 
dition, (described by Dr. Gould,) never before distributed. There are also a 
large number of new species from the west coast of North America, recently de- 
scribed by Mr. Carpenter. 

«We were indebted to the Smithsonian Institution last fall for a donation of 
800 species, including 300 new to our collection, being a first portion of the ex- 
pedition shells. Uniting the two donations, we have thus received over 2,100 
species, including 1,100 new to us, within six months. The accuracy of the 
names and localities renders the collection a valuable addition to our museum.” 


From J. Miguel Arroyo, Perpetual Secretary of the Mexican Society of Geog- 
raphy and Statistics. 


Mexico, March 24, 1865. 


EsTEeMED Sir: This society has been highly gratified by the communication 
of your note of November last, in which notice is given it of the books which the 
Smithsonian Institution has had the goodness to remit. In effect, it has just 
received, at the hands of Sefior D. José Ramon Pacheco, three large boxes con- 
taining the said books, which the society, with a high appreciation of the gift, 
has ordered to be placed in its library as a valuable addition to the collection 
which it already possesses regarding the United States. I shall not forget to 
seek, and will very soon send you the “ Registro trimestro,” which you have 
had the condescension to inquire for; and begging you to accept for your distin- 
guished institution the thanks of this society for the favor conferred, I have the 
honor to subscribe myself your obedient servant. 


From Jno. Evans, Governor of Colorado Territory. 


DENVEk, July 29, 1265. 
Dear Sir: The fossil jaw referred to in yours of the 12th instant was pre- 
sented to me by Arapahoe Chief “ Friday,” who said he found it on Rock creek, 
a tributary of the Republican fork of the Kansas river, about one hundred and 
fifty miles nearly due east of this place. 949 


950 EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


In September, 1863, I visited that region of country, vainly endeavoring to 
get the Indians together in council. 

The general character of the country on the head of the Republican, corre- 
sponds with other parts of the great plains, in being covered with the buffalo 
grass on the clayey soils and bunch grass on the sandy hills. 

The valleys along the streams are exceedingly fertile, being covered with tall 
grass, rushes, and other growths of luxuriant vegetation common to such locali- 
ties in other parts of the country. 

On the Whiteman’s fork, Rock creek, and Arickaree fork, I found high bluffs, 
bounding rather narrow bottoms, the general surface of the country being 
slightly rolling on the general level of the bluffs. For some twenty-five or 
thirty miles east and west these bluffs show outcrops of a cretaceous limestone, 
corresponding with the mauvaises terres north of it. 

This region has as yet been but little known. Captain J.C. Frémont crossed 
it in 1843, and Lieutenant Bryan, in his explorations for a wagon road from 
Fort Riley to Bridger’s pass, in the year 1856, on his return trip, passed down 
Rock creek, but they appear to have given the country but a slight examina- 
tion, as might be expected on such expeditions. From reports of parties who 
have crossed the country south of this region on the dividing ridge between the 
waters of the Platte and Arkansas rivers, near the 103° of west longitude, I am 
led to believe this cretaceous formation extends for some distance southward 
from the place that I visited on the occasion referred to. 

It is a mistake to call this region a desert, for throughout my trip across the 
region at the head of the Republican, I found it everywhere covered with grass, 
furnishing the best of pasturage for stock. 

Any further information that I can give will be cheerfully furnished. 


From William F. Given, United States Vice-Consul 


MarTINIQUE, ST. PIERRE, January 6, 1865. 


Sir: I have the honor to acquaint you with the circumstances attending a 
very remarkable electric phenomenon which occurred in this city on the after- 
noon of the 23d of November last, while 1 was absent in the United States. 

A heavy temperature, charged with electricity, had for reveral days pressed 
on the town, during which time there had been many and violent showers of 
rain. A sudden and heavy shower of rain had just ceased, when there came a 
sharp and short detonation like the booming of a cannon, accompanied by a 
flash of red light, and followed by the smell of burnt powder. At the same in- 
stant cries were heard from a house in the principal street, the north end of 
which had been struck by the lightning. On this end of the house there was 
a projection, which was shattered, and the rubbles and tiles were almost 
symmetrically thrown across the street. The fluid then passed along the houses 
to the right, and down the front of one of these to a distance some two or three 
feet below the level of the pavement; then passing outwardly, without in any 
manner deranging the pavement, which was of brick, it extracted from the side 
of the gutter a flat stone, nearly half a yard in length by about ten inches wide 
and eight thick. ‘This stone was taken out of the gutter at a level with the 
bottom without interfering in any way with the surrounding mason-work, and, 
being taken by an oblique line upwards, was thrown against the house on the 
opposite side of the street. Here it took out six slats of a Venetian window 
and falling on the round table of the saloon, shattered its marble slab. 


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EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 251 


From Charles Hale, United States Consul General. 


ALEXANDRIA, Eaypt, November 1, 1864. 

Sir: I have the honor to enclose for the Smithsonian Institution a map, pre- 
pared by the Venetian voyager Miani, in which his explorations upon the river 
Nile are contrasted with those of the English travellers Speke and Grant. ‘The 
object of Dr. Miani in requesting that his map (which is accompanied by a 
printed explanation) should be communicated to some of the learned societies 
in America is sufficiently explained in his communication to me, of which I 
enclose a copy. Should you be able to respond in any way to the wishes of 
Dr. Miani, it will give me pleasure to make any communication to him which 
you may address to me for that purpose, through the Department of State at 
Washington. 


[This subject was referred to the American Geographical and Statistical 
Society. | 


From R. Brough Smyth, Secretary for Mines. 


Mininc DEPARTMENT, 
Melbourne, January 25, 1865. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th 
November, 1864, and I am directed by the honorable the minister of mines to 
forward to you, in accordance with your request, a complete set of papers, maps, 
and plans, &c., as noted on the margin, relating to mining in Victoria, which 
have been published by this department; and I am to state that Mr. Sullivan 
will be glad to receive in return the annual reports, geological reports, and other 
books, &c., which you offer to forward, and which, on receipt, will be bound and 
placed in the library of this department. Parcels intended for transmission to 
this department may be sent, as may be most convenient, either to Messrs. J. M. 
Mackay & Co., Leadenhall street, London, or to Messrs. Gibbs, Bright & Co., 
Liverpool, addressed to the honorable the Minister of mines, Melbourne, Vic- 
toria, Australia. 


From General James H. Carleton, U.S. A. 


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEw Mexico, 
Santa Fe, N. M., August 23, 1865. 

My Dear Sir: Last week I received from Surgeon B. J. D. Irwin, U.S. 
army, the enclosed pamphlet in relation to two aerolites which were found near 
Tucson, Arizona, one of which you have in the Smithsonian, and the other I 
had the honor to present to the city of San Francisco. 

In speaking of these aerolites to his excellency Henry Connolly, governor 
of New Mexico, he informed me that he knows of one far surpassing, in point of 


size, either of these. As the one he speaks of is probably larger than any one 


now to be found in any cabinet in the world, I should like very much for the 
United States to secure possession of it. 

In regard to the place where it may be found ; the following are the governor’s 
words : 

“In the State of Chihuahua, and at the hacienda of Don Juan Nepumocena 
Urquida, say one hundred and eighty miles south of the city of Chihuahua, and 
directly on the road from that city to Mexico, and directly among the houses 
of the above-named hacienda, on the left-hand side of the road going to the 


252 EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


city of Mexico, and within from thirty to fifty yards of the main road, is, what 
is supposed to be, an aerolite.” Governor Connolly saw it nearly every year 
for twenty years, the last time in 1846, and he describes it as follows: 

“Tt is a large mass of solid iron, standing like a post in the earth, from which 
it projects vertically about four feet. Its diameter at the surface of the earth 
is from two to three feet. It diminishes in size a little from the earth to its 
apex, which is irregularly rounded. How far it is imbedded in the earth had 
never been ascertained. Some small pieces, or chips, had been detached by 
cold chisels and carried off as curiosities; but these pieces were insignificant. 
in point of sizc, and their removal has not distigured the general mass as a 
specimen.” The governor says he thinks the portion above ground would 
weigh a ton or more. 

[It would appear from this and other information received at the Institution, 
that an immense fall of meteorites must have taken place, ina recent geologicah 
period, in New Mexico.] 


From T. A. Conrad. 
PHILADELPHIA, February 16, 1866. 


“Chalk has at last been found in this country—genuine chalk, with flints. 
and abundance of fossils. 

«Smoky Hill, Colorado, is an outlying mass of chalk, probably the only re- 
mainder of a vast mass which denudation has removed. If any expeditions 
should be going that route, it is well the scientific members of it should know 
this.” 


UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YorRK, 
Albany, January 12, 1866. 


At a meeting of the regents of the University, held this day, the following 
resolutions were unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That the regents of the University of the State of New York 
gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the following valuable additions to the 
collections of the State cabinet of natural history, presented by the Smithsonian 
Institution, viz: 

A series of specimens of rocks, minerals, and building stones, and a collection 
of nearly five thousand shells belonging to almost twelve hundred species, 
properly labelled and distinguished. 

Resolved, ‘Chat the secretary transmit to the Smithsonian Institution a copy 
of the foregoing resolution. 

I hereby certify that the preceding is a true copy from the minutes of the 
regents of the University. 


S. B. WOOLWORTH, Secretary. 


[The following letter was referred to the Institution by Hon. I. DoNNELLY, 
of the House of Representatives : 
From S. Y. Mc Masters. 


St. Paut, MINNESOTA, 
January 23, 1866. 


My Dear Sir: I have recently received a communication from the Rev. 
Charles Reynolds, missionary in New Mexico, in which is the following : 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 205 


«“T had a eall last evening, (September 1, 1865,) from Lieutenant Colonel 
Samuel Tappan, who has lived and served as a soldier in Colorado and New 
Mexico for several years. He begged me to write you in regard to the Navajo 
tribe in New Mexico, 250 miles south of Santa Fé. 

« «They are 15,000 strong, on a reserve; are the best farmers in New Mexico; 
have no religious instruction; live in good houses; take but one wife; do 
the outdoor work, and treat their wives as women; the most hopeful of all 
Indians. 

From another source I learn that their language is almost pure Welsh; that a 
Welshman can understand them at once; and that the blankets which they 
make so beautifully are made in precisely the same way as the domestic blankets 
in South Wales.” 

The last paragraph of the above is very startling. If true, it suggests 
a new train of thought for thosé engaged in the study of American ethnology. 
Nay, it may go far to favor the views of Judge Hall, that the southern Indian 
is of Pheenician origin, seeing that the Phenician impress was strongly made on 
the Welsh, while the former were developing the tin mines of Britain. Nay, 
there is not a little to favor the idea that the natives of Wales and Cornwall 
were themselves of Phcenician derivation. 

Now, my dear sir, would it be too much trouble for you to look into the records 
of the Indian bureau, and ascertain whether there is any record of the fact of 
the Navajo Indians having anything in language, manners, or customs resem- 
bling Wales? If you can learn anything of the kind, you will doa great 
service to the public, and eliminate, at once, more thai half the mysteries 
of Indian history. True, this may not, in any way, affect the history of the 
more northern tribes, but it will strongly suggest the idea that Indian history, 
wn general, is far more simple than Indians themselves think, or would have us 
believe. 

If you can give me any information on this subject I shall be greatly obliged, 
and will endeavor to follow it up. Ifyou should not have time to examine the 
matter, Professor Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution, might look into it. 

Yours, faithfully, 


[The following are the remarks of Mr. GEorGE Gipes, to whom the forego- 
ing letter was referred.| 


WasuHINnGTON, February 12, 1866. 


My Dear Sir: I have the pleasure of acknowledging your request that 
I would answer the queries of Mr. Donnelly’s correspondent, and herewith 
submit such information as I can give, without more research than I now have 
time for. 

The reports of the existence of Indian tribes speaking Welsh are very old, 
and their alleged location has been as fugitive as that of the Amazons. The 
story, I presume, took its origin in the tradition of Prince Madoc’s voyage, the 
patriotism of his countrymen leading to the desire that they should participate 
with the northmen in the glory of discovering this continent. Whatever may 
have been his fate; it is certain that neither his followers nor the Scandinavians 
ever left their impress on an American language. As the knowledge of the various 
Indian tongues has advanced with the progress of settlement and more enlight- 
ened inquiry, the identical tribe, speaking Welsh, has receded like the mirage, 
until it is now sought in almost that last place upon the continent to which a 
foreign colony could have reached. The Zuni Indians, a “ pueblo” or settled 
tribe, living in the neighborhood of the Navajos, have enjoyed this reputation 
of late ow the strength of the number of albinos found among them. 


254 EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


The Hon. John R. Bartlett, now secretary of the State of Rhode Island, many 
years ago prepared a very elaborate paper, giving all the “authorities” on this 
subject, and, if I am not mistaken, published it at the request of the Welsh 
citizens of New York. He certainly aan elucidate the history of the legend if 
Mr. McMasters desires to pursue the inquiry in that direction. 

I do not, however, think it necessary to dwell upon that point, or the im- 
probability of a change of color and feature. The character of the language of 
the Navajos is well known. Vocabularies, more or less extensive, have been 
obtained from time to time by various officers of the army, government agents, 
and by Mr. Bartlett himself. From these the late Professor Wm. W. Turner 
demonstrated, long since, its affinity with the great Athapascan or Chepewyar 
stock, a family occupying the northern part of the continent, next south of the 
Esquimaux, and extending from the shores of Hudson’s bay to those of the 
Pacific. To this family the Apaches, neighbors of the Navajos, also belong. 
Mr. Hale, the philologist of the United States exploring expedition, had pre- 
viously obtained vocabularies of the Tahculli or “ Carriers,” of Fraser river, of 
certain bands near the mouth of the Columbia, and of the Umpquas, to which 
he gave the collective name of ‘“'T’a-ka-li-Um-kwa.” 'These Mr. Gallatin proved 
to be Athabascan tribes. In 1851 I collected new vocabularies on Rogue river 
and the Klamath, still further south, which Mr. Tnrner recognized as belonging 
to the same family. All these form links in the chain connecting the Navajos 
and Apaches with the parent stock, and show that the migration southward of 
the Athabascans took place by routes west of the Rocky mountains. 

In fine, the Navajos and Apaches are offshoots of an extreme northern race 
who have wandered southward, just as the Camanches are a branch of the Sho- 
shonees or Snakes of Oregon. I have by me vocabularies of almost every tribe 
of this great family, and can assure you that the verbal similarity is conclusive 
as to their common origin. But my opinion is not needed in corroboration of 
that of Turner and of Buschmann. 

As regards the blankets, they are the common pattern of the Mexican “sarape,’” 
made, it is true, exceedingly well. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant. 


From M. M. Lisboa, late Brazilian minister to the United States. 


Rio DE JANEIRO, December 17, 1864. 


My Dear Sir: I did not forget my offer to you, and immediately on my 
arrival here, in July last, I made application directly to the Emperor for the 
remittance of contributions to the Smithsonian Institution, and through his 
Majesty’s gracious intervention I obtained orders which gave me satisfaction, and 
will, I have no doubt, be agreeable to you also. 

I have since crossed the ocean again, and am just arrived from Europe; this. 
absence has delayed my addressing you this letter. 

The work of Descourtilz is ready to be offered to the institution—that is to: 
say, the first volume, for the continuation has not yet been published ; and they 
are preparing at the museum a collection of birds for the same destination. 
This collection is not complete; but I have taken upon myself to delcare 
that that was not an objection, as a complete collection can only be made 
by degrees. 

I have also obtained an order from the Historical and Geographical Institute. 
of Brazil that a set of their three-monthly publication (the Revista) be sent to 
you. You will find that some of the volumes are missing, because the boxes in 
which they were kept have been destroyed; but if thev are reoublished they 
will be sent to you. * 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 255 


All these presents will be delivered here to Mr. Monroe, the United States 
consul, with whom I have communicated, to insure their remittance, as I agreed 
with you and Mr. Seward. I find, however, that he has received no instructions 
from the State Department as I expected, and beg to suggest to you the propriety 
of speaking again to the Secretary of State to request him to forward said in- 
structions to the consul. 

Please to let me know that you have received this letter, and you may deliver 
your answer to Mr. Fleury, attaché to the Brazilian legation at Washington. 

Yours, very truly. 


From Don F. L. L’ Burlamaqui, director. 


BraziLtiAN NatTurAL History Museum, 
Rio de Janeiro, January 4, 1865. 


My Dear Sir: I am ordered by the Brazilian government to send to the 
Smithsonian Institution, of which you are the worthy secretary, a collection of 
natural history specimens of this country, taken from the duplicates existing in 
this museum. 

Performing this duty, I should be very happy if I were enabled to send you 
objects worthy of being ranked among your magnificent collections; but, un- 
happily, I cannot do it in this opportunity, because the Brazilian museum is 
exhausted with the returns made to other museums. 

I send a few ornithological and entomological specimens and some bones of 
fossil animals. 

I send also a copy of the “ Ornithologie Brésilienne,”’ a work which shall 
continue and form four or five volumes. 

I profit by this opportunity to let you know that it would be very agreeable 
to this museum to possess the interesting memoirs of your illustrious society. 

I am, sir, with the highest consideration and respect, yours, very truly. 


From the Museum of the city of Bern. 


BERN, March 25, 1865. 


Honorep Sir: By order of the commissioners of the museum of the city of 
Bern, the undersigned beg leave to trouble you with the question whether it 
will be practicable for them to obtain, through your kind intervention, a specimen 
of the bison, by which is meant the well-preserved skin, with skull and extrem- 
ities, of a full-grown male animal of that species, and what will be the price of 
such an acquisition ? On account of the narrowness of our financial means we 
find ourselves necessitated to place this question in the foreground, and on that 
account also address ourselves directly to your interposition, holding ourselves 
always ready to acknowledge the favor by any reciprocal service which may lie 
in our power. Encouraged by the friendly assurances of Mr. Fogg, envoy of the 
United States of North America to the Swiss confederation, we preter our request 
to you in the hope of being favored with an obliging reply to the above-proposed 
questions. 

Be pleased to accept the assurances of the high consideration with which we 
have the honor to remain, (in the name of the commission of the muscum of 
Bern,) 

C. FISCHER, President. 
B. STUDER, Secretary. 


256 EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


From Charles F. Loosey. 


AUSTRIAN CONSULATE GENERAL, 
New York, am. February 13, 1865. 


Stir: The Imperial Library of Vienna having published a repertory of the 
oriental manuscripts of the library, translated into Latin by the philosophical- 
historical class of the Academy of Sciences, under the title of “ Tabule codicum 
manuscriptorum in biliotheca palatina Vindobonemi asservatorum,” and placed 
a number of copies of the same at the disposition of the imperial royal lord 
steward’s office, requesting that those public institutions and scientific societies 
which have favored the imperial library with donations may be presented with 
a copy of the repertory, I am directed by the imperial royal ministry of foreign 
affairs to transmit to the Smithsonian Institution such copy, and beg to inform 
you that I have forwarded to you by mail the repertory above referred to. 

I have the honor to subscribe, yours, most respectfully. 


From the British minister. 


WASHINGTON, November 6, 1865. 


My Dear Sir: Allow me to introduce to you Dr. H. Berendt, an American 
gentleman of science, who is about to visit Honduras and its neighborhood, under 
the patronage of the Smithsonian Institution of this place. His objects are to obtain 
a more accurate knowledge of the geography and natural bistory of that region, 
and to explore what is still unexplored. If you can assist him, you will oblige, 


aye ’ fi ithf 1] ’ 
OBERT tate ten FREDERIC W. A. BRUCE. 


JNO. GARDINER AUSTIN, 
Lieutenant Governor of Honduras. 


From Senor kisarri, minister from Guatemala. 


BrookuyNn, November 2, 1865. 


Sir: In answer to your favor of the 30th ultimo, I have to say that I am 
not personally acquainted myself with the corregidors of Peten and Verapaz. 
Therefore it seems to me more conducive'to the object of having Dr. H. Berendt 
well recommended to the authorities of the different departments he intends to 
visit, to write by the steamer of the 16th instant to the minister of foreign 
affairs of Guatemala, telling him Dr. Berendt’s object, and the minister will 
no doubt write to the corregidors recommending them to tender the doctor any 
assistance or information in their power, to further such useful undertaking. 

In case Dr. Berendt wishes it, I send for him a passport, recommending him 
officially and especially to whatever authorities he may meet in Guatemala. 

The secretary to this legation is the member for Peten in the chamber of 
representatives of Guatemala, and although not personally acquainted with the 
corregidor, is known to the latter by name and may, if desirable, give a letter 
for the corregidor. 

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. T. DE IRISARRI. 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 257 


Don Antonio José de Trissarri, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipoten- 
tiary of the republic of Guatemala for the United States of America, to the 
authorities of the departments of Yzabal, Vera Paz, and Peten. 


Inasmuch as Dr. H. Berendt is about to undertake a scientific exploration in 
those countries under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, the advan- 
tages resulting from which will inure as well to Central America as the rest of 
the world, in the advancement of historical and geographical knowledge, and 
inasmuch as such enterprises ought to be promoted by the authorities of the 
countries in which they are under ‘taken, I would hope that this may serve as a 
general recommendation for Dz. Berendt, to the effect thai he may be received 
in all places ina manner suitable to the meritorious objects of his expedition. 

Given at Brooklyn the second of November, 1865. 

A. J. DE IRISSARRI. 


From Senor Luis Molina, minister from Costa Raca, &c. 


LEGATION oF HonpburRas, 
Washington, November 8, 1865. 


Dear Sir: In answer to your favor of 31st of October, ultimo, which only. 
came to my hands three days ago, I have the pleasure to send you, as requested, 
two letters, enclosed herewith, for the collectors of Omoa and Trujillo, re- 
spectively ; and, besides, another to the minister for foreign relations, because 
there is plenty of time before Dr. Berendt may go to Honduras, and I think the 
best plan is to get the necessary orders from the government at Comayagua to 
speed his good work. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your ahedicnt servant. 


WASHINGTON, November 8, 1865. 


At the instance of the worthy secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, estab- 
lished in this capital, in conformity with the will of its founder, for the promotion 
of human knowledge, I have the honor to recommend to you Dr. H. Berendt, a 
naturalized citizen of the United States, an accomplished gentleman and man 
of science of great merit, who, under the auspices of the Institution and as its 
agent, purposes a visit to Central America with a view to exploring the less 
known portions of Guatemala and the coasts of that republic, in order to aug- 
ment the knowledge which we at present possess of their geography and natural 
history. 

The enterprise is purely scientific, interesting to the learned world, and cannot 
fail especially to redound to the advantage of the people and government of 
Honduras as far as concerned in its execution; under which impression I can 
entertain no doubt that you will extend to Dr. Berendt and his assistants the 
protection, aid, and facilities which may be in your power towards the further- 
ance of their objects, agreeably to the request of the representative of the re- 
public in the United States. 

Be pleased to accept the assurance of the distinguished consideration of your 


obedient servant, 
LUIS MOLINA. 


The ADMINISTRATOR 
of the Puerto de Omoa, Honduras. 


ele 


258 EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


WASHINGTON, November 7, 1865. 


Dr. Berendt, accompanied, perhaps, by an assistant, is about to proceed to 
Central America, as an agent and under the auspices of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution in this capital, for the purpose of increasing the knowledge which we 
already possess respecting the geography and natural history of certain unex- 
plored parts of Guatemala and the coasts of Honduras. 

This purpose recommends itself by its intrinsic interest to the scientific world, 
and more especially to the government and people of that republic; and Dr. 
Berendt has been strongly represented to me by Professor Henry, the distin- 
guished secretary of the above institution, as being a gentleman of great attam- 
ments in science, and of much personal merit. 

Upon these considerations, I pray you to accord to the Doctor the regard 
which he merits, and to his enterprise the protection, aid, and facilities which 
may be in your own power, or to procure them for him from the functionaries 
with which you may be in correspondence. 

Dr. Berendt is a native of Germany, and a naturalized citizen of the United 
States. 

It remains only to subscribe myself, with the highest respect, your obedient. 


servant, 
LUIS MOLINA. 
The ADMINISTRATOR of Trujillo, Honduras. 


WASHINGTON, November 7, 1865. 


I have been informed by the highly esteemed secretary of the Smithsonian 
Institution, Professor Henry, that Dr. H. Berendt, a citizen, by naturalization, of 
the United States, has formed the design of prosecuting, under the auspices of 
the Institution, either alone or accompanied by an assistant, an expedition 
into certain unexplored regions of Central America, with a view to increasing 
the amount of our present knowledge of their geography and natural history. 
This visit, purely scientific, will embrace the departments of Peten, Vera Paz, 
and Golfo Dulce, in Guatemala, and will terminate on the coast of Honduras. 

As far as regards the exploration of their own coasts, the people and govern- 
ment of Honduras will find themselves especiaily interested in this enterprise, 
so strongly commended, as Professor Henry well observes, to the favor of 
the whole scientific world ; and I have therefore consigned to the worthy professor 
the papers which he has been pleased to request of me in the name of the In- 
stitution for the authorities of the northwest coast, recommending to them to 
extend to Dr. Berendt all the protection, aid, and facilities in their power and 
which may be necessary to secure success to his meritorious undertaking. Ihave 
sent to him, moreover, this letter, directed to your excellency, in order that the 
supreme government may have knowledge of the projected enterprise, and that, 
if the opinion of its merits be as favorable as I think it will be, orders may be 
graciously issued to the authorities of the northwest coast in conformity with 
the objects indicated in my recommendations above referred to. 

I should add that Professor Henry speaks of Dr. Berendt as “a gentleman 
of great merit and of high accomplishments in point of science.” 

Allow me the honor of subscribing myself, in conclusion, your excellency’s 


very obedient servant, 
LUIS MOLINA. 
His Excellency Sefor Don Francisco Cruz, 
Minister of Foreign Relations of Honduras, §c. 


bd 
on 
© 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE, 


From J. Rosing, Chargé d’ Affaires. | 


HANSEATIC LeGATION, 
Washington, D. C., February 25, 1865. 
Sir: I beg to inform you that a society has been constituted in Bremen for 
the promotion and dissemination of natural science and knowledge.* They 
have requested me by their secretary, Dr. Phil. Franz Buchenan, to further 
their ends on this continent, and I think I cannot do better than to recommend 
the young society to your kind consideration. ‘They will be very grateful for 
any communication. on the part of your Institution, and endeavor to give in 
exchange whatever may be of interest for you and in their reach. They propose 
publishing regular annual reports and periodicals, and dare to offer regular 
exchanges, although conscious that their doings, owing to the smallness of their 
means, will by no means compare with those of your proud Institution. The 
more happy you could make this little fraternity ardently devoted to science. 
Allow me, sir, again to offer you the assurance of my very high esteem as 
your most obedient servant. 


From the same. 


Sir: The government of Bremen, sensible of so many acts of liberality of yours, 
have directed me to offer you the accompanying volume, of entirely Bremen origin 
and workmanship, as a contribution to the library of the Institution. Itisa pub- 
lication made by the society for Bremen history and antiquities, and gives an 
illustrative description of that most venerable and accomplished monument of 
the history of the republic, the court-house, at the same time the seat of the 
government and senate. 

I shall be gratified, sir, if you would kindly accept this small gift as a token 
of good will on the part of the Bremen government and scientific societies 
towards your most useful institution, and beg to solicit the continuance of your 
highly estimated favor. 


From the same. 


HaNSEATIC LEGATION, 
Washington, D. C., April 8, 1865. 

Sir: I am happy to learn, from your kind note of the Sth instant, that the 
Smithsonian Institution will be pleased to enter into scientific correspondence 
with the new society for the promotion of natural science, at Bremen, whose 
establishment I had the honor of announcing to you recently. 

It is with gratification that I accept your liberal offer of a package of your 
publications for the society; if it could be ready by the end of next week, I shall 
have an opportunity of sending it off directly with other official matter. 

With many thanks for your favors, believe me, sir, to be, with high regard, 
your most obedient servant, 


From J. George Hodgins, Department Superintendent. 


DEPARTMENT OF PuBuic INSTRUCTION FoR UPPER CanaDa, 
Toronto, March 26, 1866. 
Sir: I have the honor to state, in reply to your letter of the 10th ultimo, that 
the numbers of the Journal of Education for which you have applied have been 
sent to you. 


* Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein. 


260 EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


You are already aware, from previous correspondence with this department, 
that the legislature of the province, at the instance of the chief superintendent 
of education, authorized the establishment of a meteorological station in every 
county in Upper Canada in connexion with the department of public instruction, 
the observers being the head masters of grammar schools. The following in- 
struments were obtained from England for each station: Barometer by Negretti 
and Zambra; dry and wet bulb thermometers by the same; and maximum and 
minimum thermometers by Cassella. These were compared with standards at 
the new observatory by Mr. Glaisher, and again at the Toronto observatory. 
They are excellent instruments, and may be relied on. Each station is also 
supplied with a wind vane and rain gauge. Full instructions and tables, together 
with forms for periodical reports, are provided for the observers. 

As some of the counties have hesitated to pay for the instruments, and in 
others the observations were not duly taken, it was deemed necessary in 1865 
to obtain further legislation and regulations on the subject. Although some 
observers faithfully performed their duty under the former system, it was found 
that more satisfactory results would be obtained by restricting the number of 
stations and making a pecuniary allowance to observers for their labors. Our 
stations are now ten (10) in number, situated at the most favorable points between 
longitude 83° and 74° west, and latitude 42° and 46° north. ‘The observers are 
educated men, and graduates of universities. Arrangements have also been made 
for the careful examination and comparison of the records of the observations at 
this office. The results will appear monthly in our official journal. 

I send herewith copies of some recent regulations which we have issued to 
our stations. 

As our meteorological establishments are now being placed on a more satis- 
factory footing, we may hope to contribute information of permanent value ; and 
your institution would confer a favor on this department by sending us as com- 
plete a series of its meteorological reports, with any papers bearing on the sub- 
ject, as it may be able to afford. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

Josepu Henry, Esq., LL. D., 

Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 


ee 


From A. Panizzi, Principal Librarian. 
Britisu Museum, July 20, 1865. 


wir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th May last, 
informing me that on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution you have forwarded 
to the British Museum, as a present to the trustees, upon certain conditions, a 
type series of fossils from the upper Missouri, collected by Lieutenant War- 
ren, and Dr. Hayden. 

In reply, I have to express the thanks of the trustees of the British Museum 
for the very obliging offer which the managers of the Smithsonian Institution 
have made to them, and I am to assure you of the readiness of the trustees to 
reciprocate the kind feeling of interest which the managers have shown in the 
improvement of the collections of the British Museum. Although the trustees 
cannot accept a present under restrictive conditions, they are prepared, in this 
instance, to meet the wishes of the managers of the Smithsonian Institution so 
far as may be in their power, and I am accordingly directed to send you here- 
with the copy of a letter on this subject from Professor Owen, the superintend- 
eut of the departments of natural history in this museum, on whose views the 
trustees are disposed to act. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 


= 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 261 


[The condition referred to as required by the Smithsonian Institution is that 
suitable returns be made from the duplicates in the collections of the Museum 
when called for. This condition is made on the part of the institution to favor 
the formation of museums in this country.] 


British Museum, July 20, 1865. 


Dear Sir: I enclose the letter and form which you brought me on the 17th 
instant from the principal librarian. In reference to the fourth condition, after 
due inquiry and inspection, I should be prepared, when required, to submit to 
the trustees a series of duplicates, in my opinion suitable in the sense of equiva- 
iency, as areturn for the type series of fossils proposed to be presented con- 
ditionally by the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, United States. 

I remain, dear sir, yours truly, 
RICHARD OWEN. 

THomas Bot er, Esq., 

Assistant Secretary British Museum. 


From Professor William Hincks. 


Toronto University, March 26, 1866. 


Dear Sir: The additional proof just reccived of the liberality with which 
the Smithsonian Institution uses its duplicates in promoting science claims some- 
thing more than the mere formal expression of our gratitude, and is, I assure 
you, very highly appreciated by myself and my colleagues in the management 
of our museum, and by all the authorities of our University. 

Permit me to explain that the objects of the museum are first to afford the 
best attainable materials for instruction in the several branches of natural science 
to the professor of that department in University College; secondly, to afford 
opportunities for private and special study to any persons seeking them; and 
thirdly, to offer a pleasing and instructive exhibition to the public at large, 
which is opened at all proper hours without any payment, and is extensively 
visited both by our own citizens and the numerous travellers from the United 
States, the most intelligent of whom have expressed themselves in the most 
flattering terms respecting its interest and beauty. We perhaps excel most in 
birds, and so far as the representation of the few families that remain unrepre- 
sented in the collection, and the completion of our North American series, 
nothing is more desirable to us. In mammalia we aim chiefly at obtaining the 
mocerate-sizéd native animals, and a few of the more deviative forms, not having 
either space or funds for attempting more. We have a good instructive series 
of shells and some special collections, and this branch is a favorite one. We 
have many fine insects, and greatly desire to extend and improve that collection. 
We have some excellent specimens of fishes, both British and Canadian, and a 
few Chinese and West India. We have some crustacea and echinodermata and 
a few geod polypifera, but are comparatively deficient in these interesting 
branches. Our botanical collection includes about 7,000 species, chiefly European 
and North American, with many fine forms from all parts of the globe. We 
are somewhat crippled in funds, which checks very rapid increase, and we have 
no means of accumulating duplicates to any extent, but we should fecl the 
sincerest pleasure in rendering any service within the reach of our efforts to the 
Smithsonian Institution as a proot of our estimate of the value of its contri- 
butions to science and the liberality with which it seems to be conducted. 
Our specimens are throughout systematically arranged and handsomely ex- 
hibited. I should have said above that we have some good reptilia and am- 
phibia, yet very few comparatively. 


bo 
oO 
i) 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 


From the Rev. HE. Petitot to Wm. L. Hardisty, Esq. (communicated by Mr. 
Hardisty.) 


[ Translation. ] 


Fort Rar, Hupson’s Bay TerrRirory, June 20, 1864. 


My Dear Sir: I take advantage of Mr. Smith’s departure to offer you the 
assurance of my respect and perfect consideration. I thank you for myself 
and my converts for the permission you have kindly given me to take up my 
quarters within the bounds of Fort Rae. 

As Mr. Smith will perhaps tell you, I have had an opportunity of visiting 
the tribes which inhabit the interior of the country comprised between Great 
Bear lake, Copper Mine river and Fort Rae. It is through the kindness of that 
gentleman that I have been able to comply with the desire of the Indians, and 
J am infinitely indebted to him for it. As many incidents of this journey were 
of a kind to interest a “‘ voyageur,” I shall allow myself to. amuse you with a 
few. 

In the first place I will spare you the fatigues of a journey on snow-shoes, 
which, notwithstanding your reputation as a pedestrian, you will doubtless not 
regret performing without stirring from your easy-chair. I will transport you, 
therefore, at once to Lake Kleritié, eight days’ travel by that method to the north- 
northeast of Fort Rae, and ten or twelve days by canoe. There, upon a pretty 
high hill, is situated the camp. 

A magnificent view is enjoyed from this point of the above-named lake and 
of Lake Kamitié, which empties into it. Their immovable and frozen surfacs 
winds between feldspathic mountains, sometimes naked or eaten into by lichene 
and mosses, sometimes covered with forests of thorns. But these trees are only 
pigmies of five or six feet in height; wretched shrubs whose roots are buried 
in a thick bed of yellowish lichens, and whose dwarted and vertical branches 
allow the rays of the sun to pass through. On the left extend arid steppes, 
dotted with pools of stagnant water, serving as a pasturage for herds of rein 
deer which run unceasingly over the surface of the lake. This country is a 
true Arabia Petrzea, where the eye takes in only blocks of granite, masses of 
coarse porphyry, diorite, and especially of feldspathic orthose. Here there is 
no stratification, no talus of debris or metamorphism; the mountains have under- 
gone no degradation, and the waves which beat against their foundations dash 
themselves in vain. Upon the slope opposite to these rocks stretches the 
Ot’-el-néré or flat country of the Esquimaux, which, despite its name, is com- 
posed only of mounds and rounded hills. I did not go there only because I 
had more work than I could perform among my Indians. It is time that I 
spoke of them. ; 

They belong to the great Montagnais or Téné nation and to the Slave tribe, 
but their idiom is very different from the language of tae Ténés. Many of 
these Indians have already made the voyage from Portage la Roche, and this 
present year two of them are preparing to repeat it. The young people and 
grown men alone visit Fort Rae, or that at the Forks, or have intercourse with 
the whites. The rest of the tribe, the old men, women and children, not only 
have never seen the missionaries, but even a white man of any sort. 1 except, 
however, King Beaulieu, who visited their midst in May, 1863, but did not 
ascend as far as I, by nearly three days’ journey. 

It is a singular spectacle, that of a horde of these savages on their march over 
a frozen lake, and it was the first time that I have been permitted to witness it. 
As far as the eye could reach, a long file of sledges and dogs, women loaded 
with burdens and young children, the cries of infants, the barking of dogs, and 
the shouts which their conductors uttered—the whole forming a picture as cu- 
rious as wild. 


EXTRACTS FROM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 263 


I have told you that these poor Indians have never yet seen a missionary, 
which is saying that they had not a trace of Christianity. Thus disease (I speak 
of moral disease) has made frightful ravages among these unfortunate tribes. It 
cannot be denied, and it is my conviction, that we shall assist at the obsequies 
of the Dog Rib nation, (Plats cotés de Chiens.) ‘The incredible venereal ex- 
cesses to which these wretched people were formerly addicted has destroyed the 
constitution, although so robust, of the Indians, and abridged half their existence. 
Among them young persons are only seen emaciated and frail, with bony and 
hectic faces. Pulmonary consumption slowly undermines the tribe. During 
the forty-four days which I passed among them, I ministered to two of them on 
the death-bed. On my return to Fort Rae I found five graves yet fresh, and 
upon the journey of the Toaut Onédés river two others; a tenth savage is dying 
at the moment of my writing you these lines. If you add to this figure, already 
unhappily too great, the thirty-four Indians who died during the last winter, you 
have forty-four deceased in the space of six months, an enormous total consider- 
ing the number of this tribe, (about 1,200, according to my enumeration.) ‘To 
pthysis, which appears to be, with the venereal disease, the scourge of this peo- 
ple, is added influeneza, which extends its ravages especially among the children. 
Poor people, they are very different in their morals from what they were for- 
merly. The beneficent light of the gospel, in entering their hearts, has opened 
their eyes to their past excesses; but as Adam, converted, they carry the chastise- 
ment of their guilt with them. 

It is to these causes, venereal excess and incestuous unions, that I attribute the 
general stuttering of these Indians. Among ten there was not a single one who 
was not a stammerer. 

I have dwelt long upon these Indians, my dear sir. What I have told you 
is not for the purpose of exposing the scourges of humanity. My duty is to hide 
them. But they speak eloquently in showing that the theory of the primitive 
man, the happiness of man free and cut off from religion, is but an Utopia, worthy 
of the philosophers who invented it. 

Once more | thank you for having afforded me the means of doing a share of 
good to these poor Indians. They will repay you some day. I refrain. It is 
time to close this long farrago, which has become tedious. 

Will you, while excusing my loquacity, receive anew the assurances of the 
distinguished consideration with which I am, sir, your very humble servant. 


EULOGY 


ON THE LATE 


JOS te a Ar. DOcn TEN, 


BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, 
LATE CHIEF ENGINEER U. S. ARMY, AND REGENT OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


By J. G. Barnard, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers, and Brevet Brigadier General U. 8. A.; 
Brigadier and Brevet Major General U. 8. V., A. M., LL. D., N. A. S. 


[Reprinted from the Annual of the National Academy of Sciences for 1866. ] 


[Instead of preparing a eulogy myself, as requested by the Board of Regents, of their lamented associate 
General Totten, I have thought the service would be better rendered by presenting the facts I had gathered 
on the subject to General Barnard, and by adopting his tribute to the memory of one so long and so effi- 
ciently connected with the Institution. J. H.} 


Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Academy: 


In conformity with a clause of the constitution of this Academy, and in obe- 
dience to your instructions, | am here to render the tribute of a formal biograph- 
ical notice in commemoration of one who was numbered among our most vener- 
able and most honored associates. If, in the language of one of our body, on a 
previous and similar eccasion, “itis no unreasonable assumption that public 
benefit and individual incentives may be derived from the history of any man 
whose scientific services have rendered him worthy of admittance to your num- 
ber,”’ that assumption must have a peculiar force when it applies to one who 
has “ finished his course,” and has filled a life, protracted beyond the usual 
term, with scientific labors of no ordinary variety and magnitude. 

It is but little more than two years since we first met for the great and import- 
ant work of organizing this National Academy, and with us—of our number, if 
not personally present—were “both the gray-headed and very aged men.” 
But, alas! these, like autumnal leaves, are rapidly falling away, and already 
the places of a Totten, a Hitchcock, and a Silliman know them no more, save in 
the records of their lives and deeds, and in the grateful memories of their associ- 
ates. What a trio of names, glorious in the annals of science, is this! Well 
may they be incentives to us who yet remain to strive that we may worthily 
replace them, and establish for this Academy a reputation for usefulness and 
science which their honored bearers have acquired for themselves. 

Although there may be many among us more capable than myself of doing 
justice to the memory of our departed colleague, I feel grateful that the lot has 
fallen to me. Placed under General Totten on my first entrance into the mili- 
tary service—almost in my boyhood—my relations to him, both personal and 
professional, have ever since been continuous and intimate. Under obligations 
to him of no ordinary nature, I could not do otherwise than regard him with 
reverence and affection. If I fail, therefore, it shall not be because my heart is 
unmoved, nor because I am insensible to the magnitude of my task. 

JosepH GILBERT TOoTTEN was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on the 23d 
of August, 1738. His grandfather, Joseoh Totten, came from England before 


264 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 265 


the war of the Revolution, and engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York. 
Attached to the cause of the mother country, he left that city, after the acknowl- 
edgment of our independence, for Annapolis, Nova Scotia. It would appear 
that his two sons remained in this country, since one of them, Peter G. Totten, 
married in 1787 Grace Mansfield, of New Haven, a very beautiful woman, whe 
died a few years after her marriage, leaving two children, the subject of this 
memoir and a daughter, Susan Maria, who married Colonel Beatty, an English 
officer, and who is still living, a widow, in London. After the death of Mrs. 
Totten, which occurred when her infant son was but three years old, the father, 
having been appointed United States consul at Santa Cruz, West Indies, took 
up his future abode on that island, leaving his son under the care of his mater- 
nal uncle, Jared Mansfield, a graduate of Yale College, 1777, and a learned 
mathematician. The boy continued to be a member of Mr. Mansfield’s family 
until the latter removed to West Point, having been appointed captain of engi- 
neers and a teacher in the United States Military Academy, then just organ- 
ized by act of Congress of 1802. Young Totten’s first teacher was Mr. Levi 
Hubbard, brother to the rector (at that time) of Trinity church, New Haven ; 
afterwards his education was carried on under the personal superintendence of 
hisuncle. Of the period of his schoolboy life we have some glimpses, through the 
recollections of an old friend and schoolmate, Mr. Ralph Ingersoll of New Ha- 
ven, who speaks of him as a bright, noble youth, of fine mind, fond of study, 
and always at the head of his class, gentlemanly in his deportment, and 
greatly beloved. 

Young Totten went to West Point with the family of his uncle in 1802. He 
was soon after appointed a cadet. He remained at West Point one term, that 
of 1803, and perhaps part of that of 1804. He was promoted to a second lieu- 
tenancy in the corps of engineers, July 1, 1805. 

The venerable General J. G. Swift, recently deceased, his brother engineer 
officer and life-long friend, describes him at West Point as ‘a flaxen-headed 
boy of fourteen years of age, a good scholar, and to me a most interesting com- 
panion.” 

Captain Mansfield, having been appointed surveyor general of Ohio and the 
western ‘Territories, November 4, 1803, induced his nephew to accompany him 
to the west as an assistant on that first systematic survey of any of the new 
States of the Union.. Here that faculty which so distinguished him through 
life, of keen observation of whatever was most interesting connected with or in- 
cidentally brought under his notice by his professional pursuits, displayed itself 
at this early agein a noteworthy manner. The vestiges of an earlier race than 
the red man, which have since been made the subject of the researches of a Squier 
and a Davis, of a Lapham and of a Haven, and to which, during recent times, 
fresh attention has been directed by the developments of the high antiquity 
of the human race in Europe as shown by similar relies over the surface of that 
country and by the lacustrine remains in Switzerland, attracted his notice and 
were made the subjects of survey. Although these investigations were not 
published, they are, I believe, the first we have record of; those of Caleb 
Atwater, who is called by Squier and Davis “ the pioneer in this department,” 
not having been published until 1819. Full descriptions and measurements of 
several of these mounds, particularly that of Circleville, were made and sent to 
his friend, J. G. Swift. ‘lo most youths of his age those remains of structures, 
built 

“‘while yet the Greek 
Was hewing the Pentelicus to forms 
Of symmetry, and rearing on its rock 
The glittermg Parthenon,’’ 


would have been passed over with vague curiosity or listless indifference. 
Not so with young ‘loiten. Although notable, perhaps, to perceive all the eth- 


966 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


nological importance which has since been attached to them, he could yet appre- 
ciate them as objects of high interest, as vestiges of the races which had inhab- 
ited the country, and give his time to their examination and measurement. 

During the two years which he passed in the office of his uncle at Ludlow’s 
station near Cincinnati, he was a companion of several young men who subse- 
quently became conspicuous, among whom were Nicholas Longworth, Samuel 
Perry, Daniel Duke, Thomas Pierce, and Peyton Symmes, all of whom are now 
dead. His tastes, however, led him back to the army, (from which he had re- 
signed shortly after his promotion,) and, February 23, 1808, he was reappointed 
a second lieutenant of engineers, his commission bearing the same date as that 
of his subsequent friend, brother engineer officer, and professional associate, 
Sylvanus Thayer, of national fame as for so many years superintendent of the 
Military Academy, and as the officer to whom is mainly due its present high 
grade among the military and scientific institutions of the world. Lieutenant 
Totten commenced his career as a military engineer under Colonel Jonathan 
Williams, the first chief of the corps, and was engaged on the construction of 
Castles Williams and Clinton, New York harbor. 

At the commencement of the war with England Lieutenant Totten was as- 
signed to duty as chief engineer of the army under Brigadier General Van 
Rensselaer, in the campaign of 1812, on the Niagara frontier, and in that capa- 
city took a conspicuous part in the battle of Queenstown. He was subsequently 
chief engineer of the army under the command of Major General Dearborn, in 
the campaign of 1813, and of the army under Major General Izard and Briga- 
dier General Macomb, in the campaign of 1814, on Lake Champlain. Having 
been promoted to a captaincy in 1812, he was in June, 1813, brevetted major, 
for ‘meritorious services,” and September 11, 1814, lieutenant colonel, for 
“gallant conduct at the battle of Plattsburg ;” his efficient services as an engi- 
neer in the defensive arrangements of that field having vontributed powerfully 
to the successful issue. 

The termination of the war may be considered as the close of one period in 
the life and services of General T'otten, and the commencement of another; or 
rather it may be said, that the events of which we have traced a faint outline 
were but the preparation and training of his mind for the real work of his life. 
Reared under the eyes and guardianship of a relative distinguished for his 
mathematical attainments, receiving as extensive a military and scientific educa- 
tion as West Point at that early day could give, called by his position in Sur- 
veyor General Mansfield’s office, not only to exercise the science which the du- 
ties involved, but to take extended views of our country as to the interconnec- 
tion of its parts, and their relations to commerce or war, then practically taught 
the duties of a military engineer in what concerns the defence of harbors, and 
finally carried through the ordeal of actual war in the campaigns of armies in 
the field, he was now prepared for the great work of his life—the fortification 
of our seaboard frontier. When I call this the great work of his life, I am not 
unaware that it is but a part of that work—=still the most important part, and 
one to which his other labors may be considered incidental. 

A brief reference to the condition and progress of sea-coast defence at that 
period is here appropriate. Previous to the Revolution, our seaport towns had 
not grown into large cities, nor were there great naval establishments or military 
depots to invite the enterprises of an enemy. During that contest, the harbors of 
Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, &c., had been, toa certain extent, 
“fortified”? against naval attack by slight earthen batteries, or in some few 
cases by small and (as we would now call them) insignificant earthen forts. A work 
of palmetto logs and sand on Sullivan’s island, Charleston harbor, mounting 
but 30 guns, decisively repulsed, early in the revolutionary war, the attack of 
the British fleet under Sir Peter Parker, consisting of two frigates and six 
sloops-of-war, cagrying about 270 guns, destroying four of the smaller vessels, and 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 267 


inflicting a loss of 205 in killed and wounded (eleven times as many per gun 
employed against them as the English lost at Trafalgar;) thus decisively dem- 
onstrating the value of fortifications, and the superiority of land batteries to 
ships. But with an immense sea-coast line and sparse population, it was im- 
possible to hold our seaports against the great naval power of the mother coun- 
try, and the war of the Revolution was mainly a contest of land forces. After 
the attainment of our independence, the importance of fortifying our harbors 
impressed itself on the mind of General Washington, and the political agitations 
which grew out of the French Revolution, and which threatened to involve the 
new-born Power of the West, prompted early action in this direction. In that 
day war, though a science, had not grown into one which makes tributary to it 
all other sciences, as it has since done. Fortification, indeed, had reached a 
high degree of perfection, but the elaborate treatises on that subject scarcely 
touched the subject of harbor defence, so little art was apparently supposed to 
be involved in throwing up batteries to defend the entrances of ports. ‘The art 
of a Vauban and Cormontaigne was little concerned in the war from which we 
had just emerged, and the circumstances were too dissimilar, the theatre too 
large and too thinly populated, the armies engaged too small, to afford to the pre- 
cepts of a Lloyd or a Templehoff much apparent applicability. While the war 
developed generals of unquestionable ability in the spheres in which they actea, 
it seemed to be conceded, that for military science, and especially for the art 
of fortification, we must look to Europe. Hence we find so many of the early 
harbor defences of our principal seaport towns to have been built under the di- 
rection of foreign officers who had tound employment among us, and who did 
not always possess the knowledge of the art to which they laid claim. 

The importance of a Military Academy for the training of officers for the mil- 
itary service, and especially for the engineers and artillery, had been acknowl- 
edged even from ihe very outset of the struggle for independence. We find 
even the Continental Congress appointing a committee ‘to prepare and bring in 
aplan of a Military Academy,” and the first Secretary of War, General Knox, 
in an official report to the President, discusses the subject at much length. The 
establishment of such an institution is known to have been a favorite object of 
General Washington, and in his annual message in 1793 he suggests the mqui- 
ry, “whether a material feature in the improvement” of the system of military 
defence “ought not to afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of 
the art which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone ;” and in 1796 he 
states that “ the desirableness of this institution had constantly increased with 
every new view he had taken of the subject.” 

An act of Congress of 1794 had provided for a corps of artillerists and engi- 
neers, to consist of four battalions, to each of which eight cadets were to be 
attached, and made it the duty of the Secretary of War to procure books, instru- 
ments and apparatus for the benefit of said corps; and in 1798 Congress author- 
ized the raising of an additional regiment, increased the number of cadets to 
fifty-six, and empowered the President to appoint four teachers of the arts and 
sciences necessary to the efliciency of this “corps.” Of the four teachers, 
none were appointed prior to January, 1801, at which time Mr. George Barron 
was appointed teacher of mathematics, and the institution, “ which was nothing 
more than a mathematical school for the few cadets then in the service,” was 
nominally established. 

It was soon discovered that the regiment of artillerists and engineers could 
not combine with effect the two duties assigned to its members, and a law was 
therefore framed separating them into two corps, and declaring that the corps of 
engineers should be stationed at West Point, New York, and should constitute 
a Military Academy. This act of March 16, 1802, which is the organic law of 
the corps of engineers and of the Military Academy, provided for the appoint- 


268 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


ment of a certain number of officers and cadets,* (not to exceed twenty in all,) 
and declared that “the principal engineer, or, in his absence, the next in rank, 
shall have the superintendence of the Military Academy, under the direction of 
the President of the United States.” 

It is not my purpose here to follow further the history of that institution; I 
have alluded to its initiation as a step taken to provide for an acknowledged 
want of the period—an institution for teaching the military sciences to young 
men entering the army, and for creating a competent corps of engineers. it 
was soon found, however, that the duties of engineer officers were inconsistent 
with their remaining at West Point, and themselves constituting ‘a Military 
Academy.” Most of them were soon called to dutiesalong the seaboard, in con- 
structing our fortifications, while, as the wants of the service and of the Acad- 
emy have been more clearly seen, the number of cadets has been increased, to 
supply not only the engineers and artillery, but officers of all arms of the ser- 
vice, and the various professorships and departments of instruction now existing 
have been established. 

As the duties of the corps became more and more extensive, its chief, though 
charged with the administration of its affairs, could not be constantly present at 
the Academy, and it ultimately became apparent that the immediate superin- 
tendency of such an institution was incompatible with his proper functions. In 
1817, an officer selected from the corps (Brevet Major Sylvanus Thayer, to 
whom allusion has already been made) was appointed permanent superintend- 
ent of the Academy, and made subject only to the orders of the President of 
the United States. 

Major (afterwards Colonel) Jonathan Williams, a near relative of Dr. Frank- 
lin, whom he accompanied, as secretary, to I'rance, where he studied the mili- 
tary sciences, and made himself acquainted with the standard works on fortifi- 
cation, was the first chief engineer of the United States under the law of 1802. 
He was an officer of decided merit, much beloved by his subordinates, and is 
justly styled the father of the corps of engineers and of the Military Acad- 
emy. 

While exercising his superintendence of the Academy, he devoted himself 
personally to the fortification of New York harbor, and most of the forts which 
constitute the inner line of defence of that harbor—Fort Columbus, Castles 
Williams and Clinton, (Castle Garden,) and a work similar to the last named, 
located two or three miles higher up the river (Fort Gansevoort)—were planned 
by him, and built under his immediate supervision. 

Castle Williams was the first ‘““casemated”’ battery erected in this country, 
built in 1807-10,) and was planned after the system of Montalembert, with 
which, as we have seen, Colonel Williams had made himself acquainted in 
France. This and other works of Colonel Williams, though they have been 
superficially and ignorantly criticised, were really meritorious, and do not suffer 
by comparison with European structures of the same or even much more recent 
dates. 

‘The indications of an approaching war with England, and the obvious inade- 
quacy of existing fortifications, had led to renewed exertions, and prompted the 
works just mentioned and others at all our seaports, so that when the war broke 
out there was not a town of any magnitude upon the coast not provided with 
one or more batteries. But most of the works so thrown up before the subject 
had been stadied and systematized as a whole were defective in design, small, 
weak, and, being built, for present economy, of cheap materials and workinan- 
ship, very perishable. In the main, however, they answered their purpose— 
more, perhaps, through an undue respect for them on the part of our foe than 


* Besides ten cadets of engineers, forty cadets ‘‘of artillery’? were atithoHeee by this 
law; making fifty cadets in all. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 269 


through their intrinsic strength. It was not till after the close of the war with 
England that a permanent system of coast defence was entered upon by our 
government. Indeed, without the experience of that war it is doubtful whether 
a measure, always so unpopular and generally so little understood as a national 
system of fortifications, could have gained the support of Congress and of the 
people. A “board of engineers” was constituted in 1816, with instructions to 
make examinations of the sea-coast, and to prepare plans for defensive works, 
subject to the revision of the chief engineer and the sanction of the Secretary 
of War. 

Up to this period the Military Academy had maintained a sort of embryo 
‘existence, without definite form or a prescribed system. The annual term of 
study lasted from April to’ November, all the intermediate months being vaca- 
tion. No fixed number of terms was necessary to graduation, nor was it pre- 
scribed what should be studied. Some cadets remained but a single term be- 
fore being commissioned; others, several years. Although this period pro- 
duced officers who afterwards became highly distinguished in engineering, (as 
well as in other branches of military art,) it is not surprising that the govern- 
ment yet entertained the common notion that only in Europe, and especially in 
France, could high military science be found ; nor that, in undertaking so vast 
and costly a work as the fortification of our sea-coast, distrust should have been 
felt in the unaided abilities of our own engineer officers. A distinguished 
French engineer, General Simon Bernard, was invited to this country, and, as 
“assistant”? in the corps of engineers, (an office created for the purpose by 
Congress,) made a member of the board which, as first constituted, November 
16, 1816, consisted of himself as president, Colonel William McRee, and Lieu- 
tenant Colonel J. G. Totten. In 1817 Colonel Totten was relieved, and ap- 
pears to have been stationed at Rouse’s Point, Lake Champlain, in charge of 
fortifications at that place, and the board to have been composcd of Brigadier 
General J. G. Swift, Chief Engineer, Brigadier General Bernard, and Colonel 
McRee ; but Colonel Totten was again made a member in 1819, and (both 
General Swift and Colonel McRee having resigned) the permanent board came 
to consist of Bernard and Totten alone, and the labor of working out the funda- 
mental principles of the system, and of elaborating the projects of defence for 
the great seaports, thus devolved mainly upon these two officers, though naval 
officers of rank and experience were associated with them wheneve: their exam- 
inations included positions for dock-yards, naval depots, or other objects which 
concerned the naval service. 

Though the advent ofa foreign officer, and his assignment to this duty, under 
the anomalous designation of “assistant” in the corps of engineers, naturally 
caused some feeling, yet it can scarcely be doubted that the influence of the 
proceeding was beneficial. If in Swift, McRee, Totten, Thayer, and many 
others, were found high engineering abilities and acquirements, it is no less true 
that professional association with such a man as Bernard was calculated to stim- 
ulate to higher attainments and more zealous exertion. The spirit of emulation 
alone would induce our own officers to prove to the country that they were not 
inferior to others. ‘To high military and scientific acquirements and great ex- 
perience in his professional duties, General Bernard united to the qualities of an 
amiable and accomplished gentleman the tact to adapt himself to his peculiar 
position without wounding the pride of those with whom he was thus associ- 
ated. ‘The prestige of his name aided powerfully in sustaining, with the admin- 
istration and with Congress, the measures which the board found necessary to 
recommend, and in establishing firmly, as a part of our national policy, the sys- 
tem of sea-coast defence by fortifications. In recounting the origin and growth 
of the system, it is but just to give that name an honorable mention. 

By the board of engineers of which I have been speaking a series of reports 
was drawnup, which, mostly from the pen of our departed associate, form his 


270 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


best memorial, and exhibit in a masterly manner the principles of sea-coast and 
harbor defence, and their application to our own country. Ina paper of this 
kind it will not be out of place to give some idea, at least, of the arguments and 
views contained in these documents. An elaborate report of 1826, from which 
I quote, gives a general résumé of the principles which have guided the labors 
of the board, and of the results arrived at: 

«The means of defence for the seaboard of the United States, constituting a 
system, may be classed as follows: First, a navy ; second, fortifications ; third, 
interior communications by land and water; and fourth, a regular army and 
well-organized militia. 

“ The navy wust be provided with suitable establishments for construction 
and repair, stations, harbors of rendezvous, and ports of refuge, all secured by 
fortifications defended by regular troops and militia, and supplied with men and 
materials by the lines of intercommunication. Being the only species of offen- 
sive force compatible with our domestic institutions, it will then be prepared to 
act the great part which its early achievements have promised, and to which its 
high destiny will lead. 

“ Fortifications must close all-important harbors against an enemy, and se- 
cure them to our military and commercial marine; second, must deprive an 
enemy of all strong positions where, protected by naval superiority, he might fix 
permanent quarters in our territory, maintain himself during the war, and keep 

. the whole frontier in perpetual alarm; third, must cover the great cities from 
attack; fourth, must prevent as far as practicable the great avenues of interior 
navigation from being blockaded at their entrances into the ocean; fifth, must 
cover the coastwise and interior navigation by closing the harbors and the sev- 
eral inlets from the sea which intersect the lines of communication, and thereby 
further aid the navy in protecting the navigation of the country; and sixth, 
must protect the great naval establishments. 

“« Interior communications will conduct with certainty the necessary supplies 
of all sorts to the stations, harbors of refuge, and rendezvous, and the establish- 
ments for construction and repair, for the use both of the fortifications and the 
navy; will greatly facilitate and expedite the concentration of military force 
and the transfer of troops from one point to another; insure to these also unfail- 
ing supplies of every description, and will preserve unimpaired the interchange 
ot domestic commerce even during periods of the most active external warfare. 

“ The army and militia, together with the marine, constitute the vital princi- 
pleof the system. 

“From this sketch it is apparent that our system of defence is composed of 
elements whose numerous reciprocal relations with each other and with the 
whole constitute its excellence; one element is scarcely more dependent than 
the whole system is on any one. Withdraw the navy, and the defence becomes 
merely passive; withdraw interior communications from the system, and the 
navy must cease in a measure to be active for want of supplies, and the fortifi- 
cations can offer but a feeble resistance for want of timely re-enforcements ; with- 
draw fortifications, and there only remains a scattered and naked navy.” 

The relation of the navy to fortifications is one of those subjects not always 
well appreciated, and hence the cause of mischievous notions and muci: misrep- 
resentation. No pains is spared in these reports to make this subject clearly 
understood. After the quotation just given, Colonel Totten remarks: 

“It is necessary to observe, in the first place, that the relation of fortifica- 
tions to the navy in a defensive system is that of a sheltering, succoring power, 
while the relation of the latter to the former is that of an active and powerful 
auxiliary ; and that the latter ceases to be efficient as a member of the system 
the moment it becomes passive, and should in no case (we allude to the navy 
proper) be relied on as a substitute for fortifications. This position may be 
easily established. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JCSEPH G. TOTTEN. 271} 


“ Tf our navy be inferior to that of the enemy, it can afford, of course, unaided 
by fortifications, but a feeble resistance, single ships being assailed by whole 
fleets; if it be equal, or superior, having numerous points along an extended 
frontier to protect, and being unable to concentrate, because ignorant of the 
selected point of attack, every point must be simultancously guarded : our sep- 
arate squadrons may therefore be captured in detail by the concentrated fleet of 
the attacking power. If we attempt to concentrate under an idea that a favorite 
object of the enemy is foreseen, he willnot fail to push his forces upon the places 
thus left without protection. ‘This mode of defence is liable to the further 
objections of being exposed to fatal disasters, although not engaged with an 
enemy, and of leaving the issue of conflict often to be determined by accident, 
in spite of all the efforts of courage and skill. Ifit were attempted to improve 
upon this mode by adding temporary batteries and field works, it would be tound 
that, besides being weak and inadequate from their nature, the most suitable 
positions for these works must often be neglected, under a necessary condition of 
the plan, that ihe ships themselves be defended; otherwise, they must cither 
take no part in the contest, or be destroyed by the superior adversary.” 

It is hardly to be expected that a system affording so much room for discus- 
sion, and by its importance inviting it, should, especially in this country, escape 
adverse judgment. Military and naval men, congressmen, and even cabinet 
officers, have assailed it, called in question the principles on which it is based, or 
denied the judiciousness of their application. The forms and sources of assault 
have been varied, but there has been really no great difference in the substance, 
of which, perhaps, as good an expression as any may be found in these dogmas, 
forming the pith of a criticism from no less a source than the Secretary of War, 
Mr. Cass, approved by the President, General Jackson: 

“Ist. That for the defence of the coast, the chief reliance should be on the 
navy ; 

“2d. That in preference to fortifications, floating batteries should be intro- 
duced wherever they can be used ; 

“3d. That we are not in danger of large expeditions ; and, consequently, 

“4th. That the system of the board of engineers comprises works which are 
unnecessarily large for the purposes which they have to fulfil.” 

Owing to these strictures, the House of Representatives, by resolutions of 
April 9, 1840, called upon the War Department for a report of a full and con- 
nected system of national defence. ‘The duty was committed by the Secretary 
of War to a board of officers of the army and navy, among whom was Colonel 
Totten, and by whom the report was drawn up. It was entirely approved by 
the Secretary of War, Mr. Poinsett, and is universally admitted to be one of the 
most able and comprehensive expositions of the whole subject of sea-coust de- 
fence extant, and a complete refutation of the objections made to our existing 
system. The discussion of the first and principal proposition—that of defence 
by the navy—is so interesting and instructive that, though long, I venture to 
quote it: 

‘The opinion that the navy is the true defence of the country is so accept- 
able and popular, and is sustained by such high authority, that it demands a 
careful examination. 

‘‘ Before going into this examination, we will premise that by the term ‘navy ° 
is here meant, we suppose, line-of-battle ships, frigates, smaller sailing vessels, 
and armed steamships, omitting vessels constructed for local uses merely, such 
as floating batteries. 

“ For the purpose of first considering this proposition in its simplest terms, 
we will begin by supposing the nation to possess but a single seaport, and that 
this is to be defended by a fleet alone. 

“ By remaining constantly within this port, our fleet would be certain of mcet- 
ing the enemy, should he assail it. But if inferior to the enemy, there woud 


272 BULOG\ ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


be no reason to look for a successful defence; and as there would be no escape 
for the defeated vessels, the presence of the fleet, instead of averting the issue, 
would only render it the more calamitous. 

“Should our fleet be equal to the enemy’s, the defence might be complete, 
and it probably would be so. Still, hazard, some of the many mishaps liable to 
attend contests of this nature, might decide against us; and in that event, the 
consequences would be even more disastrous than on the preceding supposition. 
Tn this case the chances of victory to the two parties would be equal, but the con- 
sequences very unequal. It might: be the enemy’s fate to lose his whole fleet. 
but he could lose nothing more; while we in a similar attempt would lose not 
only the whole fleet, but also the object that the fleet was designed to protect. 

‘If superior to the enemy, the defence of the port would in all respects be 
complete. But instead of making an attack, the enemy would, in such case, 
employ himself in cutting up our commerce on the ocean; and nothing could be 
done to protect this commerce without leaving the port in a condition to be suc- 
cessfully assailed. 

“In either of the above cases the fleet might await the enemy in front of the 
harbor, instead of lying within. But no advantage is apparent from such 
arrangement, and there would be superadded the risk of being injured by tem- 
pests, and thereby being disqualified for the duty of defence, or of being driven 
off the coast by gales of wind, thus for a time removing all opposition. 

“In the same cases also, especially when equal or superior to the enemy, our 
fleet, depending on having correct and timely notice as to the position and state 
of preparation of the enemy’s forces, might think proper to meet him at the out- 
let of his own port, or intercept him on his way, instead of awaiting him within 
or off our own harbor. Here it must be noticed that the enemy, like ourselves, 
is supposed to possess a single harbor only; but, having protected it by other 
means, that his navy is disposable for offensive operations. If it were attempted 
thus to shut him within his own port, he, in any case but that of decided infe- 
riority, would not hesitate to come out and risk a battle; because, if defeated, he 
could retire under shelter of his defences to refit; and if successful, he could 
proceed with a small portion of his foree—even a single vessel would suffice— 
to the capture of our port now defenceless, while, with the remainder, he would 
follow up his advantage over our defeated vessels, not failing to pursue into 
their harbor should they return thither. 

“‘ Actual superiority on our part would keep the enemy from volunteering a 
battle; but it would be indispensable that the superiority be steadily main- 
tained, and that the superior fleet be constantly present. If driven off by tem- 
pests, or absent from any other cause, the blockaded fleet would escape, when it 
would be necessary for our fleet to fly back to»the defence of its own port. 
lixperience abundantly proves, moreover, that it is in vain to attempt to shut a 
hostile squadron in port for any length of time. It seems, then, that whether 
we defend by remaining at home, or by shutting the enemy’s fleet within his 
own harbor, actual superiority in vessels is indispensable to the security of our 
own port. 

“ With this superiority the defence will be complete, provided our flcet re- 
mains within its harbor. But then all the commerce of the country upon the 
ocean must be left to its fate; and no attempt can be made to react offensively 
against the foe, unless we can control the chances of finding the enemy’s fleet 
within his port, and the still more uncertain chance of keeping him there; the 
escape of a single vessel being sufficient to cause the loss of our harbor. Let 
us next see what will be the state of the question on the supposition of numer: 
ous important ports on either side, instead of a single one, relying on our part 
still exclusively on a navy. 

«In order to examine this question, we will suppose our adversary to be for- 
tified in all his harbors, and possessed of available naval means, equal to our 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 273 


own. This is certainly a fair supposition ; because what is assumed as regards 
his harbors is true of all maritime nations, except the United States; and as re- 
gards naval means, it is elevating our own strength considerably above its pres- 
ent measure, and above that it is likely to attain for years. 

“ Being thus relatively situated, the first difference that strikes us is, that the 
enemy, believing all his ports to be safe without the presence of his vessels, scts 
himself at once about making our seas and shores the theatre of operations, 
while we are left without choice in the matter; for if he thinks proper to come, 
und we are not present, he attains his object without resistance. 

“The next difference is, that while the enemy (saving only the opposition of 
Providence) is certain to fall upon the single point, or the muny points he may 
have selected, there will exist no previous indications of his particular choice, 
and, consequently, no reason for preparing our defence on one point rather than 
another; so that the chanecs of not being present and ready on his arrival are 
directly in proportion to the number of our ports—that isto say, the greatcr the 
number of ports, the greater the number of chances that he will meet no opposi 
tion whatever. 

“ Another difference is, that the enemy can choose the mode of warfare as 
well as the plan of operations, leaving as little option to us in the one case as in 
the other. It will be necessary for us to act, in the first instance, on the suppo- 
sition that an assault will be made with his entire fleet; because, should we act 
otherwise, his coming in that array would involve both fleet and coast in inev- 
itable defeat and ruin. Being in this state of concentration, then, should the 
enemy have any apprehensions about the result of a general engagement, shoul: 
he be unwilling to put anything at hazard, or should he, for any other reason, 
prefer acting by detachments, he can, on approaching the coast, disperse his 
force into small squadrons and single ships, and make simultancous attacks on 
numerous points. These enterprises would be speedily consummated, because, 
as the single point occupied by our fleet would be avoided, all the detachments 
would be unopposed; and after a few hours devoted to burning shipping, or 
public establishments, and taking in spoil, the several expeditions would leave 
the coast for some convenient rendezvous, whence they might return, either in 
fleet or in detachments, to visit other portions with the scourge. 

“Ts it insisted that our fleet might, notwithstanding, be so arranged as to 
mect these enterprises ¢ 

« As it cannot be denied that the enemy may select his point of attack out of 
the whole extent of coast, where is the prescience that can indicate the spot ? 
And if it cannot be foretold, how is that ubiquity to be imparted that shall 
always place our fleet in the path of the advancing foe? Suppose we attempt 
to cover the coast by cruising in front of it, shall we sweep its whole leugth ? 
—a distance scarcely less than that which the enemy must traverse in passing 
from his coast to ours. Must the Gulf of Mexico be swept as well as the 
Atlantic; or shall we give up the Guli to the enemy’ Shall we cover the 
southern cities, or give them up also? We must unquestionably do one of 
two things: either relinquish a great extent of coast, confining our cruisers to a 
small portion only, or include so much that the chances of intercepting an enemy 
would seem to be out of the question. ” 

The report then goes on to discuss the uses for defensive purposes of gun- 
boats, floating batteries and steam batteries, as distinguished from the navy 
proper. Admitting their usefulness, and, even in some cases, their necessity, it 
argues with great force that they are not a substitute for and cannot supersede 
fortifications, and it sums up its argument concerning naval defence with the 
following broad propositions, to which it challenges opposition : 

“1st. If the sea-coast is to be defended by naval means exclusively, the de- 
fensive force at each point deemed worthy of protection must be at least equal 
in power to the attacking force. 

18 


4 


i 


274 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


«©9d. As from the nature of the case there can be no reason for expecting am 
attack on one of these points rather than on another, and no time for transfer- 
ring our state of preparation from one to another after an attack has been de- 
clared, each of them must have assigned to it the requisite means; and, 

«3d. Consequently this system demands a power in the defence as many 
times greater than that in the attack as there are points to be covered. 

“There has been but one practice among nations as to the defence of ports 
and harbors, and that has been a resort to fortifications. All the experience 
that history exhibits is on one side only; it is the opposition of forts or other 
works, comprehended by the term fortification, to attack by vessels, and al- 
though history affords some instances wherein this defence has not availed, we 
see that the resort is still the same. No nation omits covering the exposed 
points upon her seaboard with fortifications, nor hesitates in confiding in them.” 

The most prominent cases of such successful attacks, viz. Copenhagen, Al- 
giers, San Juan de Ulloa, &c., are then described and discussed, to show that 
the deductions drawn from them are erroneous, or that they are not cases in 
point, or that the disastrous result has been owing to the neglected condition, 
imperfect armament, or unskilful and inadequate defence of the forts. 

The report, of which I have given some of the main points, may be said to 
have silenced opposition to our system of fortifications for the next ten years ; 
but, in a form modified by the alleged changes in the condition of the country, 
increase of population, construction of railroads, &c., it again found expression 
in a resolution of Congress in 1851; and the Secretary of War, to enable him- 
self to respond, called upon numerous distinguished army and navy oflicers for 
an expression of their opinions. ‘The following questions were addressed to sev- 
eral of the principal engineer officers, among whom the chief of corps, General 
Totten : : 

“1st. How far the invention and extension of railroads have superseded or 
diminished the necessity of fortifications on the seaboard ? 

“2d. In what manner and to what extent the navigation of the oceam by 
steam, and particularly the application of steam to vessels of war, and recent 
improvements in artillery, and other military inventions and discoveries, affect. 
this question ¢ 

“3d. How far vessels of war, steam batteries, ordinary merchant ships and 
eveamers, and other temporary expedients, can be relied upon as a substitute 
for permaneut fortifications for the defence of our seaports? 

‘4th. How far the increase of population on the northern frontier and of the 
mercantile marine on the northern lakes obviates or diminishes the necessity of 
continuing the system of fortifications on these Jakes ?” 

General Totten’s respovse to these critical interrogations is, as usual with 
him when this great subject has to be dealt with, full and exhaustive. The 
following pithy paragraphs exhibit his views on the influence of railroads : 

‘Suppose a hostile fleet to lie in front of the city of New York—which 
nothing would prevent, if the channels of approach were not fortified—in what 
way could the 100,000 or 200,000 new men poured into the city and environs. 
by railroads, although armed with muskets and field-pieces, aid the half-million 
of people already there? It seems to me very clear that these additional forces. 
would, like the population of the city, be utterly powerless in the way of resist- 
ance, with any means at their command, and, if resistance were attempted by 
the city, would but serve to swell the list of casualties, unless they should at. 
once retreat beyond the range of fire. Ifthe enemy’s expedition were intended, 
according to the second supposed mode of attack, jor invasion, or occupation for 
some time, of a portion of the country, then in many places this resource of 
railroads would be of value, because then the duty of defence would fail upon 
the army and militia of the country, and these communications would swe!| 
their numbers. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN 275 


“ But of all circumstances of danger to the coast, this chance of an attempt 
by an enemy to land and march any distance into a populous district is least to 
be regarded, whether there be or be not such speedy mode of receiving re-en- 
forcements, and our system of fortifications has little to do with any such dan- 
ger. In preparing against maritime assaults, the security of the points to be 
covered is considered to be greatly augmented whenever the defence can be so 
arranged as to oblige an enemy to land at some distance; for the reason that 
opportunity is thereby allowed, in the only possible way, for the spirit and 
enterprise of the people to come into play. 

“Instead of being designed to prevent a landing upon any part of the coast, 
as many seem to suppose, and some allege in proof of extravagant views on the 
_ part of the system of defence, the system often leaves this landing as an open 
alternative to the enemy, and aims so to cover the really important and dan 
gerous points as to necessitate a distant landing and a march towards the object 
through the people. It is because the expedition would easily accomplish its 
object without landing, and without allowing the population to partake in the 
defence, that the fortifications are resorted to. For instance, without Fort Del- 
aware, or some other fort low down on Delaware bay, an enemy could place 
his fleet of steamers in front of Philadelphia by the time his appearance on the 
coast had been well announced throughout the city. And in spite of all New 
Jersey, Delaware, and lower Pennsylvania, he could levy his contributions, and 
burn the navy yard and shipping, and be away, ina few hours. But being 
obliged, by the fort above mentioned, to land full forty miles below the city, 
the resistance to his march may be safely left to the courage and patriotism that 
will find ample time to array themselves in opposition.” 

Concerning the application of steam to vessels of war he says: 

“The application of steam to vessels of war acts upon the question of sea- 
coast defence both beneficially and injuriously. Itacts injuriously in several 
ways; but chiefly, first, by the suddenness and surprise with which vessels may 
fall upon their object, and pass from one object to another, in spite of distance, 
climate, and season; and, secondly, by their ability to navigate shallow waters. 

“The first property, by which squadrons may run into our harbors, out- 
stripping all warnings of their approach, affords no chance for impromptu prepa- 
rations; accordingly, whatever our preparations are to be, they should precede 
the war. If seems past all belief that a nation having in commission—as 
France and England always have—a large number of war-steamers, ready for 
distant servicein twenty-four hours, receiving their orders by telegraph, capable 
of uniting in squadrons, andin two or three days at most speeding on their sev- 
eral paths to fall upon undefended ports—it is not to be expected, I say, that 
they should delay such enterprises until temporary resorts could be got ready 
to receive them. And yet there are those who insist that we should leave 
defensive measures to a state of war—that we should let the day supply the 
need ! 

“‘Tnadequate as all such measures must prove, there would not be time to 
arrange even these. By the second property, due to their light draught of water, 
these vessels will oblige the defence to be extended in some form to passages 
or channels or shoals that were before adequately guarded by their shallowness. 
The bars at the mouth of the Mississippi formerly excluded all but small ves- 
sels-of-war, and thé strong current of the river made the ascent of sailing ves- 
sels exceedingly uncertain and tedious. Now these bars and currents are imped- 
iments no longer; and all the armed steamers of Great Britain and France 
might be formed in array in face of the city of New Orleans before a rumor of 
their approach had been heard. 

“Had the English expedition of 1814, attended by a squadron of urmed 
steamers, arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi, a few transports might have 
been taken in tow, and in a few hours the whole army would have been before 


976 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


the city. Or twelve or fifteen such steamers could have carried the whole army 
up in half a day, without the delay of transports. Will it be contended that 
the attack in that form would have been repulsed with the means then in Gen- 
eral Jackson’s hands? Would the landing, or even the presence on board these 
steamships, of the British troops have been necessary to burn the city or put it 
under contribution? Is there anything now, but the existence of forts on the 
river, to prevent the success of such an attack by fifteen or twenty steamers of 
war, allured there by the vastly increased magnitude of the spoil? ’’* 

While the enemy’s means of attack are thus enhanced by the use of war 
steamers, General 'l'otten contends that they cannot be relied upon, as a substi 
tute tor fortifications, for defence. 

«J do not assert,’”’ he says, ‘‘ that armed vessels would not be useful in coast 
defence. Such an idea would be absurd. I shall even have occasion to show 
a necessity for this kind of force, in certain exceptional cases. It is the general 
proposition, viz., that armed vessels, and not fortifications, are the proper defences 
for our vulnerable points—a proposition the more dangerous, because seem- 
ingly in such accordance with the well-tried prowess and heroic achievements 
of the navy, that we have now to controvert. 

“Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, and New Orleans 
are, we will suppose, to be guarded, not by forts, but by these vessels, on the 
occurrence of a war with a nation possessing large naval means. We know 
that it is no effort for such nations to despatch a fleet of twenty line-of-battle 
ships and frigates, or an equal number of war steamers, or even the combined 
mass—both fleets in one. 

* * #* x * * * * 

‘““What, then, shall we do at the above-named ports severally? ach is 
justly felt to be an object worthy of an enemy’s efforts, and each would be cul- 
pable in sending elsewhere any part of the force required for its own defence. 
Each, therefore, maintains a naval force equal, at least, to that the enemy is 
judged to be able to send promptly against it. Omitting any provision for 
other places scarcely less important, what is the result? It is, that we main- 
tain within the harbors of, or at the entrance to, these places, chained down to 
this passive defence, a force at least six times as large as that of the enemy. 

“He does not hesitate to leave his port, because it will be protected in his 
absence by its fortifications, which also afford him a sure refuge on his return. 
He sails about the ocean, depredating upon our commerce with his privateers 
and small cruisers, putting our small places to ransom, and in other ways fol- 
lowing up appropriate duties; all which is accomplished without risk, be- 
cause our fleet, although of enormous magnitude, must cling to ports which 
have no other defence than that afforded by their presence. ‘Vhey cannot com- 
bine against him singly, for they cannot know where he is; and must not, 
moreover, abandon the object which they were expressly provided to guard. 

“It would really seem that there could not be a more impolitic, inefficient, 
and dangerous system, as there could not certainly be a more expensive one.” 

I have thus extensively quoted from the reports of General Totten, because 
they are themselves the best expressions of the life labors and services of the 
subject of our memoir, and because I think they treat of matters which should 
be, in an eminent degree, interesting to the members of this National Academy, 
and which, moreover, should demand its attention. 

To preserve the continuity of my subject, I have followed these reports down 
toa late date. It is necessary now to revert to an earlier period. It has 


* The experience of the rebellion has proved the truth of General Totten’s words. The 
moment the forts were passed, the city of New Orleans was, notwithstanding the land forces 
under Lovell, at Commodore Farragut’s mercy. I have alluded elsewhere to the failure of 
the forts. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. it 


already been observed that, as soon as the original board of engineers had 
sufficiently matured the general system of defence, and completed plans for the 
works first required, its members applied themselves to the duty of construc- 
tion. In 1828 General (then Colonel) Totten took charge of the construction 
of Fort Adams, Newport harbor, and continued on this duty, making his resi- 
dence in the town of Newport, until December, 1838, the date of his appoint- 
ment as chief of the corps of engineers. ‘This work, the second in magnitude 
of the fortifications of the United States, is one of the best monuments of his 
genius as a military engineer. From its peculiar relations'to the land defence, 
it called for the application of most of those rules of the art and many of those 
special arrangements which form the themes of treatises upon “ fortification,” 
and which, generally, have but a very limited application to works of harbor 
defence. In these respects it has no parallel with us; and in the treatment of 
the case and happy adaptation of means to the end, Colonel Totten exhibited a 
mastery of all the details of the art, which proves his technical skill and minute 
knowledge to be fully equal to the power of broad generalization I have already 
endeavored to illustrate. But Colonel Totten found here yet another field for 
professional usefulness—another track to explore. The art of the civil engi- 
neer (I use the phrase in its application to mere construction, whether it be of a 
military or civil work) was yet in its infancy in this country. Our resources 
in building materials were almost unknown, their qualities and adaptabilities to 
different purposes of construction undeveloped. ‘Thus far the matter had ex- 
cited little attention; the building material, whether brick or stone, lime or tim- 
ber, nearest at hand was indiscriminately used, and its aggregation left much to 
the skill of the mechanie. in commencing constructions on so great a scale, it 
was of the first importance that the work should be both durable and econom- 
ical—a result only to be attained by the most careful selection of materials, and 
the most skilful manipulation. Besides, our forts called for arrangements 
unknown in other branches of building—arrangements for which the execution 
and the most suitable materials had to be studied out ab enitio, since on many of 
these points there were neither experience nor extant rules to guide. 

In the years 1830 and 1831 a series of expcriments was instituted by Colo- 
nel Totten at Fort Adams, on the expansion and contraction of building stone 
by natural changes of temperature, and the effects of these variations on the 
cements employcd to secure the joints of stone copings. An account of them 
was prepared under his direction by Lieutenant (now Professor) W. H. C. Bart- 
lett, a member of this Academy, and published in the American Journal of 
Science for July, 1832. ‘The methods employed were at once simple and inge- 
nious, and the result was such as to leave no doubt that in this climate the 
joints of copings formed of stone of four or five feet in length will always be 
insecure, no matter what description of cement may be employed to close them. 

This result is one of great practical importance. Previously to the experimen- 
tal examination of the subject by Colonel Totten, the walls of our most expen- 
sive works of masonry were protected by copings cemented at their joints; and 
while the failure of the cement was constantly noticed, the cause of the failure 
was not understood. The experiments showed that the changes of longitudinal 
dimensions of granite coping-stones, five fect only in length, under the extreme 
temperatures to which they were exposed at Newport, would be sufficient to pul- 
verize the hardest cement between them, or to leave cracks in it thicker than com- 
mon pasteboard. With marble as a material, these destructive effects are con- 
siderably increased, and with sandstone, nearly doubled. 

About the same time Colonel Totten caused some experiments to be made to 
ascertain the relative stiffuess and strength of the following kinds of timber, 
viz: White pine, (Pinus stobus,) Spruce, (Abies nigra,) and southern pine, 
( Pinus australus ), also called long-leaved pine. 


278 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


These experiments, made by his assistant, Lieutenant T. S. Brown, of the 
corps of engineers, were published in the American Journal of Science and 
Art, and afterwards, having been revised by the author, in the Journal of the 
Franklin Institute, a note being added, the calculations extended, and practical 
inferences drawn therefrom. ‘This memoir and additions are found in vol. vii, 
new series, Journal of the Franklin Institute, 1831. Lieutenant Brown’s account 
concludes with the following remarks : 

«In Tredgold’s Carpentry, and other similar works, may be found the con- 
stant numbers (a) and (c) for nearly all the kinds of wood useful in the arts ; 
but besides that the numbers are in many instances calculated from insufficient 
experiments, most of the specimens used in the trials were of European growth, 
and of course the results obtained are inapplicable to American timber, though 
bearing the same name. It is much to be desired that numerous and accurate 
experiments be made in this country by those having the requisite zeal and 
opportunities ; our architects will then know with certainty the qualities of the 
different kinds of woods they are using, and instead of working at hazard and 
in the dark, as they now too often do, they will be guided by the sure light of 
practical science to certain and definite results. If these experiments contrib- 
ute ever so little to the attainment of so important a result, the object of their 
publication will be fully accomplished. ”’ 

A subject of such vital importance in the art of construction as the composi- 
tion of mortars could not fail to invite, or rather compel, the researches of Colo- 
nel Totten. No species of masonry is subject to such severe deteriorating influ- 
ences as the walls and arches of fortifications, especially in our climate; so 
severe, indeed, that they almost drive the engineer to despair. Next only to 
the importance of having the building stones or bricks of a swxble character, is 
that of uniting them by astrong and durable mortar. Few persons whose 
attention has not been called to the subject conceive its magnitude, the 
variety of materials it embraces, and the laborious investigations to which it 
has given rise. Colonel Totten commenced his researches at an early date, 
and continued them actively during the whole period of his connexion with Fort 
Adams. 

His work on “ Hydraulic and Common Mortars” was published in 1838 by 
the Franklin Institute of ‘Philadelphia. It contains, besides original experi- 
ments and observations on mortars, hydraulic cements and concretes, trausla- 
tions of essays by Treussart, Pitot, and Courtois, the best French writers on 
the same subject, and constitutes to this day an authority relied on by Amer- 
ican engineers. Colonel 'T'otten’s experiments extend over the period from 1825 
to 1838; they are especially valuable for the variety of limes and cements, and 
the tests of different modes of slacking the lime, mixing the mortars, and pre- 
paring the cements and coneretes. ‘The mortars were tested, after periods ran- 
ging from five months to four years and five months, for tenacity, by the force 
required to separate two bricks joined together by means of them, and for hard- 
ness by the weight which they would support, applied over a small circular 
area. The experiments on concretes or factitious stones are equally compre- 
hensive, being directed to the composition and congistency of the cement, whether 
best used as a stiff mortar ora semi-fluid grout; to the effect of additions of 
common lime and sand or rounded pebbles and gravel, and to ascertaining the 
proportion of each that would be used to the best advantage. The results de- 
veloped by these investigations are of the greatest value, and having been ap- 
plied in the construction of the fort, have now had the test of many year’s ex- 
perience. 

It would be almost impossible to enumerate the various objects of Colonel 
Totten’s researches while at Newport. There is scarce a subject connected 
with the art or science of the engineer, civil or military, which did not engage 


" BULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 9279 


his attention, and of which he has not left some record. The thickness of sus- 
taining walls, the thrust of arches, among the more important, and the composi- 
tion of stuccoes, of paints, lackers, washes for stone or brick work, among the 
less so, may here be mentioned. 

Perhaps no period of his life is so interesting and so affectionately remem- 
bered by his professional associates. Indeed, a large proportion of the young 
officers of the corps of those days passed a portion of their time under his com- 
mand, and acquired their first professional experience in the performance of 
duties under his eye and direction. 'The disposition to cultivate science, phys- 
ical and natural, led him to original researches, while his influence stimulated 
and led to improvement the educated young men who from time to time came 
into his military family. ond of exercise, bodily and mental, he sought in - 
natural history, as in geology, mineralogy, and conchology, objects for the 
long walks and drives conducive to health, while the arrangement of the speci- 
mens, their care and classification, and the study of the babits of the animals 
which occupied the shells, gave scope to his wonderful powers of observation. 
Instead of finding his young officers a trouble, he was fond of their companion- 
ship, suggesting modes and objects of experiment, and encouraging them to do 
so likewise, thus cultivating originality of thought. His laboratory was at 
their service, and his companionship and example at their disposal. After a 
day’s labor he retired to this laboratory, glad to have with him such of the young 
companions of the day as desired to join him. 'The honored president of this 
Academy can recollect, year after year, the computations, under Colonel Totten’s 
direction, of the thickness of revetments, the analysis of minerals collected in 
the field, classifications of shells gathered in days’ walks on the seashore, dis- 
cussions of the curious structure of geological specimens in the neighborhood of 
Newport, and of the curious mineralogical specimens of the upper poxtion of 
Rhode Island, which he encouraged them to find. So upon the fort itself, the 
various researches which I have described were marked out for successive ex- 
perimenting, with a generosity to his assistants which almost persuaded them 
that they were original with them. 'The determination of the measures used in 
laying out the fort, and the practical apparatus employed in the measurements, 
received his careful study. The practical character of these works impressed 
themselves upon the minds of the young officers, and furnished the fitting com- 
plement to the theoretical training received at West Point. 

Not least pleasant among the memories of this period of Colonel Totten’s life, 
to those who had the good fortune to be associated with him, is the recollection 
of the social enjoyments of his house. Married in 1816 to Catlyna Pearson, of 
Albany, he was surrounded by a young family, among whom his happiest 
moments were spent, and to whom he was everything that such a relation can 
imply. None could be happier in his social intercourse. Genial and eminently 
hospitable, he cultivated as a duty those smaller amenities of society by which 
the cares of life are lightened and its joys augmented. His house was the 
home of his friends, and was seldom without some one of them. Though dig- 
nified and courteously reserved in his intercourse with the external world, few 
more highly enjoyed real humor, or could with more true donhommie give them- 
selves up to the gayety of the moment. In his relations to his young officers he 
was kind and affable, encouraging freedom of expression, and inviting inquiry 
in everything that related to professional matters, while there was always that 
in his manner which inspired the most profound respect and forbade undue lev- 
ity of conduct in his presence. 

Before quitting the scene of so important a portion of Colonel Totten’s official 
labors, it is proper to remark that, in addition to the duties of his particular 
charge, he, as a member and for the last six years president of the board of 
engineers, was engaged in the planning of the new works for which Congress 


280 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


from time to time made the necessary appropriations.* To this duty he usually 
devoted the winter months, during which all construciion on Fort Adams was 
suspended. In the execution of his designs he was usually assisted by young 
officers of the corps, who found therein a practical application of the theoretical 
knowlcdge acquired at West Point instructive and useful. 

The works of harbor improvement on the seaboard and on the lakes were 
likewise under the control and direction of the Engineer Bureau ; and Colonel 
T\ tten, though not directly engaged therein, was not infrequently called on to 
inspect and advise concerning them. Most of these, and especially those of the 
lake shores, afforded curious and interesting problems in this branch of civil 
engineering, and his reports and notes on these subjects, yet extant, are addi- 
tional proots of the wide range of his professional knowledge and of his powers 
of accurate observation and of skilful deduction from the phenomena of na- 
ture. 

Colonel Totten was appointed colonel of the corps of engineers and Chief 
Engineer December 7, 1838. At this time the construction of Fort Adams 
was so far advanced towards completion as to need no longer his personal super- 
vision, and the city of Washington became thenceforth his home and the seat of 
his official duties. Identified, as we have seen, with the origin and growth of 
the great system of sea-coast defence of the United States, it was eminently 
proper that he should become the head of that bureau of the War Department 
to which its execution was committed, and no one could be more eminently fitted 
for that important station. 

At the date of his appointment the system of coast defence had been for about 
twenty years in progress of construction, and during that period most of those 
ports and harbors of the United States deemed most important to ourselves or 
most assailable by a naval foe had been, at least, partially fortified. At many 
such points, indeed, no new work had been as yet constructed, owing to the 
existence of forts or batteries more or less adequate built before or during the 
war of 1812. ‘These works, where possible, were absorbed into the new sys- 
tem with some repairs and alterations. Among such points may be mentioned 
the harbors of Portland, Portsmouth, New London, Philadelphia, Baltimore, 
and Charleston. New and powerful works had, however, been built or far 
advanced to completion, for the defence of Boston, Newport, New York, Hamp- 
ton Rouds, the Savannah river, Pensacola, Mobile, and New Orleans. But. 
the strictures on the system, to which we have before made reference, proceed- 
ing from such an authority as the Secretary of War and sanctioned by the 
President, had not failed to shake the confidence of Congress and of the people. 
For several years the annual appropriations had been wholly denied or made 
so inadequately that the work had languished and at seme points had been 
wholly suspended. But however much opposition may grow up in time of pro- 
found peace, no sooner is there a probability of seeing a foe at our doors than 
all eyes are turned to these protecting works, and the most urgent demands are 
made that our seaport towns shall be speedily put “in a state of defence.” 
Such an impulse was given by the Maine bonndary and McLeod questions, 
soon after the advent of Colonel Totten to the Chief Engineership. In falfill- 
ing the urgent duty which thus devolved upon him, he did not content himself 
with the mere issuing of orders £om his office at Washington. He made it his 
business to inspect personally the works, and in less than two years, besides 


* By the Regulations, the local engineer officer, upon whom the construction of the pro- 
posed work was to devolve, was ex officio a member of the board. This brought together 
during the winter months engineer officers from various parts of the country—from the 
shores of the Gulf, from the seaboard of North and South Carolina and Georgia, as well as. 
from nearer points, and added not a little to the charm of the professiona! and social lite of 
the young engineer officers at Newport. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 281 


the enormous office labor he found necessary to attend to on the first assump- 
tion of charge of the bureau, he had visited every fort and battery on the sea- 
coast of the United States. His inspections were not superficial and hasty ; 
they were most thorough and searching. His investigations embraced, at the 
same time, the general scope and purpose of the work, its adaptability to its 
great objects, and the minutest detail in its construction. It was now that 
the country derived the full benefit of his indefatigable researches while at 
Newport. 

I have already alluded to the lack of knowledge and experience in this coun- 
try of the art of construction, especially in its applications to the peculiarities of 
fortification. ‘To supply this lack was a great end of Colonel 'Totten’s labors 
at Fort Adams. At few other points did the locality or circumstances of the 
construction render practicable such researches. This remark will apply par- 
ticularly to the works on the Gulf of Mexico. ‘The regions bordering the Gulf 
were, at the close of the war of 1812, but recent acquisitions to the territory of 
the United States. Sparsely populated and isolated from the rest of the Union 
as (before the application of steam to the navigation of the Mississippi) they 
were, they would be defended, if defended at all, only by the aid of fortifica- 
tions. The fact that New Orleans had been almost wrenched from our grasp, 
and the impression then everywhere felt that if it had been captured it would 
not have been relinquished, stimulated the government to secure the possession 
of this important place and of other strategic points on the Gulf by immediate 
fortification. Accordingly, designs for works—mostly prepared by General 
Bernard—were among the first labors of the board of engineers, and the forts 
on the river and lake approaches to New Orleans, at the entrances to Mobile 
bay and Pensacola harbor, were almost simultaneously commenced. Around 
New Orleans especially the engineers had to contend with formidable difficul- 
ties. ‘The deadly climate, the treacherous soil, on which no art could build a 
etructure so massive as a fortification that should not sink one or more feet, 
warping and dislocating the walls and arches, the difficulties of procuring the 
services of mechanics and laborers, the want of building materials, &c., all com- 
bined to make construction exceedingly difficult, to forbid any of its niceties, and 
to hinder all research or experiment. Some of these works had been entirely 
finished at the period we have arrived at, others nearly so, and left to “ settle’’ 
before the weight of the earthen parapets was added. 

Considering all these unfavorable circumstances, these works had been built 
in a manner creditable to the energy and skill of the engineers; but a few 
years’ neglect, aided by a damp and tropical climate, had given many of them 
an appearance which, to the superficial observer, promised anything but effi- 
ciency. Indeed, it was a popular belief in New Orleans at this time that Fort 
Jackson, on the Mississippi, had sunk so much that its guns could not be brought 
to bear on the river—a belief doubtless due to the unnecessarily highness of the 
levees by which it had been surrounded to protect its site from inundation, and 
to the rapid growth of vegetation on and about the fort. Such was the condi- 
tion of this work when Colonel Totten first visited it in 1841, and the author 
of this paper, who had but recently taken charge of it, has yet a vivid recollec- 
tion of the thorough inspections of this and other works, the tedious voyages in 
open boats through the intricate “ bayou” navigation about New Orleans, in 
company with his chief, as well as the copious and most minute instructions 
which he received. Destitute of American experience on such points, the 
designer had followed European precedents, or the constructing engincer had 
been left to his own deviees as to much that relates to the interior arrangements. 
The wood-work of magazines, inadequately ventilated, had rotted and fallen in 
ruins; the covering of the bomb-proof casemates, imperfectly understood, nad 
failed to exclude water, which percolated through the piers and archies, or 
gathered in muddy pools on the floors. The work to be done to bring the forts 


“ae 


282 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


to speedy efficiency was vast; embrasures and floors of casemates were to be 
raised to compensate the settlement the work had undergone; earth to be 
removed from the arches, in order to repair or renew the roofing; magazines 
and quarters to be refitted, and all this before a gun could be mounted in a 
proper manner. On all these points Colonel Totten was rich in the experience 
of his long researches, and ready at once to give the proper directions. Follow- 
ing his detailed instructions, the works speedily reached such a condition of 
efficiency as to permit the mounting and service of their guns.* 

What the writer here relates from his own experience at New Orleans serves 
but to illustrate the indefatigable labors and personal agency of Colonel Totten 
at this period, along the whole seaboard of the United States, in bringing all 
its ports and harbors into a defensible condition. Nor should I confine these 
attributes to any particular period. During the whole time of his chief engi- 
neership he continued the same laborious supervision. Generally once in about 
every two years he inspected every fort of the United States, and scarcely 
was the local engineer officer more thoroughly familiar with each detail of his 
own particular works than was the Chief Engineer with those of all under charge 
of the Engineer bureau. Besides attending to the routine duties of his office at 
Washington, he found time to design plans for new works, as well as for altera- 
tions or enlargement of old ones. An admirable draughtsman, executing his 
work with a delicacy and finish that defied competition on the part of his sub- 
ordinates, he would be usually found, if visited at his office, engaged at 
his drawing-table. Indeed, if he had a fault as Chief Engineer, it was the 
habit of doing everything himself. It was contemplated by the Regulations 
lations that all plans of fortifications should be made by a board of engineers, 
and General Totten, in one of his reports, alludes to the fact that this has 
not always been the case, in these words: ‘In rare cases it has happened that 
plans have been made under the particular direction of the Chief Engineer, owing 
to the difficulty, at moments, of drawing the widely dispersed members of the 
board from their individual trusts.” It may be said, too, in justice to him, that 
when he assumed control of the bureau, it was almost indispensable to take 
much upon himself, in the direction of the repairs and prosecution of many of 
the works, owing to the great pressure thrown upon the corps by the circum- 
stances of the period, and the want of a sufficient number of experienced 
officers. 

The excitement produced by the anticipation of war with England was fol- 
lowed by au actual war with a weak neighbor, a war inaugurated by the same 
influences which, in a more potent form, produced the rebellion, or rather of 
which the rebellion was but the legitimate and natural sequel. Called on by 
General Scott, who reposed in his professional skill the most unbounded confi- 
dence, Colonel Totten assumed, in 1847, the immediate control of the engineer- 
ing operations of the army destined to invade the Mexican capital, directing in 
this capacity the siege of Vera Cruz. For his successful services he was 
breveted a brigadier general, March 29, 1847, “for gallant and meritorious 
conduct at the siege of Vera Cruz.’ Having thus successfully accomplished 
the special task for which he had been selected, he left the army and resumed 
his station at Washington. 

In addition to the oncrous duties of his office, involving, besides the labors 
described, the inspectorship and supervision of the Military Academy, his 
position and high reputation subjected him to calls for incidental labors by the 
government, by the States, or by municipal bodies. A few months prior to his 


* When Forts Jackson and Philip, on the Mississippi, were attacked by the fleets of Com- 
maiiders Farragut and Porter, they were not provided with the armaments intended for them, 
and the garrisons were demoralized by a long bombardment. It is not in place to discuss 
this subject here. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 283 


appointment as Chief Engineer, 1838, he was, at the invitation of the Secretary 
of the Navy, ordered to visit the navy yard at Pensacola, and to prepare plans 
for dry-docks, wharves, sea-walls, and other improvements. Save a wretched 
failure in the shape of a wharf, the place—a navy yard ia name—had been, up 
to this period, destitute of everything that characterizes such an establishment, 
except an imposing row of officers’ quarters, and some few storehouses. A 
board of naval officers had been convened two years previously to consider the 
wants of the yard, and had recommended an extensive system of improvements, 
involving, among other things, no less than four dry-docks. Such constructions. 
reaching thirty or more feet below the level of low water in the loose sand of 
the bay shores, were difficult, demanding all the resources of the engineer, and 
it was on account of General Totten’s eminent abilities and high authority in 
such matters that the Navy Department had recourse to his services. He made 
areport on the manner of construction, with plans which, if I mistake not, have 
been a guide in the subsequent operations. Unfortunately, to this day no per- 
manent dry-dock exists, a floating wooden one having, through some influence, 
been substituted, at enormous expense, for the intended masonry structure.* 

The legislature of the State of New York having, March 30, 1855, passed 
«An act for the appointment of a commission for the preservation of the harbor 
of New York from encroachments, and to prevent obstructions to the necessary 
navigation thereof,” the commission so appointed invited and obtained the co- 
operation, as an “advisory council,” of General Totten, Professor Bache, and 
Commander Davis, United States navy. The nature of the services thus ren- 
dered is best understood by reference to the reports of the commissioners them- 
selves : 

“The distinguished reputation of General Totten, Professor Bache, and 
Commander Davis for scientific attainments, their diversified experience in the 
construction of hydraulic works, and long observation of the influence of tidal 
currents in the formation and removal of shoals, indicated them as the best 
qualified to assist the commissioners in the discharge of their duties, while their 
high personal character precluded the possibility of their advice being affected 
by other than the single purpose of arriving at a just decision on the questions 
submitted to them.” And again, after a particular allusion to the services of 
Professor Bache: “It is the gratifying duty of the commissioners to present to 
the notice of the legislature the important services which have been gratuitously 
rendered to the State by General Joseph G. Totten, chief engineer of the 
United States army, and Commander Charles H. Davis, of the United States 
‘navy, who, with Professor Bache, formed the advisory council of the commis- 
sioners. Animated by the single desire of preserving the port of New York 
in all its usefulness, they brought to the consideration of the subjects referred 
to them the diversified experience of many years spent in the examination and 
improvement of harbors. The several reports they have made on the exterior 
lines, on the improvement of Hell Gate, and on the preservation of Gowanus 
bay, are profound dissertations on the forces and actions of currents, and, while 
they evince, in some degree, the extent of the labors of those gentlemen, they 
demonstrate how just is the public estimate of their scientific attainments.” 

Following the example of New York, Massachusetts soon organized a similar 
commission for the port and harbor of Boston, on which the same gentlemen 
were invited to serve, receiving similar testimonials of the high value of their 
services. 


* The ‘‘ questionable shape” and suspicious object of this novel craft, set aflcat and towed 
out into the bay by the rebels in 1861, caused anxious surmises on the part of Colonel Brown 
and the gallant garrison of Fort Pickens, reminding us of the famous ‘‘ Battle of the Kegs” 
of the Revolution. The probable object was to sink it in the channel to prevent the eutrance 
of our gunboats. But Colonel Brown’s interference prevented the accomplishment of the 
design. It was abandoned by the rebels, and set fire to by Colonel Brown’s orders. 


284 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


Of the many scientific men of the country who were associated with him in 
such duties, (of whom most usually was our eminent president, ) none exhibited 
greater zeal and assiduity, few took a more prominent and useful part. The 
resolutions of the Light-house Board, on the occasion of his decease, which are 
appended to this memoir, would be, with slight modifications, applicable in 
reference to all his connexions of a similar nature. Inflexible in his integrity, 
uncompromising in his notions of duty, and watchful to the highest degree for 
all the interests of the government in all that concerned his charge, it is not 
strange that the shameless Floyd soon found him an obstacle to his peculiar 
operations. He was virtually banished from his office, or at least relieved frum 
its duties, which he did not resume until Floyd left the War Department. He 
took this opportunity—perhaps the very first and only release during his life- 
time from the unceasing demand of duty—to visit Kurope in company with 
Mrs. Totten, travelling through France, Italy, Germany, and England. En- 
dued with those keen perceptions and that harmonious adjustment of faculties 
which render the mind susceptible to the beautiful, whether in nature or art, he 
was, in the true sense of the term, an artist. [For music, for painting, for 
sculpture, he had a high relish and a most accurate and discriminating judgment. 

By such a one the treasures of art and antiquity of Europe can only be 
adequately appreciated and enjoyed, as we kuow they were appreciated and 
enjoyed by General Totten. He did not fail, however, to také the opportunity 
to examine, as far as he was able, the fortifications of Europe, of the character 
and peculiarities of which, however, he had little to learn. On his return he 
was sent by Floyd to the Pacific coast, with directions to inspect the fortifica- 
tions in construction, and to report on the defensive requirements of that 
region. ‘his duty and the report thereon he executed in his usual thorough 
and exhaustive manner. It furnished him with the opportunity to acquire the 
same personal knowledge of all that concerned the seaboard defence of our 
newly acquired territories on the Pacific which he already possessed, beyond 
any other man, in reference to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 

In the year 1851 General Totten inaugurated, and continued through the years 
1852, 1853, 1854, and 1855, a series of experiments at West Point “on the 
effects of firing with heavy ordnance from casemate embrasures,” and also “on 
the cffects of firing against the same embrasures with various kinds of missiles.’” 
It will be interesting and conducive to a better understanding of the objects and 
results of these experiments to say a few words as to the origin and meaning of 
the term ‘casemate,’ and to give an account of Gencral Totten’s previous 
labors in connexion with the ‘‘casemate ewbrasure.” ‘The word is from the 
Spanish casa-mata, (a compound, most likely, of casa, house, and matar, to 
kill; though it is said also to mean a low or hidden house; but the etymology 
is not settled,) and seems to have been used to signify a countermine as well as 
a concealed place, arranged in connexion with a fortilication, for containing and 
using a piece of artillery. According to Bardin* it appears to have been applied 
to the double or triple tier of uncovered gun platforms used by the early Italian 
and German engineers for flanking the ditch, as well as to vaulted galleries along 
the scarp wall. ‘The term finally came to mean, in fortification, any vaulted 
room under the earthwork of the rampart or glacis, whether intended tor service 
of guns, or for quarters of troops, or for containing stores. A gun casemate is 
such a vault abutting against the scarp or countersearp wall through which an 
‘embrasure’? is pierced to permit the discharge of the gun; and in the naval 
service the term has been adopted to signify the part of an irun-clad vessel con- 
taining the guns, and which is, for that reason, especially protected by the iroo 
plating. Hence the essential notion of the word seems to involve one or more of 
the attributes of concealment, shelter, and destructive purpose. 


* Dictionnaire de l’Armée de Terre, &c. 


é 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 285 


The use of the casemate, in some of its forms, for flanking purposes goes back 
to Albert Durer and San Micheli, in the early part of the sixteenth century, and 
it was resorted to by Vauban in his second and third systems, of which the 
tower-buastions are casemated throughout. But it was reserved for the Marquis 
de Montalembert, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, to give it an 
extraordinary development, and to make the casemate the essential element of 
a system of fortification. This “most intrepid of authors upon fortification ” 
(as he is styled by Chasseloup) boldly attempted to apply to his art the same 
principles by which Napoleon won his victories—the concentration of superior 
forces upon the decisive points. In his projects we find, upon all parts where 
there must be a decisive contest of artillery, an extraordinary concentration of 
guns, amounting in some cases to ten times those of the attacking batteries, the 
eonstrnction of which it is intended to prevent, or which shall be promptly over- 
powered, if constructed. ‘This concentration he effected, and could only effect, 
by the use of casemates, upon which, numerous and well constructed, he bases 
all the strength of his fortifications. 

No author on this art has displayed greater genius or a greater affluence of 
resources, and no author has given occasion for 80 much acrimonious discussion. 
Rejected by the French, the principles of Montalembert have been made the 
basis of the modern German, or “ Polygonal,” system. 

For sea-coast fortification the casemates of Montalembert had a singular 
applicability, and he has the merit, at least, of being the first writer who has 
seen in this branch of the art a subject of particular treatment, and who had given 
special designs for forts and batteries ‘for the defence of ports.” 

In no warlike structure was there so great a concentration of artillery as in a 
ship-of-war, such as it was fifty oreventwenty years ago. And as there is no 
limit to the number of ships which may be brought to bear upon a shore battery 
save that of the range of artillery and the area of navigable water, it is easy to 
see to what overwhelming hostile fire such a work may be subjected. On the 
other hand, it frequently happens that the site otherwise most advantageous for 
a battery is low and contracted, rendering any accumulation of guns impractica- 
ble, if mounted on an ordinary rampart, and exposing the unprotected gunners 
to the fire of the sharpshooters with which the enemy’s topmasts are filled.* 

It is no small merit of Montalembert to have devised a method of mounting 
guns which should meet this case. Notwithstanding that the I’rench corps of 
engineers rejected the system iu its intended application, and disclaimed, as an 
engineer, its author, it nevertheless constructed, in 1786, for the defence of the 
roadstead and harbor of Cherbourg, forts which are in reality almost copied from 
his designs.| Following the exampie of the French, other European nations 
have adopted, for the deifence of their seaports, works of the same character, of 
which the forts of Cronstadt and Sebastopol, once made familiar to us, in their 
outward appearance, by the pictorials, are recent specimens; and, as we have 
already seen, Colonel Williams introduced them into our country in 1807, by 
the construction of Castles Williams and Clinton, and Fort Gansevoort, New 
York harbor. 

An objection urged against casemates, and a grave one, since it is aimed at 
one of their most important attributes, is that the embrasures of masonry are 
dangerous to the gunners, from their outward flaring surfaces reflecting into the 
interior the enemy’s missiles. Montalembert was well aware of this objection, 
calling the embrasure, in its ordinary form, a “murderous funnel,” (entonnoir 


* The topmasts of many of the vessels of Commodore Farragut’s fleet in the attack on Forts 
Jackson and St. Philip contained boat-howitzers, destined to tire canister at the gunners of 
the low batteries of those works. 

t The celebrated Carnot, then an officer of French engineers, but who adopted the views 
of Montalembert, writes to him: ‘‘ You have wrung from your adversaries the admission 
that well-constructed casemates are a good thing,” &c. (Zastrow, Histoire dela Fortification. ) 


286 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


meurtriére,) and his sagacity aid not fail to prescribe the best remedy by rules 
intended to reduce to a minimum the external opening. He directed that the 
throat should be no larger than necessary to receive the muzzle of the gun and 
to endure the shock of its discharge; that it should not be more than two feet 
from the exterior surface of the wall; that the cheeks should be parallel to the 
sides of the sector of fire; and to render practicable these arrangements he 
invented the “ affut @ arguille,” (carriage with tongue,) which has served as the 
type of nearly all subsequent casemate gun-carriages. It is strange that, even 
while adopting the plans of Montalembert, European engineers should have 
almost wholly overlooked these maxims, and that it was reserved for our own 
illustrious engineer to make their application, and, in perfecting the casemate 
and the embrasure, to become a co-worker with Montalembert, by bringing the 
casemated water-battery to its highest degree of perfection. 

I now revert to General Totten’s labors in this connexion, and in reference 
thereto I quote from his report to the Secretary of War: 

“The first casemated battery was completed in 1808. It has two tiers of guns 
in casemates and one in barbette. The exterior openings of the lower embrasures 
are 4’ 8” by 6 feet, giving an area of 28 square feet; and of the second tier 3’ 
8” by 5 feet. area 184 square feet; the horizontal traverse of the guns being 
limited to 44 degrees. 

“Within three or four years of the time just mentioned two other casemated 
batteries were built, each having a single tier of guns in casemates, with exterior 
openings of 4’ 5” by 5 feet, area 22 square feet; one with horizontal scope of 
about 42 degrees, and the other of about 45 degrees. 

“Jn 1815 the author of this report was called on to prepare a project for the 
defence of. an important channel ; and, having been convinced, while employed 
as an assistant in the construction of two of the batteries just mentioned, that 
the principles and the details by which the embrasures and the dependent ease- 
mates had thus far been regulated were erroneous and defective, set about a 
careful study of the conditions to be fulfilled in providing for the heavy guns of 
that period mounted on a casemate carriage that had already been approved and 
adopted. The result was an embrasure having an exterior opening of 4 feet 
wide by 2’ 6” high at the outside line of the cheeks, and 3 feet high at the key 
of the covering arch, the throat being 1/10” wide. This provided for all the 
depression and elevation of the gun that the carriage permitted, and also for a 
horizontal scope of full 60 degrees. Covered with a lintel instead of an arch, 
the height of the exterior opening might be a little less than 3 feet. 

“The plan of this embrasure shows that the interior opening is 5’ 6” wide, 
and that the plane of the throat is within 2 feet of the outside of the wall, which, 
just at the embrasure, is & feet thick. 

“A slight modification fitted this embrasure, when applied to flanking or in- 
terior defence, to receive at first a carronade of large calibre, and of later years 
a howitzer instead. When these latter were liable to be assailed by musketry, 
the outer cheeks were made en cremailliere, (notched,) a long-known device. 

“Tt was with timidity and hesitation that the cheeks of this embrasure were 
placed so near the track of the ball, when fired from the casemate, with the 
maximum obliquity, and the results of an early trial with experimental embra- 
sures at Fortress Monroe gave some sanction to the doubt. ‘he first two under 
trial were built of lime-mortar, and were soon shaken to pieces by the blast of 
the gun. Another one, however, constructed of bricks laid in cement-mortar, 
sustained without injury several hundred discharges. These last results have 
been confirmed wherever there has been practice from our embrasures, which, 
with immaterial differences, have, since 1815, been constructed in all our case- 
mated batteries according to the preceding description.” 

It will be seen from the foregoing quotations how thoroughly General Totten, 
in adopting the casemated battery, was imbued with the spirit of its illustrious 


‘ EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 9287 


originator. If, as is likely, he was aware of the latter’s rules on this subject, 
he was the first to appreciate their essential importance, and to prove the prac- 
ticability of their application. It is probable, however, that the close study of 
the subject, critical observation, and keen sagacity which so distinguished him on 
all occasions, and which taught him to accept nothing as the best which was 
susceptible of improvement, led him to recognize as ‘‘ murderous funnels’’ the 
embrasures of routine—to create anew the rules of Montalembert, and to make, 
for the first time, a successful application of them. He reduced the throat to 
nearly an absolute minimum ; he placed it at two feet from the outer face of the 
wall, diminishing the external openings from eighteen, twenty-two, and twenty- 
eight, down to about ten square feet, while he increased the sector of fire of the 
gun from forty-five to sixty degrees; thus adding one-third to its field of fire, 
and consequently to its value. 

The embrasures, thus modelled in 1815, remained unchanged until the year 
1858, but the casemate continued a subject of study and experiment during most 
of his life. The perfecting of ventilation, the determination of the dimensions 
and height of the piers, of the span and rise of the arches, their thickness and 
manner of covering, so as to obtain perfect drainage and to avoid the injurious 
effects of frost, &c., were problems of prolonged research and skilful solution, 
establishing for General Totten the right to be considered the author of the 
American casemate. 

In‘connexion with these researches may be mentioned those also which were 
directed to the determination of the manner of mounting guns “ en barbette.” * 
As the dimensions of sea-coast ordnance increased, more and more elaborate 
structures became necessary for their mounting and management. The plan- 
ning and construction of the carriages belonged to the Ordnance Bureau. but it. 
was General Totten’s task to adapt the platforms and parapets thereto. None 
but the engineer or artillerist can thoroughly understand the difficulty and com- 
plexity of the problems therein involved. T'o provide a platform which shall 
support, without the slightest deflexion, the weight, and resist the shock of dis- 
charge, while it provides for the training or pointing of the gun—which is so 
adapted to the parapet as to allow the maximum horizontal sector of fire, and to 
afford the most perfect cover to the gunners consistent with allowing all the de- 

ression demanded by the circumstances of the case-—such are the conditions to 
be fulfilled, separately, for each calibre of gun. After years of experience, and 
after our sea-coast ordnance had attained its highest development prior to the 
introduction of the rifled gun and fifteen-inch columbiad, General Totten em- 
bodied his results in a lithographic sheet exhibiting to the eye of the engineer 
for every kind of gun and for every probable case the particular solution. This 
single sheet exhibits strikingly the characteristics of the author’s mind—the 
profound study which he brought to bear on every subject, the scrupulous accu- 
racy of his determinations, which neglected no appreciable magnitude, and the 
thoroughness and generality of his solutions. 

When the embrasure of 1815 was designed, ships’ armaments contained no 
gun heavier than a twenty-four or thirty-two pounder. As the calibres increased 
it became a matter of doubt whether the five feet thickness of wall immediately 
about the embrasure was sufficient. At the same time the progress made in the 
art of forging large masses of iron had suggested that by its use the funnel form 
of the mouth might be entirely done away with, and the exterior opening re- 
duced to an absolute minimum. Nothing but experiment could lead to sound 
conclusions, and the experiments referred to on a former page were instituted, 
the principal objects of which were (in General Totten’s own language)— 

I. “ To ascertain the effects of firing with solid balls, with shells, and with 
grape and canister, from heavy ordnance at short distances, upon various mate- 
rials used in the construction of casemate embrasures. 


* A barbette gun is one which is fired over a parapet. 


988 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


e 


II. “To determine whether these embrasures might have a form that would 
shut out most of these missiles, and resist for a time the heaviest, without lessen- 
ing the sector of fire, horizontal and vertical, of the casemate gun. 

III. “To determine the degree to which, without injury from the blast of the 
gun, or lessening its scope of fire, the throat of the embrasure, and also the ex- 
terior opening, might be lessened. 

IV. “To determine whether all smaller missiles might not be prevented from 
passing through the throat into the battery ; and whether the smoke of the blast 
might not also be excluded by simple and easily managed shutters.” 

‘Targets were constructed representing the wall of a fortification pierced with 
its embrasures. All varieties of materials were employed in the walls, and every 
suggested method of const ucting the embrasure was tried. General 'Totten’s 
report shows that the minutest detail of construction was directed by himself, 
and that he personally superintended the experiments. ‘They were carried on 
at intervals during four successive years, the results of each year suggesting the 
object of experiment for the next. ” 

It would be out of place here to follow the report through its detailed ac- 
counts of the firings, or even to attempt to sum up the conclusions arrived at, 
referring as they do to such a variety of subjects; but those concerning the 
thickness of the scarp-wall and the use of wrought iron may be properly quoted 
as among the most important : 

« The general conclusion from these trials is, that, whether of cement concrete, of 
bricks, or of hard stones, the portion of the wall at and around each embrasure 
having the thickness of five feet only should be no larger than is indispensable 
for the adaptation of the gun and carriage to the embrasure; if restricted to a 
small area, this thickness will suffice—not otherwise. 

«The thickness of five feet will resist a number of these balls, impinging in 
succession on that space, provided the bond expand promptly above, below, and 
on each side, into a thickness greater by some two and a half feet or three feet 
or more. Were the wall no thicker generally than five feet, being reinforced 
only by piers some fifteen feet apart, it would soon be seriously damaged by 
battering at short distances ”” 

And in reference to iron it is stated: “ First, it may be fairly assumed that 
a plate eight inches thick of wrought iron of good quality, kept in place by a 
backing of three feet of strong masonry, will stop a solid ball from an eight 
inch columbiad fired with ten and a quarter pounds of powder from the distance 
of two hundred yards. The plate of iron will be deeply indented at the point 
of impact, the ball carving for itself a smoota bed of the shape and size of one 
hemisphere, in which it will be found broken into many pieces easily separable, 
and it will, besides, be somewhat bent generally. The masonry behind will 
be much jarred, and, unless strongly bonded, be considerably displaced ; more- 
over, unless the thickness of three feet is well tied into thicker masses imme- 
diately adjacent on the sides and above and below, the general damage will be 
severe. 

‘Second, this plate will be much the stronger for being in a single mass, and 
not made up of several thinner plates. The continuity effected by bolts and 
rivets of the made-up plates is broken even by weak assaults, so that afier- 
wards the stronger, instead of a joint opposition, finds only a succession of 
feeble resistances. 

‘Third, a thickness of two inches is ample for shutters designated to stop 
the largest grape-shot. With this thickness they will be neither perforated nor 
deformed by anything less than cannon balls or shells. These shutters also, 
for the reason just given, should be made of a single thickness. ‘I'he firings 


show the necessity of concealing entirely, even from the smallest iron missile, - 


their hinges and fastenings. 


| & 
i, “ 


or. 


e 


—s S e 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 289 


“‘ Fourth, a wrought iron plate of half an inch in thickness is adequate to pro- 
tect the outer margins and the offsets of embrasures from injury by grape or 
canister shot.” 

These facts established, the effect of the form and dimensions of the embra- 
sures in carrying in the smaJler missiles was investigated ; the recorded results 
will enable us to appreciate the force of Montalembert’s expression, ‘‘ murderous 
funnels,” as even its author could not do. 

«Suppose a hundred-gan ship to be placed within good canister range of a 
casemated battery of about the ship’s length and height, to the fifty guns of the 
ship’s broadside there would be opposed about twenty-four guns in two tiers 
in the battery. The ship would fire each gun once in three minutes, or ten 
times in half an hour; the fifty guns would therefore make five hundred dis- 
charges within that time. 

«With one hundred and fifty-six balls in each thirty-two-pound canister, 
(weighing in all thirty-one and a half pounds,) there would be thrown seventy- 
eight thousand balls in thirty minutes. Supposing one-half to miss the fort, 
which, considering the size of the object and the short distance, is a large al- 
lowance, there would still remain the number of thirty-nine thousand balls to 
strike a surface of (say) six thousand square feet—that is, 


Be CACHE MARC LOO oo cye cin tn = 15 oe imie ef mla eage a enter i ace 64 balls. 
«‘ Or within the exterior opening of one of the embrasures of our 

second target, of which the area is 8.9 square feet, there would 

De Ee rao oct Gah a= oe iam cle sees} Soo eae ee =i = l= 58 balls. 
«‘ Within the European embrasure above mentioned, having fifty- 

four square feet of opening,* there would be received in half an 

SiR NE Pee Seon cielo eau osm form was’ ape rie apel eres. Te arena Sa 351 balls.” . 


And if the ship carried modern eight-inch guns, and fired canister of musket 
balls, these figures would be, in the three cases, fifty-one, four hundred and fifty- 
three, and two thousand seven hundred and fifty-four. 'These theoretical con- 
clusions were verified by the experimental firing with grape and canister, and 
it is thus seen how greatly superior General 'Totten’s embrasure of 1815, which 
is but little larger than that of the second target, is to the European one, and 
how thoroughly he had, at that early day, mastered the subject. He had, in- 
deed, perfected the embrasure so far as it could be done with masonry alone. 

But the quantity of small missiles which even that embrasure would receive 
is dangerously great, and would be much diminished if the funnel-form of the 
mouth could be done away with, and the throat reduced to an absolute minimum. 
‘This could be accomplished only by the use of iron, and the conclusions I have 
just quoted furnish the data necessary to its successful application. 

The throat (still placed two feet back from the outer face of the wall) being 
formed of iron plates, it became practicable to cut away the flaring surfaces of 
masonry, so as to present others parallel or perpendicular to the face of the wall, 
and by this change of form to exclude all missiles not directed within the limits 
of the throat itself. Still more completely to accomplish the object, wrought- 
iron shutters of two inches thickness (as determined by the experiments) were 
applied, by which, except at the moments of aiming and firing, the embrasure 
was entirely closed. 

Such is the history of the casemated battery and casemated embrasure in the 
United States. We have seen that the perfection to which they have been 
brought is due to General 'l'otten, and to General Totten alone. Nor is it to the 
experiments which I have been describing, laborious, skilful, and thorough as 
they were, that we may solcly attribute such results. We must look back to 


* Reference is made to the embrasure of a European work built within the last twenty- 
five years. 


to 


290 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


the time when, a first lieutenant of engineers, he saw and aided in the con- 
struction of our first casemated fort, and when he, fully appreciating its merits 


and recognizing the defects which a disregard and want of appreciation of the — 


illustrious projector’s own principles had entailed upon it, set himself to the task 
of enhancing the one and correcting the other. 

The ten years which have elapsed since 1855 have witnessed changes in the 
character of sea-coast and naval artillery, and an increase in the calibres and 
weight of their projectiles, which no one at that date would have anticipated ; 
hence some doubt may be entertained whether our casemated masonry works 
are adequate to contend with iron-clad vessels armed with the modern artillery. 


This is a question which it remains for experiment or experience to decide. It — 


has, as yet, not been demonstrated that a masonry fort, constructed as our more 
recent works are, will not, armed wiih the powerful guns now being introduced, 
endure the contest quite as long as its iron-clad antagonist can protract it. 

In this connexion it is due to General Totten to say that he has himself been 
ever the most strenuous advocate of “big guns,” the most urgent instigator of 
their production. The writer well remembers when, seated with him on the 
piazza of the officers’ quarters at Fort Jackson, our eyes resting on the mighty 
stream flowing past us, upon the defence of which our thoughts and conversa- 
tion had been turning, he exclaimed, ‘We must have a 20-inch gun.” The 
idea was novel to me at that time, and I exhibited some surprise. He went on 
to say that, thoroughly to prevent the passage or attempted passage of an armed 
steamship, there must be not only danger but almost a certainty of destruction. 
“Let us have guns such that (to use his own phrase) ‘every shot shall be a 
bird.’” The invention of armored ships, not then foreseen, has increayed the 


necessity of having such guns as he, on other grounds, so strongly auvocated. — 


He expressed the greatest confidence that a gun of the dimensions he named 
would yet be made and introduced into our batteries, and added the interesting 
statement that in his earlier days he had found much difficulty in impressing 
upon the members of boards on which he had served the necessity of having 
guns in our harbor defences larger than 24-pounders. ‘T'o the labors and 
genius of a Rodman we owe the actual invention of the art of constructing 
fifteen and twenty-inch guns; but without the unceasing stimulus of General 
‘Totten’s known and urged views, it is doubtful whether Rodman’s labors would 
have been called for or sustained. 

‘The preceding pages have been mainly devoted to the illustration of our de- 
parted associate’s career as an officer and as the Chief Engineer of the United 
States. Before turning our attention to other spheres of his usefulness, it seems 
fitting to quote from one of his eulogists the following summary of his official 
characteristics : 

“In wielding the influence of his office as Chief Engineer, the prominent traits 
exhibited by General '[otten were strict justice and scrupulous integrity. No 
sophistry, no blandishments, no arbitrary exercise of superior authority could turn 
him in the least from his steadfast adherence to his own sense of duty. Avoiding 
all useless collisions with his official superiors, showing due respect to their 
station, he never failed to call their attention to any errors committed by them 
with respect to the department under his charge; nor did he ever leave them 
any excuse for wilful wrong-doing by remaining silent, even when he knew 
that his suggestions would not only be ill-received and/of no use, but might be 
visited by the exercise of those petty vexations which official superiors can em- 
ploy against those under them who thwart their misdoings. 

* * * % * * # * * 

“The individual traits of General Totten were strongly marked. Powerfully 
built, of a constitution of the most vigorous stamp, cool, potent, and perseveriug, 
of sound judgment and variety of intellectual capacity, nature seemed to have 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 291 


endowed him for the profession that he had chosen. His attention to the per- 
formance of his professional duties amounted to a devotion. 
* # # * #* * * * 

“Whilst steadily adhering to what had been well settled by experience, and 
withstanding the ill-directed efforts of that class of men of whom some are to 
be found in all bodics, who seize upon every novelty and press it into the service 
of their own crude notions, he was far from rejecting well-reasoned projects of 
improvement, and encouraged, as his own immediate works show, every step 
towards real progress. Although not belonging to the class of mere inventors, 
he had that invaluable faculty to one holding a position of so great public re- 
sponsibility, of detecting the fallacies with which this class too frequently de- 
ceive themselves as well as others.”’ 

In 1863, under the law uniting into one the two corps of engineers and topo- 
graphical engineers, General Totten was advanced to the full grade of brigadier 
general. A few days before his death the Senate unanimously confirmed his 
nomination by the President to be “major general by brevet, for long, faithful, 
and eminent services.’ Never were such distinction and such commendation 
more fitly bestowed. 

Giving the precedence in order to duties most intimately connected with his 
profession, I now turn to General Totten’s important labors in establishing and 
maintaining our present light-house system. 

The attention of Congress having been called to the pressing necessity for 
introducing certain reforms, administrative and executive, into the light-house 
system of the United States, that body, after full discussion of the subject, 
passed an act (approved March 3, 185]) stipulating that from and after that 
date, in all new light-houses and all light-houses requiring illuminating appa- 
ratus, the lens or Fresnel system should be adopted. 

Another chapter of the same act provided for the appeintment of a commis- 
sion, to be composed of two officers of engineers of the army, and such civil 
officers of high scientific attainments as might be under the orders or at the dis- 
position of the Treasury Department, and a junior officer of the navy as secre- 
tary, whose duty it should be to inquire into the condition of the light-house 
establishment of the United States, and to make a general detailed report and 
programme to guide legislation in extending and improving our present system 
of construction, illumination, inspection, and superintendence. 

The board, as constituted by the President, consisted ef Commander W. B. 
Shubrick, General J. G. Totten, Colonel James Kearney, Captain S. F. Du- 
pont, United States navy, Professor A. Dallas Bache, superintendent United 
States coast survey, and 'lhornton A. Jenkins, United States navy, as secretary. 

Its labors were directed first to demonstrating the evils, irregularities, and 
abuses which had crept into the light-house service under the management of 
the Fifth Auditor of the treasury, (the late vencrable and highly respected 
Stephen Pleasonton,) among which were found to be those arising from de- 
fective principles of construction, renovation, and repair of light-houses, inade- 
quate protection to sites and badly planned and poorly constructed sea-walls. 
It may readily be understood how the peculiarly practical mind of General Tot- 
ten, brought to bear upon these and kindred subjects of inquiry, developed and 
demonstrated the necessity of at once employing proper scientific systems and 
plans of construction. His assistance in collecting data was found invaluable, 
and his lucid, clear mind was equally to be trusted in detecting faults and in de- 
vising the remedy. 

Without entering into a detailed account of the labors of this board of inquiry, 
it is sufficient to state that the mass of evidence collected by it was so irresisti- 
ble in proof of existing errors, that Congress, under date of August 31, 1852, 
passed an act which created a permanent light-house board, to which was con- 
fided all the duties of the establishment. General Totten was appointed to this 


2992 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


board, and served as a valued and honored member, with but a short interruption, 
until his decease. Its carly labors were arduous and onerous. A new system 
was to be founded where before had been none; order should come from chaos, 
error was to vanish before science, economy to succeed to wastefulness, darkness 
to give place to light. The task, great as it was, fell upon no shrinking hearts 
or feeble brains. ‘The work was accomplished; and long before his lamented 
death General Totten had the satisfaction of witnessing the labors of himself 
and his associates crowned with full success. The board in its deliberations de- 
rived great benefit from his presence and participation, and relied with entire as- 
surance upon the correctness of his judgment upon all subjects concerning which 
he would express an opinion. He served almost continuously as chairman of 
the committec of finance, and the decisions of that committee owe not a little of 
their sound wisdom to the searching scrutiny joined to the generous and liberal 
views of its chairman. He was also a member of the committee on engineering, 
in which department his peculiar merit was most conspicuous. ‘The principal 
works with which his name is associated, and which claim our attention, are the 
light-houses on Seven-Foot Knoll, near Baltimore, Maryland, and on Minot’s 
Ledge, off Cohasset, Massachusetts. 

The former is an iron pile structure standing in some ten feet of water. It 
was crected at a time when the science of iron pile construction was in its in- 
fancy, and was one of the first works of the kind undertaken by the board. 
Hence it was a matter of deep interest and solicitude. It was successfully com- 

leted, and the light-house stands to-day a signal reward for the thought and 
thot bestowed upon its conception and construction. 

The light-house at Minot’s Ledge was a work of far greater difficulty, and to 
its proper location and plan General Totten lent the resources of his great expe- 
rience and exhaustless knowledge. As his intimate acquaintance with the 
whole coast of the United States, acquired while acting as a member of the 
board of engineers, and during his annual inspections as Chief Engineer, ena- 
bled him, with the aid of the Coast Survey, to indicate with almost unerring 
certainty the proper location and character of all new light-houses, so his prac- 
tical knowledge of construction, in laying the foundation of our sea-coast fortifi- 
cations and the sea-walls by which the sites of many of them had to be protect- 
ed, prepared him to grapple with the difficulties of constructing a masonry 
tower in this exposed situation, and to bring to their solution all the known and 
tried resources of engineering. 

Minot’s Ledge is situated about twenty miles southeast of Boston. It is the 
outer rock of a very dangerous group called the ‘Cohasset Rocks,” lying at 
the very wayside of navigation to the harbor of Boston. A light-house of iron 
had been erected here a tew years previous to the organization of the Light- 
house Board, but it was carried away in a fearful storm which swept along the 
coast of New England on the 16th of April, 1851. 

Not only the commercial interests of the country, but humanity demanded 
that it should be replaced, and Congress promptly made an appropriation for 
this purpose, stipulating that the tower should be erected on the outer Minot, 
and confiding its construction to the Topographical Bureau. This bureau, hav- 
ing publicly advertised, received sixteen distinct proposals to erect the proposed 
structure, but finally recommended, in view of the difficulties to be overcome, 
and the fearful fate of its predecessor, that it should be located on one of the 
inner xocks. In accordance with this recommendation, an act of Congress was 
passed authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to “ select, instead of the outer 
Minot’s Ledge, any more suitable site.” Before further action had been taken, 
the whole subject fell into the hands of the newly created Light-house Board. 
A joint resolution of Congress was then passed (1854) giving to this board the 
decision as to the location and the mode of construction. 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 293 


The question of location being thus widely reopened, a committee of the 
board was sent to make a personal examination of the locality. General Tot- 
ten was, of course, a member of this committee, and was not long in making up 
his mind that the outer and not the inner Minot was the proper site. His argu- 
ments on this subject proved conclusive with the board. He urged that if the 
light were placed on any of the inner rocks the desired object would be but 
partially accomplished, since in a dense fog or thick snow-storm vessels might 
approach within a few hundred feet without being able to see it, and thus be 
lost upon the outer ledge. 

When the question of practicability was broached, his professional pride 
seemed to be roused. He argued that, after what had been done on the coast of 
England in the erection of the Eddystone light-house a century ago, and more 
recently of the Bell Rock and Skerryvore lights, it would be a humiliating 
admission that the requisite science and skill were not to be found in this 
country to erect a similar structure where, as all admitted, one was so much 
needed. 

He carefully studied the accounts of the construction of the Eddystone, Bell 
Rock, and Skerryvore light-houses, by Smeaton, Robert Stephenson, and Allan 
Stephenson, but the fact that the Eddystone was begun at high-water mark, 
that the ledge of the Bell Rock was extensive, and elevated several feet above 
low-water, and that the Skerryvore presented still less difficulties, while the sur- 
veys show that the outer Minot’s ledge was very contracted, and that the pro- 
posed structure must commence even below low water, did not deter him from 
advocating and designing a work for this formidable position more difficult to 
accomplish than anything which had ever preceded it. 

The plans which he prepared were drawn with his usual minuteness of detail. 
The problem was one peculiarly fascinating to engineers—the uniting into a 
single mass the several component stones of the structure so that no one can be 
detached from the rest, that each shall be a bond of connexion to those adjacent, 
that the whole shall be an integral, having a strength ample to defy the most 
powerful foe to human structure, the fury of the ocean’s winds and waves. 
Though not himself the constructor of the work, yet to have insisted against 
authoritative adverse opinion on its practicability, to have planned the building 
and selected the engineer who should rear it, and to have overlooked the work 
from its commencement to its completion, entitles him, even were this his only 
work, to recognition among the Smeatons and Stephensons and Brunels, as one 
of the great engineers of the age. 

For the execution, he selected Captain (now Brevet Brigadier General) Bar- 
ton S. Alexander, of the Corps of Engineers, an officer whose experience, encr- 
gy, boldness, and self-reliance eminently fitted him for the task. It is for him 
to recount the history of the work, to give to the world the interesting narrative 
of difficulties met and overcome, of patience requited and energy triumphant. 
General Totten watched its progress with unflagging interest, making frequent 
visits to the superintending engineer, aiding him with his counscls and encour- 
aging him in his difficulties. He lived to enjoy the proud satisfaction uf inspect- 
ing the finished structure; and when at last from its towering summit flashed 
o’er the troubled waters the beacon-light of safety to the tempest-tossed mari- 
ner, he might well exclaim, with the Latin poet, though in a nobler sense and 
in a less boastful spirit, “ Exegi monumentuin ere perenius.” 

General (then Colonel) Totten was named in the act of Congress organizing 
the Smithsonian Institution in 1846 as one of the Regents to whom the busi- 
ness transactions of that celebrated establishment are intrusted. At an carly 
meeting of the Board of: Regents he was appointed one of the Exccutive Com- 
mittee, and was continued in these offices by repeated election to the time of 
his death, a period of nearly eighteen years. He evinced a lively intcrest in 
the organization of the Institution, and after a careful study of the will and char- 


294 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


acter of Smithson, gave his preference to the programme prepared by Professor 
Henry, which was finally adopted. His advocacy of the plan was the more 
important since he was well acquainted with the scientific character of James 
Smithson, and had himself, as we shall see in a subsequent statement, been 
engaged in a line of research similar to one of those pursued by the founder of 
this Institution. 

In the reconstruction of the interior of the main part of the Smithsonian build- 
ing which had partly been completed in wood, but which had given way, he 
strongly urged the employment of fire-proof material, to the adoption of which 
the preservation of the valuable collections of the Institution is indebted. In 
the discharge of his duty as one of the Executive Committee, he acted with the 
same conscientious regard to the sacredness of the trust which characterized all 
his official labors, and critically examined all the accounts, assured himself as 
to the proper expenditure of the funds, and advised as to the general policy to 
be pursued. In him the Secretary ever found a firm supporter, a sympathetic 
friend, and a judicious adviser. Unostentatious, unselfish, and only desiring to 
advance whatever cause he might be connected with, he gave the most valuable 
suggestions as if they were of little moment, and in such a way that they might 
appear to be deductions from what others had said or done, being more anxious 
that his suggestions should be properly carried out than that they should be 
accredited to himself. 

As a recreation from the more arduous studies of his profession, he devoted 
in the early part of his life his spare hours to natural history, paying much 
attention to the mollusca of the northern coast of the United States; and he 
was perhaps the first, or at least one of the first, to introduce into this country 
the use of the dredge for the search of these animals, thus not only obtaining 
many species which would otherwise have escaped attention and getting fresh 
and unmutilated specimens of species previously known only from dead imper- 
fect shells, but enabling us to learn something of the habits and associations of 
the animals—information of much greater scientific value than the discovery of 
a few new species. His observations and studies in conchology were embodied 
in an article entitled ‘Descriptions of some Shells belonging to the Coast of 
New England,” published in the American Journal of Science and Arts for 
1834 and 1835, and Dr. A. A. Gould was largely indebted to him for material 
employed in his “Invertebrata of Massachusetts,” many of the species of shells 
contained in which were first found to inhabit our coast by General Totten ; 
others were new species discovered by him, though described by Dr. Gould, 
while some nine or ten specimens were not only discovered but described by 
him. The descriptions of species and remarks evince his powers of observation 
and critical acumen, and almost all of the forms described have stood the test 
of subsequent examination, and the validity of their specific distinction been 
confirmed, although several of them are among the most common shells of the 
coast; on account of their small size, they had been previously overlooked or 
neglected, but their insignificance in size did not diminish their interest in the 
eyes of one who viewed nature in all her manifestations as worthy of contem- 
plation. One of the most beautiful and almost the smallest of the bivalves of 
our coast, called by him Venus gemma, has since been dedicated to him under 
the name of Gemma Tottenii by Dr. William Stimpson. 

General Totten collected principally on the shores of New England, and his 
explorations with the dredge were almost entirely made in the vicinity of New- 
port, R. I., and of Provincetown, Mass. A list of the shells of Massachusetts 
was contributed by him to one of the preliminary reports on the natural history 
of that State. The principal species described by him are as follows: Modzola 
glandula, (now known as Mytilus decussatus,) Venus gemma, (Gemma Tolteniz,) 
Solemya borealis, Bulla oryza, Natica immaculata, Turbo minutus, (Rissoa 
minuta,) Turritella interrupta, (Chemnitzia waterrupta,) Acteon trifidus, (Chem- 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 295 


aitzia trifida,) and Pasithea nigra. 'This last-named species he described from 
young shells, and afterwards finding the adult shell, which is very different, 
called it Cerithium reticulatum. It has for many years been called Cerythium 
Say, but a late author has again credited it to him, under the name of Bittiwm 
nigrum. 

A species of Succinea (S. Totteniana) was dedicated to General Totten by 
Mr. Isaac Lea, of Philadelphia. 

Conchologists are also indebted to General Totten for the discovery of means 
for the preservation of the epidermis or periostraca of shells, which is in many 
species so liable to crack, and this recipe has been received with much appro- 
bation by many collectors who have found it to supply a want much felt. ‘The 
valuable collection of rare shells which he made at this period of his life he 
presented to the Smithsonian Institution, without the usual condition that it 
should be preserved separately, but to be used most advantageously for the 
advancement of science, to complete the general collection of the museum, or for 
distribution as duplicates to other establishments. 

In the “Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York” for 1824 
(vol. i, pp. 109-114) he published “‘ Notes on some new Supports for Minerals, 
subject to the Action of the Common Blow-pipe.” ‘These researches on the use 


and power of the blow-pipe appear to have been incited by an article of James 


Smithson, the subsequent founder of the Smithsonian Institution, and the 
memoir of Totten commences with a reference to and rehearsal of the experi- 
ments of that gentleman, as detailed in a letter to the editor of the Annals of 
Philosophy. Smithson, it was remarked, had communicated several ingenious 
modifications of Saussure’s process with supports of splinters of sapphire, which 
process, he observes, ‘has been scarcely at all employed; owing partly to the 
excessive difficulty, in general, of making the particles adhere, and in conse- 


quence of the almost unpossessed degree of patience required, and of the time 
consumed by nearly interminable failures.” Detailing the processes of Mr. 


Smithson, three in number, and the success of that gentleman, he adopted a 
modification of Smithson’s third process, having recourse, as a support, to a 
portion of the mineral itself, which he designed to expose to the action of the 
flame. “Instead, however, of taking upon the point of platinum wire a very 
minute portion of the paste made of the powdered mineral,” according to Mr. 
Smithson’s method, he “formed a paste by mixing the powder with very thick 
gum-water, and, rubbing a little of it under the finger, formed a very acute cone, 
sometimes nearly an inch in length, and generally about a twentieth of an 
inch in diameter at the base.’ ‘lo the apex of such cones the most minute 
particles would adhere under the strongest blast of the blow-pipe, and being 
insulated by the destruction of continuity of the particles of the cone, the flame 
could be directed upon it with undiminished fervor. Experiments were made 


on a number of minerals, confirming those of Mr. Smithson, and greatly extend- 


ing the power of the blow-pipe, and he was thus led to add to the three classes 
divided in relation to this instrument a fourth, namely, “such as are fusible, per 
se, in microscopical particles.” 

The attention of the inhabitants near the shores of the great lakes of the 
north had often been arrested by the sudden disappearance in the spring of the 
ice on the surface. The lakes would be covered with a continuous sheet of 
solid ice in the evening, and in the next morning all would have vanished. 
Wild speculations had been entertained as to the explanation of this phenomenon 
previous to the investigation of the subject by General Totten, who presented 
an article on the subject to the American Association for the Advancement of 
Science at the Springfield meeting in 1859. 

From this it appears that his attention had been directed to it forty years be- 
fore, at Plattsburg, New York. Ice is composed of a congeries of prismatic erys- 
tals, whose axes are at right angles to the surface of the mass. ‘ Hxamina- 


996 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


tions then and afterwards made of floating fresh-water ice have shown that the 
natural effect of the advancing year is gradually to transform ice, solid and 
apparently homogeneous, into an aggregation of these irregular prismatic crys- 
tals, standing in vertical juxtaposition, having few surfaces of contact, but 
touching rather at points and on edges, and kept in place at last merely by 
want of room to fall asunder. Until this change has somewhat advanced, the 
collesive strength of ice of considerable thickness is still adequate to sustain the 
weight and shock of the travel it had borne during the winter; but becoming 
less and less coherent by the growing isolation of the prisms, or more and more 
‘rotten,’ as the phrase is, though retaining all its thickness, the ice will at last 
searccly support a small weight, though bearing upon a large surface, the foot 
of man easily breaking through, and very slight resistance being made to the 
point of a cone.” The points of contact of the particles being destroyed, each 
will drop into the position in the water below required by the place of its own 
centre of gravity—that is to say, it will be upon its side, exposing large sur- 
faces to the action of the warm water. With the ice in such condition, a heavy 
wind will cause the disruption of the particles, and the speedy disappearance: 
would be the consequence. ‘This remark of General Totten as to the crystalli- 
zation of ice has since been extended to nearly all substances which, in becom- 
ing solid, assume the crystallized form. The axes of the crystals tend to assume 
a position at right angles to the surface of cooling. 

As illustrative of the mind of General Totten, it may be stated that he seldom 
failed to give valuable hints for the improvement of processes or inventions 
which were brought before him in the course of the discharge of his numerous 
official duties. Among these was an instrument for ascertaining the daily 
amount of evaporation from a given surface by means of the descent of water 
contained in an inverted graduated tube, the open end of which was immersed 
in the basin from which the evaporation took place. With a slight correction 
for variation in barometrical pressure, this instrument gives, with more precision 
than any other with which we are acquainted, the amount of evaporation. 

I have, gentlemen, thus faintly and inadequately sketched the life and ser- 
vices of our departed friend and associate; but, faint and inadequate as my 
sketch may be, I feel confident that every one will recognize in it the lineaments. 
of a great and true man. Labors so protracted, results so important and varied, 
it is the destiny of but few to achieve, and for him who achieves them may 
justly be claimed a high niche in the temple of fame, and the grateful homage 
of the patriot and of the seeker after truth. One of the oldest of the corpora- 
tors of this academy, it was permitted him only to contribute his past labors 
and his shining example. But these are indeed a rich legacy. Proud, indeed, 
may this youthful institution be that it can enrol among its members the name 
of Joseph Gilbert Totten; proud, too, may each one whom I now address— 
each one of its members—be, if he shall achieve but a far less claim to recog- 
nition among men of science. ‘To the aged among us—to those who were young 
with him, and like him have crowned a life of toil by honorable achievements— 
I need not speak. They require no example, and they may feel in contemplat- 
ing his history an additional assurance that their own works, too, “ shall praise 
them.” ‘To the more youthful or to the middle-aged, who have just commenced, 
or but partially accomplished, the steep ascent which leads to honorable fame, 
his life is precious in its teachings. 

He was a patriot in the broadest and best sense of the term. To his country 
he had given himself, and every faculty of his being was devoted to her honor and 
welfare—realizing almost literally the thought ot Rousseau, ‘“ the child on en- 
tering life ought to see his country, and to the hour of his death see but her.” 

Like all who have left lasting results for the benefit of their country or of 
mankind, he was a hard worker. But ill-regulated labor, however arduous, 


i 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 297 


could never have accomplished what he accomplished. Beyond all men I ever 
knew, he was systematic ; and few indeed are the examples of a life, in al? 
things, so perfectly regulated. The beautiful order which pervaded all that he 
did is scarcely less worthy of study and admiration than the achievements to: 
which it so materially contributed. 

He was no trifler with the realities of life, who dallied with them for his pleas- 
ure or who wielded them as instruments of ambition or self-interest. To him, 
as to all true men, the meaning of life was concentrated in one single word, 
Dury. This “chief end of man,” which is to glorify God by obedience to his 
laws in the use of the faculties he has bestowed, was his ruling principle—the 
celestial cynosure to which his eyes were ever directed, and from which no al- 
lurement of lower motives could divert it. Nor was his sense of duty of that 
frigid, repulsive nature which reduces the conduct of life to a formula, and, sub- 
stituting rules for emotions, seems but a refined selfishness. He was warm and 
sympathetic, finding his chief happiness in the pleasures of domestic and social 
intercourse, but singularly susceptible to everything that ministers to innocent 
enjoyment. 

Perhaps no more striking illustration than his history affords could be found 
of the truth that the path of duty is the path of happiness. His life was em- 
inently a happy one, and his, indeed, was that “ peace of mind which passeth 
understanding.” Though devoted from his youth to the military service of his 
country, and doomed to the vicissitudes of a soldier’s lot, he was permitted, to 
a greater degree than most men, to enjoy the blessings of the domestic circle. 
There, indeed, he sat enthroned, the idol of a family of whose supreme affection 
and immeasurable devotion he was the object. Nor dare we call those blows by 
which a Heavenly Father reminds us that this world is not our “ abiding place,” 
and teaches us to look beyond to ‘‘an house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens,’’ sources of unhappiness to him who receives them as from the hand of 
One “ who chasteneth whom he loveth.” One by one, he lived to see all his 
three sons, two of his four daughters, and finally the companion of the joys and 
sorrows of so many years, precede him to the grave. ° 

Beautiful beyond all else that earth presents is that conjugal companionship, 
so touchingly depicted by Burns, which, beginning in youth, is permitted to con- 
tinue unbroken till the Psalmist’s period of life is overpassed. During the later 
years of their lives, Mrs. Totten, no longer bound to the domestic hearth by 
the cares of a growing family, became truly an inseparable companion. Never, 
when it was at all practicable to have her with him, did he ride or walk, or 
make a journey, or perform one of his periodical tours of inspection, without 
her companionship; nor could one see them together without feeling that they 
presented a model of whatever is amiable and lovely in the conjugal state. If 
he was to her the embodiment of ail that is most worthy of respect and love in 
man, not less marked was his deference to hcr. In her own sphere—as woman, 
wife, mother—she was supreme, and her judgment his law. When, but two 
years before his own death, she was somewhat suddenly called away, it seemed 
as if he regarded it as a message from on high, “set thy house in order, for 
thou shalt die and not live.” No murmur escaped his lips, and no long-contin- 
ued sadness clouded his brow, but there was an unwonted gentleness and quiet- 
ude in his demeanor, a softening, as it were, of his nature, which revealed how 
deeply “ the iron had entered his soul.”’ His health and bodily strength seemed 
to continue little impaired, and his devotion to the duties of his office undiminished. 
But once, during a life protracted beyond the usual span, had that powerful frame 
submitted to the sway of sickness, and he seemed to have unusual promise of 
a still further protracted life. But such promises proved deceitful. Early in 
March, 1804, he was attacked with pneumonia. His illness was not at first 
deemed alarming, and, indeed, at one time he was supposed to be convalescent, 
but a relapse ensued, and on the 22d of April he expired, having borne the suf- 


298 EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 


ferings of his sickness with cheerfulness and resignation, and retained to the 
last the perfect use of all his mental faculties. He had long been a member 
and communicant of the Episcopal church, and died in the Christian’s hope of 
a joyful resurrection. 

Gentle, kind, and good, mild, modest, and tolerant, wise, sagacious, shrewd, 
and learned, yet simple and unpretending as a child, he died as he had lived, 
surrounded by hearts gushing with affection, and the object of the respect and 
love of all with whom he had ever been associated. 

The greatest of sculptors, the greatest of painters, a man unsurpassed in 
boldness and originality of thought, and whose name is among those of the few 
whose genius overpasses the limits of country and claims homage from all man- 
kind—Michael Angelo—in a work stamped with the maturity of his powers, 
carved a figure known to the world as “11 Pensiero,” or Thought. There ex- 
ists in art no other personification of meditation, no other type of self-collected- 
ness and profound thought. 

The sculptor arrayed it not as a philosopher, as a monk, as a poet, as an 
artist, as a theologian, as a scholar, nor even as a pope. And yet these differ- 
ent types of thinkers were not wanting in the past or present of the age and 
country of a Raphael, of a Correggio, of a Leonardo da Vinci, of a Dante, of a 
Savonarola, of a Marco Polo, of a Columbus, of a Machiavelli, of a Galileo, of a 
St. Francis de Assis, of a St. Thomas Aquinas, of a Julius II, of a Leo X, 
and of a Clement VII. | 

How, then, has Michael Angelo arrayed his personified ‘‘ Thought?’ In the 
garb of a Soldier, upon the breast the cuirass, upon the brow, wrapt in medita- 
tion, the iron casque of the man of war. The great sculptor has divined the 
mysterious cause why, among all people, among all classes, and in all epochs, 
the soldier is honored. Instinct teaches the people, and genius taught Michael 
Angelo, that among so many glorious examples, among so many immortal vie- 
tims, so many illustrious martyrs or devotees of thought, illustrating an age or 
a country, the soldier stands forth pre-eminently, in all ages and in all countries, 
the victim always ready, the defender always armed, the servant, the apostle, 
and the martyr. 

It is the Christian version of the ancient allegory which made Minerva issue 
from the brain of Jupiter: Minerva, or wisdom armed, the helmet upon her 
brow, the sword in her hand. 

Will the foregoing paragraphs, which I have translated somewhat freely from 
the “ Soldat”? of Joachim Ambert, a work devoted to the illustration of the sol- 
dier’s career, be deemed an immodest or extravagant glorification of the profes- 
sion of arms? Far be it from me to exalt unduly that profession, but I would 
at least make a claim for it, the more necessary since popular apprehension tends 
to lose sight of the thinker in the man of force and of blood, that, more than any 
other, it embraces all sciences and all branches of human knowledge, and leads 
its followers into vast and diverse fields of thought. Let the illustrious dead be 
our witnesses ; that idea which a genius of a Michael Angelo inspired and em- 
bodied in marble; that idea which the lives of a Casar, a Frederick, a Washing- 


ton, a Napoleon, and a Wellington have justified; the union of Force and 


Thought finds yet another and a varied illustration in the accomplished soldier 
and profound thinker whose life and works we now commemorate. 


RESOLUTIONS OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE BOARD. 


Resolved, That the members of the Light-house Board feel most deeply the 


loss sustained by the branch of the public service under their charge in the 
death of Brevet Major General Joseph Gilbert Totten, who has been one of the 
most useful and active members of the board from its first appointment in pur- 


EULOGY ON THE LATE GENERAL JOSEPH G. TOTTEN. 299 


suance of law in 1851, under the Secretary of the Treasury, as a temporary 
board of inquiry into the light-house establishment of the United States, through 
all the years of organization of the establishment and of its executive duties. 

Resolved, 'That the high scientific attainments, the admirable administrative 
qualities, the perfect knowledge of general principles, and attention to every 
minute detail of the system, impressed the mental and moral qualities of Gen- 
eral Totten upon his associates in a way to make his mind eminently a leading 
one of the board, while his suavity, patience, perfect amiability, and retiring 
modesty rendered him one of the most charming of associates in executing work 
to which he was so much more than sufficient. 

Resolved, 'That in the discharge of the duties of inquiry of the first board, 
the resulting organization, the adoption of the present system of lighting by 
lenses, the subject of construction, theoretical and practical, and the use of 
materials, the experience and experimental knowledge of General Totten were 
of the highest value to the board, and his careful application of the sciences 
were of the greatest importance to the light-house system; and that in the large 
qualities of common sense in all the transactions of the board, general as well 
as technical, and in his high sense of justice directing great mental power, the 
board constantly felt the support of Gencral Totten as one to be relied upon for 
guidance in all difficult questions of administration. 

Resolved, 'That the affectionate qualities of General Totten’s heart so endeared 
him to his colleagues, that in now expressing themselves in regard to his death, 
they are fully prepared to share to the utmost the deep grief of his family, to 
whom they offer their sincere condolence for the loss of one not to be replaced, 
but to be ever mourned as the trae, devoted, and sincere friend. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of 
General Totten, and to the honorable Secretary of War, and to the honorable 
Secretary of the Treasury. 

Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the Washington newspapers. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


WASHINGTON, January 16, 1867 
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsoniar 
Institution, fixing the time of beginning of their annual session on the third 
Wednesday of January in each year, a meeting was called for this day. 
No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Monday, January 28. 


WASHINGTON, January 28, 1867. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 8 p. m., in the laboratory of 
the Institution. 

Present: Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor of the Institution; Hon. Garret 
Davis, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. J. A. Garfield, General Richard Dela- 
field, Professor Louis Agassiz, Hon. Richard Wallach, Mr. William B. Astor, 
and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

Professor Henry presented a general statement of the operations of the In- 
stitution during the year, and of the present condition of the funds. 

He also stated that, on account of the advanced state of the session of Con- 
gress at the time of the passage of the resolution by the Board directing a me- 
morial to be presented in regard to increasing the amount of the Smithsonian 
capital in the treasury of the United States, and also on account. of the appre- 
hension that a larger sum would be required for the completion of the building 
than was at first expected, he had deferred action until the present session of 
the Regents, when further instructions could be given in regard to the matter. 

After remarks by the Chancellor and other members of the Board relative to 
the desirableness of increasing the amount in the treasury as the best means of 
permanently securing the capital of the Institution, and of exhibiting to the 
world the care and judgment with which the finances have been managed, 


On motion of Mr. Wallach, the following resolution was adopted : 


Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to present a memorial to 
Congress in behalf of the Board of Regents, requesting the passage of an act 
authorizing the Treasurer of the United States to receive into the treasury, on 
the same terms as the original bequest, the residuary legacy of James Smith- 
son, now in United States bonds in the hands of said Treasurer, namely, 
$26,210 63, together with such other sums as the Regents may from time to 


800 


Fate 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS 801 


time see fit to deposit, not exceeding, with the original bequest, the sum of 
one million dollars; and that the income which has accrued or which may 
accrue from said residuary legacy be applied in the same manner as the interest 
on the original bequest. 

The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Davis, Patterson, and Garfield as the com- 
mittee. 

General Delafield, from the Building Committee, made a report relative to 
the work done and the expenditures on the reconstruction of the building during 
the past year. 

_ On motion of General Garfield, the report was accepted and the committee 
continued. 

Professor Agassiz remarked that he had just read the report of the Librarian 
of Congress, in which it was stated that the addition of volumes from the Smith- 
sonian Institution had increased the library of Congress one-third, and he wished 
to call attention to the source of the accumulation of so large and valuable a 
library as that of the Smithsonian, one of the best of the kind in the world. 
He attributed it to the policy which had been proposed by the Secretary, and 
so long sustained by the Regents, of publishing original contributions to sci- 
ence, and sending these, with tbe greatest liberality, to every part of the world, 
in return for which so many volumes of the transactions of learned societies 
had been received, and without which system of publication and exchange 
the present reputation of the Institution and such a library could not have been 
acquired. 

The Secretary stated that, since the last meeting, the death had occurred of 
Mr. W. W. Seaton, Treasurer ‘of the Institution and one of the original Re- 
gents. 

Mr. Seaton was for many years mayor of the city of Washington, and in 
several of his messages recommended the councils to yrge Congress to take 
measures for the organization of the Smithsonian Institution, and it was, finally, 
through his personal influence and that of others interested in the cause of 
science, that the law of 1846, authorizing its establishment, was passed. The 
mayor of Washington is ex-officio, a Regent, a provision chiefly due to the 
zealous interest which Mr. Seaton had manifested in the advocacy of the measure. 
At the first session of the Board of Regents he was appointed Chairman of the 
Executive Committee, a member of the Building Committee, and Disbursing 
Officer. At the close of his term as Regent he was elected Treasurer, which 
office he retained until his death, rendering gratuitous service during the whole 
period. 

On motion of Mr. Wallach, the following resolutions were adopted : 

Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have learned with 
deep regret the decease of WILLIAM W. SEATON, late Treasurer of the In- 
stitution, who has been connected with it from its organization, and was one of the 
original members of the Board. His long and gratuitous services to the Insti- 

tution entitled him to our thanks, and his loss, in common with the citizens of 
Washington and of the whole country, we deplore. 


3802 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of the 
deceased. 

On motion of General Garfield, the Secretary was directed to have these 
resolutions, and a suitable notice of the late Mr. Seaton, inserted in the next 
annual report. ; 

The Secretary stated that it would be necessary to make provision for sup- 
plying the place of Mr. Seaton, and perhaps some new arrangements in regard 
to the method of keeping the accounts, paying bills, &c. 

The Chancellor suggested that the income of the Institution should be placed 
in the treasury of the United States, or in a government depository ; and, 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider the subject of the proper 
deposit of the income, and of any change which might be necessary in regard 
to the system of accounts, and report at the next meeting. 

The Chancellor appointel General Delafield, General Garfield, and the Sec- 
retary as the committee. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Friday evening, at 74 o’clock. 


WASHINGTON, February 1, 1867. 


A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was held 
this day at 8 o’clock p. m. in the laboratory of the Institution. 

Present : Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor ; Hon. L. F.S. Foster, President of 
the Senate; Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. J. W. Patterson, Hon. J. A. Garfield, 
Hon. J. F. Farnsworth, General R. Delafield, Professor Louis Agassiz, Hon. 
R. Wallach, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 7 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

The Secretary presented a petition from William De Beust, asking for remu- 
neration for losses by the fire at the Institution. 

On motion of Mr. Foster, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to settle with William De Beust 
at a fair valuation for his tools lost during the fire at the Institution in Janu- 
ary, 1865, in full payment of his claims, the amount not to exceed five hun- 
dred dollars. 

The Secretary presented the following memorial which had been offered to 
Congress by the special committee : 


MEMORIAL OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITU- 
TION. 


To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled : 
The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institutiou have directed the un- 
dersigned to transmit to your honorable body the resolution herewith appended, 
and to solicit the passage of an act in accordance therewith. 
It is known to your honorable body that the original sum received into the 
United States treasury from the bequest of James Smithson, of England, was 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS 3803 


$515,169, which was considered a trust fund, the interest alone to be applied to 
carrying out the purpose of the testator, viz: ‘The increase and diffusion of 
knowledge among men.” 

This, however, was not the whole of the Smithsonian bequest, the sum of 
£5,015 sterling having been left by Hon. R. Rush, the agent of the United 
States, as the principal of an annuity to the mother of the nephew of Smithson. 

The aunuitant having died, the sum of $26,210 63 has been received from 
this source, and is now in charge of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United 
States ; and no provision having been made in the act of August 10, 1846, es- 
tablishing the Institution, for the disposition of this remainder of the legacy, 
your memorialists, in behalf of the Board of Regents, now ask that it be added to 
the original bequest on the same terms; and that the increase which has arisen 
from inicrest or otherwise on the sum before mentioned, also in the hands of 
the Treasury Department of the United States, be transferred to the Board of 
Regents for assisting to defray the expense of the reconstruction of the building, 
and for other objects of the Institution. 

And your memorialists would further ask that the Board of Regents be allowed 
to place in the treasury of the United States, on the same terms as the original 
bequest, such sums of money as may accrue from savings of income and from 
other sources, provided the whole amount thus received into the treasury shall 
not exceed ove million dollars. 

The sole object of this request is the permanent investment and perpetual se- 
curity of the entire Smithsonian bequest and such other sums as may be accu- 
mulated from savings of accrued interest, legacies, &c. 

And your memorialists will ever pray, &c. 

S. P. CHASE, 
Chancellor. 


JOSEPH HENRY, 


Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


Resolved, by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, That an ap- 
plication be made to Congress for an act authorizing the Treasurer of the United 
States to receive into the treasury, on the same terms as the original bequest, 
the residuary legacy of James Smithson, now in United States bonds in the 
hands of said Treasurer, namely, $26,210 63, together with such other sums as 
the Kegents may from time to time see fit to deposit, not exceeding, with the ori- 
ginal bequest, the sum of $1,000,000; and that the income which has accrued 
or may accrue from said residuary legacy be applied in the same manner as the 
iptercst on the original bequest. 

Mr. Patterson stated that in behalf of the committee he had presented the 
memorial to the House of Representatives, with a bill in accordance therewith, 
which had passed unanimously that day, and been transmitted to the Senate. 

Mr. Trumbull stated that this bill had also unanimously passed the Senate, 
and only awaited the signature of the President to become a law. 

The subject of the future policy of the Institution in regard to the museum 
and the appropriation of the large hall in the second story of the building, 
was brought before the board by the Secretary, and remarks were made by 
Professor Agassiz, Mr. Patterson, General Garfield, General Delafield, the Chan- 
cellor, and the Secretary. 

On motion of Mr. Patterson, it was 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider what will be the best 
use for the large room in the second story of the main building of the Institu- 


tion. 


3804 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS 


The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Trumbull, Patterson, Agassiz, and the 
Secretary as the committee. 

General Delafield, from the special committee appointed at the last meeting 
in regard to the depository of the funds, reported in part, and asked for further 
time, which was granted. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


FEBRUARY 22, 1867. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 7 p. m., in the room of the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, United States Capitol. 

Present: Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor, Hon. W. P. Fessenden, Hon. J. 
W. Patterson, Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. J. F. Farnsworth, Hon. R. Wallach, 
General R. Delafield, and Professor Henry, Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair and the minutes were read and approved. 

The Secretary stated that it had become his painful duty at this time to 
announce the departure from life of another and one of the most important and 
highly esteemed members of the Board. Since the last meeting Professor 
Alexander Dallas Bache, head of the United States Coast Survey and Regent 
of the Smithsonian Institution, had, after a protracted illness, died, on the 17th 
February, at Newport, Rhode Island, in the sixty-first year of his age; that 
though this occurrence must be felt as a sad calamity by all familiar with the 
progress of art, science, and education in this country for the last forty years, 
and by all who had been favored with a personal acquaintance with the deceased, 
yet he begged to be permitted to say that none, save his bereaved widow, could 
feel the loss more deeply than himself. He had been on terms of brotherly 
association with him for more than thirty years. It had been principally 
through the influence of Professor Bache that he had been induced to venture 
to accept the appointment of Secretary of this Institution, and that with the 
sympathy, counsel and support of the deceased, he had been enabled, through 
all the eventful changes which had since taken place, to continue the discharge 
of the responsible duties of the office. 

On motion of Mr. Patterson, it was 

Resolved, That the highest honor is due to the memory of our respected and 
beloved associate, Professor ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE, who, through 
s0 many years of active life, has devoted, unselfishly and with untiring energy, 
great talents, profound acquirements, and undeviating integrity to the advance of 
art, science, education, and philanthropy. 

Resolved, That in the death of our lamented associate, this Institution, of which 
he was a Regent and one of the executive committee from its first organization 
to the time of his death, has lost an efficient collaborator, a sagacious counsellor, 
and zealous supporter. 

Resolved, That the members of the Board, in common with the Secretary, 
lament in his departure the loss of a warm and tried personal friend, and that they 
will always cherish the memory of his genial and sympathetic disposition, his 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS 305 


gentle and prepossessing manners, his refined taste, high moral perceptions, and 
unswerving advocacy of the right. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the widow of 
the deceased, and that the Secretary prepare a suitable eulogy for insertion in 
the next Annual Report. 

General Delafield presented the annual report of the Executive Committee, 
which was read and adopted. 

The Secretary presented the following copy of the act of Congress relative 
io the increase of the trust fund, referred to at the last meeting of the Board, 
and a statement of what had been done in accordance with it. 


[Pustic—No 20.] 


AN ACT authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to receive into the treasury the residuary 
legacy of James Smithson, to authorize the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to apply 
the income of the said legacy, and tor other purposes. 


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, Vhat the Secretary of the Treasury 
be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to receive into the treasury, on the 
same terms as the original bequest, the residuary legacy of James Smithson, 
now in United States bends in the hands of said Secretary, namely, twenty- 
six thousand two hundred and ten dollars and sixty-three cents, together with 
such other sums as the Regents may from time to time see fit to deposit, not 
exceeding with the original bequest the sum of one million dollars. 

Sec.2 And be it further enacted, That the increase which has accrued, or 
which may hereafter accrue, from said residuary legacy, shall be applied by the 
Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution in the same manner as the in- 
terest on the original bequest, in accordance with the provisions of the act of 
August tenth, eighteen hundred and forty-six, establishing said Institution. 


Approved, February 8, 1867. 


The Secretary stated that in accordance with the directions of the Board of 
Regents, and the authority conferred by the above act, he had increased the 
amount of the Smithsonian fund in the treasury of the United States on the 19th 
of February, 1867, to $550,000, in the following manner : 

The interest, at 7 3-10 per cent., due for two years, to Feb- 
ruary 15, 1867, on the $54,150 U. 8. bonds, was collected, viz: $7,905 90 

$25,400 of the bonds were taken by the Treasury Depart- 


ment at 6 per cent. premium, yielding Bonds ....--. $25, 400 
‘Premiame 2. 1, 624 
26,924 00 
Interest from 15th February to 19th, four days........-.... 20 32 
BUMMER INN rk COU GT ob FG assy ns vy Sh ideas eu ey aoa we ei ausoed < eleiakers 34,850 22 
Amount placed in the United States treasury, to be added to 
the original trust fund, $515,169, (making it $550,000) ....... 34, 831 00 
ibeavinesa balance, im cash Of). .- 25.22.52 eee ele $19 22 


This balance was deposited with Riggs & Co. to the credit of the Smithsonian 


account. 
20 


306 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


After discussion as to the further increase of the permanent capital, 

On motion of Mr. Wallach, it was 

Resolved, That the Chancellor and Secretary be directed to dispose imme- 
diately of the remaining United States 7-30 bonds, and the Indiana, Georgia, 
and Washington bonds, now held by the Institution, and, if possible, from the 
proceeds to place an additional hundred thousand dollars in the treasury of the 
United States. 

Mr. Patterson requested further time for the committee on the future use of 
the large hall in the main building of the Institution, which was granted. 

General Delafield presented the following report from the special committee; 


REPORT ON ACCOUNTS, ETC. 

The committee to whom was referred the subject of the deposit of the income, 
and any changes which may be advisable in the system of accounts, respectfully 
report that they have carefully considered the matters referred to them, and 
recommend as fellows: 

1. That the income being collected according to law, under the authority of 
the Chancellor and Secretary, be deposited in a national bank, which is also an 
authorized government depository, subject to draft, as hereinafter provided. 

2. That no money be drawn from the depository except for the payment of — 
accounts which have been examined and approved by the Secretary of the In- 
stitution, and which are in accordance with appropriations made by the Regents. 

3. That all payments for bills exceeding twenty dollars, be made by separate 
checks, drawn by the Secretary on the depository, and that for bills of less 
amount, a check may be drawn for a number, as exhibited in a single statement. 

4, That there be rendered quarterly to the Executive Committee, by the Secre- 
tary, an account current, accompanied by abstracts of disbursements, supported 
by receipted vouchers, for the expenditure of all money drawn from the deposi- 
tory. These vouchers to be made, as far as practicable, in accordance with the 
forms hereto annexed,.each voucher being complete in itself, and to contain the 
facts and information thereon indicated. 

5. That a check-book, ledger, and such other books of record as may be ne- 
cessary, be kept in the office of the Secretary, so as to exhibit at any time the 
financial condition of the Institution. The check-book shall indicate not only 
the sums deposited, and drawn, but also the sources whence they were derived, 
and the appropriation under which they were paid. 

6. That there be obtained from the depository, quarterly, an account current 
of receipts and expenditures, to be compared by the Executive Committee with 
the accounts of the Secretary. 

7. That the Executive Committee make a quarterly examination of the books 
and accounts of the Institution, and, as usual, an Annual Report of the Board of 
Regents. ss 


Respectfully submitted : 
RICHARD DELAFIELD, 


JAMES A. GARFIELD, 


JOSEPH HENRY, 
FEBRUARY 22, 1867. Committee 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 307 


On motion, the report was adopted. 

Professor Henry announced the death of two gentlemen who had long been 
identified with the Institution m connection with explorations and collections in 
natural history, Robert Kennicott, esq, of Illinois, and Dr. Henry Bryant, of 
Massachusetts. 

On motion of Mr. Wallach, the following resolutions were adopted : 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents have heard with deep regret of the death 
of Mr. Ropert Kennicort and Dr. Henry Bryant, gentlemen so long asso- 
ciated with the Institution in its system of explorations and collections relative 
to natural history, and that it tenders to the families and friends of the deceased 
their heartfelt condolence in their loss. 

The Secretary presented the usual account of the operations of the Institution 
for the year 1866, which was accepted, and, on motion of Mr. Wallach, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary communicate the annual report of the Board 
of Regents to Congress. 

The Board then adjourned size die. 


. SKETCH OF THE SERVICES OF THE LATE HON. W. W. 
SEATON IN CONNECTION WITH THE SMITHSONIAN INSTI 
TUTION, AND SOME NOTICES OF HIS LIFE AND PERSONAL 
CHARACTER. 


Amone the many friends and enlightened advocates of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, as at present established, none has becn more constant and more effi- 
cient than the distinguished and lamented citizen to whose memory the following 
brief and imperfect notices are dedicated. '[hese notices are designed, in the first 
place, to convey some idea of the character and value of his services in connec- 
tion with the above-named establishment, as well by his co-operation in securing 
for it as prompt and suitable a commencement as the circumstances of the time 
permitted, as by sustaining eventually that plan of organization which corre- 
sponded most nearly with the terms and spiril. of the bequest to which it owes 
its existence. He is to be remembered also as a benefactor of the Institution by 
his gratuitous and faithful discharge, for a series of years, of one of its most 
responsible executive offices. 

As is well known, the Smithson fund, paid into the treasury of the United 
States in 1838, had been, with other moneys, lent by the government to the State 
of Arkansas, and remained for eight years without appropriation to any object 
contemplated by the donor. In 1846 Mr. Seaton, being then mayor of Wash- 
ington, and surpassed by no one in zeal for the public good and in the influence 
due to his rare social qualities, his known integrity, and peculiarly winning and 
unaffected eloquence, united with other gentlemen of like feelings in urging 
upon Congress the organization of an establishment which should at length do 
justice to the benevolent and far-sighted views which had dictated the bequest. 
Their labors, after much opposition, were finally crowned with success; the 
good faith of the country was redeemed by an unconditional assumption of the 
debt incurred by the improper disposition of the fund, which was now declared 
to be a permanent deposit in the treasury of the United States for the objects of 
the trust, while interest also was allowed upon the money from the time of its 
receipt in this country. The Institution, organized in accordance with these 
resolutions, was placed under the guardianship of fifteen regents, among whom 


was included the mayor of the city of Washington, a provision chiefly due to the — 


zealous interest which had been manifested by Mr. Seaton in his tnlightened 
advocacy of the enterprise. 

At the first meeting of the Board of Regents he was elected treasurer, and sub- 
sequently one of the building committee. The former office he continued to hold 
until the time of his death, and during the whole of this period, nearly twenty 
years, discharged its duties without other compensation than the pleasure he 
derived from an association with the Institution and the laudable pride he felt in 


508 


MEMOIR OF HON. W WwW. SEATON. 309 


contributing to its prosperity and usefulness. It is well known that at the time 
of the organization of the Institution a wide diversity of opinion existed as to 
the practical means which would be most suitable for realizing the objects of the 
legacy. Mr. Seaton, on mature reflection, finally gave his cordial support to the 
policy which sought to impress upon the Institution a truly cosmopolitan char- 
acter. He strenuously advocated the plan which the Secretary, then recently © 
elected, had been invited to submit to the Board of Regents, and which looked 
to the advancement of knowledge chiefly through the encouragement and pub- 
lication of original researches, a system which, without neglecting other available 
means for the promotion and diffusion of scientific enlightenment, may be claimed, 
without undue pretension, to have made the Institution favorably known, and 
to have exerted a well-recognized influence wherever men occupy themselves 
with intellectual pursuits. 

The relation borne by Mr. Seaton to the city of Washington, the delight with 
which he watched and aided its progress, a certain native taste also for artistic 
embellishment, led him to take special interest in the architectural character of 
the Smithsonian building and the ornamentation of the public grounds around it. 

Mr. Seaton was a constant attendant at the meetings of the Board of Regents, 
and from his familiarity with the early history of the Institution and the state 
of the funds, as well as from his long experience in public office, was enabled 
to offer suggestions, always marked by clearness of conception and soundness 
of judgment. ‘The social attentions which he was accustomed to extend to the 
regents, especially those who were called from abroad to attend the annual 
meetings, and to gentlemen invited to lecture before the Institution, were but 
the expression of his characteristic hospitality ; but by thus adding to the plea- 
sure of their sojourn in Washington, he contributed largely to increase the num- 
ber of iis friends and supporters. The columns of the National Intelligencer, 
under his direction, were always open to the defence of the policy adopted and 
the course pursued by the Institution, and he rarely failed to soften by the cour- 
tesy of his manner and the moderation of his expressions, any irritable feeling 
which might arise in the discussion of conflicting opinions. It would, indeed, 
be difficult to say in how many and in what various ways he contributed to 
the popularity as well as to the true interests of the Institution. 'The Secretary, 
who was in the habit of conferring with him on all points requiring mature de- 
liberation, may with justice acknowledge that he never failed to derive import- 
ant assistance from the wisdom of his counsels. 

Of a man so highly honored and, what in his case isa more distinctive phrase, 
so greatly beloved by his fellow-citizens, the following biographical account, 
gethered from a communication kindly furnished us by an esteemed correspond- 
ent, will prove, we are confident, neither uninteresting nor uninstructive. It 
will evince that his eminence was won not less by diligence in the pursuit of 
a useful and laborious profession than by the graces of his personal character; 
not less by his unwavering adhesion to principle and duty, than by the flexi- 
bility with which he knew how to adapt himself to all the classes of men with 
whom his varied life brought him into contact. 


310 MEMOIR OF HON. W. W. SEATON. 


He was a descendant in the direct line of a family of no little note in the 
annals of Scotland. But however famed for wisdom in council and valor in the 
field, the Seatons had for centuries been scarcely less distinguished for an un- 
faltering attachment to the royal house. Hence, when the government of the 
revolution of 1688 was finally established, Mr. Henry Seaton, with a number 
of other Scotch gentlemen, despairing of any retrieval of the fallen cause of 
the Stuarts, was led to cross the ocean and seek a new home and new fortunes 
on the hospitable soil of colonial Virginia. It was in King William county, 
Virginia, that William Winston Seaton, a lineal descendant of Henry Sea- 
ton, first saw the light, January 11, 1785. His mother bore the name of 
Winston, a family originally from Yorkshire, in England, but long settled 
in Virginia, where it has always enjoyed great social consideration and in- 
fluence. Mr. Seaton’s early training was under the roof of his father, Mr. 
Augustine Seaton, at a time when the state of society may be said to have been 
peculiarly conducive to the formation of habits of self-reliance, independent 
thought, and a scrupulous regard for the feelings of others. To the love of 
study he added the love of the chase, a taste which accompanied him through 
life, and which, exacting robust exercise and steadiness of aim, seemed to have 
left its impress on his figure and action when he had reached the age of more 
than fourscore years. In the days to which we now refer, schools and colleges 
were not always at hand; books were not strewn broadcast through the coun- 
try ; the library, which existed as an heirloom of some old family, was such 
as they had brought with them from the Old World, received only rare acces- 
sions, and afforded none of those helps to easy knowledge which have perhaps 
extenuated our mental culture in the same proportion that they have extended 
it. If any special source of the love of letters, the refined taste, and varied ac- 
quirements which so highly distinguished Mr. Seaton might be pointed out, 
perhaps it would be found in the influence exerted on his opening mind by a 
Scotch gentleman then living as a refugee in Virginia, the well known Ogilvie, 
earl of Finlater, of whom few persons living at that day had not something to 
tell, as well respecting his eccentricities as his diversified accomplishments. 
But the mind on which these various influences acted was in itself well disposed 
for vigorous and independent exertion. At the early age of seventeen young 
Seaton was already prepared to enter on the business of life, and having adopted 
political journalism as his future pursuit, he gave it his constant services to the 
close; with how high and just a reputation for editorial equity, skilful manage- 
ment, and fulness of information, is well known to all who have been observers 
of the public events of our time. 

After acting for some time as assistant editor of a Richmond paper, he passed, 
not without the prestige of early developed talent and force of character, to the 
sole management of the Petersburg Republican, and subsequently to that of the 
North Carolina Journal, of Halifax. Both Virginia and “ the Old North State” 
were then peculiarly agitated by the passions and turbulence of political parti- 
sanship ; the position of editor was not only environed with difficulties, but at- 


tended with danger. Mr. Seaton, with a diffidence which was always charac- 
e 


MEMOIR OF HON. W. W. SEATON. alg 


teristic, had at first hesitated to accept a post on which so much depended for 
his party, but every one who knew him will believe that when he had consented 
to lead the attack on the stronghold of federalism at Halifax, he brought to the 
service precisely those qualities which were requisite for its suecess—firmness 
of purpose, consistency of principle, courtesy to opponents, fairness as well as 
force in discussion. It is claimed for him in fact that mainly through his well 
directed exertions the reign of federalism was subverted in that part of the State 
where he labored, and the ascendency fully transferred to those rules of consti- 
tutional construction which were then known alike by the name of democratic 
and republican. 

We next find Mr. Seaton, scarcely twenty years of age, established at 
Raleigh, and associated with Joseph Gales, senior, in the editorship of the 
Register, the most influential journal of the State. It was in the family of Mr. 
Gales that two incidents bearing with the most important results on the future 
career and welfare of Mr. Seaton occurred. It was here that he met with the 
late Joseph Gales, junior, son of the former, with whom he was destined to 
maintain in the sequel an editorial connection of nearly fifty years, a connec- 
tion which has inseparably associated their names, and whose fruits, as em- 
bodied in the columns of the National Intelligencer, will ever constitute an 
invaluable monument of the history and policy of their times. It was in the 
bosom of the same family also that the crowning happiness of his life was real- 
ized, in his union with Miss Sarah Gales, daughter of his editorial chief, and sis- 
ter, therefore, of his future associate. ‘“ To refrain on this occasion from drawing 
aside for a moment the veil which covers the sauctity of domestic life, would be 
to omit the most interesting and graceful chapter of Mr. Seaton’s personal his- 
tory. His union with the honored partner of his life was marked by a mutual 
tenderness so seldom paralleled, by a devotion so chivalrous on the one part, a 
reliance so trustful and unhesitating on the other, that it must ever be referred 
to as the crown and complement of his earthly existence. The loveliness and 
good report of this conjugal example were treasured, it may be said, as a per- 
sonal pride and possession by the community in which, for fifty-four years, the 
virtues, the talents, the ineffable grace of true womanhood, as exhibited in the 
person of Mrs. Seaton, sustained and cheered the toils of her husband in his ar- 
duous career.” 

In the mean time, Joseph Gales the younger had been forming himself, under 
the skilful guidance of his father, for the duties of a profession in which he was 
destined to attain an eminence that few have approached, and eventually be- 
came the proprietor of the National Intelligencer, then established at Washing- 
ton. In this enterprise he was subsequently joined by his brother-in-law, Mr. 
Seaton, nor at the time of his accession did their united talents want for occupa- 
tion in the exasperated state of party feeling and the imperilled condition of the 
country. It was in 1812, and hostilities had already been declared against 
Great Britain. Without entering into the questions which then convulsed the 
public mind, it is sufficient to say that the Intelligencer gave its earnest and able 
support to the party which regarded the declaration of war necessary to maintain 


312 MEMOIR OF HON. W W. SEATON. 


the power and secure the rights of the United States. In this state of things it 
was not likely that either of our editors would confine his efforts in behalf of the 
cause he had espoused to the labors of the pen and press; they were both mem- 
bers of volunteer corps, and shared in the expeditions which were organized, 
from time to time, to repress the predatory incursions of the enemy. But the 
labors of the pen and press were, in their case, felt to be of too much national 
importance to be dispensed with, and a furlough granted alternately to one and 
the other editor, provided for the uninterrupted appearance of the sheet to which 
the public chiefly looked for authentic information and the vindication of gov- 
ernmental measures. Mr. Seaton was at the editorial post on the morning of the 
memorable 24th of August, 1814, when the report of the distant gun told too 
surely that the enemy was advancing in force on the ill-prepared metropolis. 
Hastily despatching his workmen to their respective corps, Mr. Seaton himself 
hurried to the front and arrived in time to take part in the sharp initiative con- 
flict which preceded the disasters brought on the American arms by incapacity 
or want of concert on the part of the leaders and the consequent disorganization 
of an untrained and badly armed militia. ‘The rout of Bladensburg led the 
enemy directly into the city, and the results of the occupation, as regards the 
destruction of the public buildings, are matters of familiar history. It is not 
perhaps so generally known that a singular attestation was, at the same time, un- 
intentionally afforded by Admiral Cockburn to the widespread fame and com- 
manding influence of the National Intelligencer. He caused the office of its 
publication to be sacked and its valuable contents to be destroyed ; too many in- 
citations to patriotic effort had issued from that sanctuary to escape an ignoble 
vengeance. 


It has been seen that the course of Mr. Seaton’s life, from a period little ad-_ 


vanced beyond boyhood, was such as to insure, indeed to necessitate, an inti- 
mate familiarity with the men and events of his time, with all changes of public 
opinion, with all discussions of constitutional law, with all the movements of 
interest, prejudice and affection by which the affairs of the world are governed. 
The thoughts, the passions, the motives of his fellow-men were necessarily with 
him subjects of scrutinizing observation and intelligent reflection. When he 
removed to Washington the sphere of his observation and influence was of 
course greatly widened. 'The trusted friend and counsellor of the earlier ad- 


ministrations, there can be no doubt that, as he was the depositary of their’ 


confidence, he often contributed in no small degree to shape their measures. 
The intimate and honored associate afterwards of such men as Adams, Web- 
ster, Clay, Calhoun, Berrien, and all the eminent statesmen of the past age, he 
could scarcely fail, with his quick and penetrating intelligence, to gain such 
insight into public affairs and to gather such stores of varied information as are 
rarely within reach of a single mind. ‘To him, therefore, would naturally resort 
politicians and statesmen of every cast; for it was instinctively felt that in con- 
sultation with him there was a candor which knew no disguise, a courtesy which 
never failed, a fulness of information and clearness of judgment which his in- 


trinsic goodness of heart placed at the service of all who needed them. The | 


MEMOIR OF HON. W. W. SEATON. 313 


same would be the case with the representatives of foreign governments, and 
with all enlightened strangers, and thus his influence was often propagated to 
other countries than hisown. But this subject has beenso graphically, if quaint- 
ly, touched by a contemporary journalist that we cannot do better than use his 
words: “ There isa parlor in Colonel Seaton’s old house at Washington,” says 
this writer, “ which, could its walls speak, would be more eloquent than the 
walls of any other apartment in America. In that well-known room it was not 
uncommon—we should rather say it was for years a weekly custom—for the 
greatest men in the country, and the representatives of other nations, to gather 
in the freedom of social intercourse. And this may be said with undoubted 
truth, that in those free social conversations and exchanges of thought were 
born many of the great measures of government which added lustre to the 
American name, s0 that that room may be regarded as the birthplace of much 
of our national glory.” 

After having filled successive municipal offices, Mr. Seaton, in 1840, yielded 
to solicitations which had been often resisted, and accepted from the citizens of 
Washington the dignity of the mayoralty, the highest which, under the public 
law, it has ever been in their power to confer. During the succeeding ten years, 
in which he was uninterruptedly recalled with unprecedented unanimity to pre- 
side over the affairs of the city, it is superfluous to say that he brought to the 
discharge of his duties a fidelity and energy which distinguished him in all 
situations, and which have stamped his administration as a model worthy of 
imitation by all civic dignitaries. It would seem indeed to have rested only with 
himself to fill the office to perpetuity, for when, at the end of the above period, 
he peremptorily declined a re-election on the score of advancing years, his re- 
tirement was regarded by all with undissembled regret. Nor is this matter of 
surprise ; for if, in the unswerving discharge of duty, he had evinced an impar- 
tiality and firmness worthy of honor, he had still more won the popular heart 
by personal qualities which appealed to the sensibilities of all the good and all 
the suffering. Accessible to all classes, listening with patient sympathy to the 
story of need or wrong, which was ever promptly relieved or redressed, tender- 
ly considerate of the humble and poor, his charity a household word wherever 
he was known, he called forth a respect and love not accorded to the many, 


and at last descended to the grave crowned by the blessings of those to whom 


the withdrawal of his earthly presence seemed little less than a domestic 
calamity. 

One point only in Mr. Seaton’s municipal administration is it thought needful 
here to particularize ; his persistent efforts in the establishment of the present 
admirable system of public schools in Washington. A just tribute to his im- 
portant work in behalf of education has been thus rendered by a municipal 
colleague: “When Mr. Seaton entered upon the duties of the mayoralty there 
were only two public schools in the city ; but justly estimating the value of a 
new and improved system, he continued from year to year to press the subject 
on the attention of the legislative branches of the government, until it was 
adopted in the fourth year of his administration, from which time the number 


314. MEMOIR OF HON. W. W. SEATON. 


of schools has increased until their scholars now amount to twice as. many thou- 
sands as there were hundreds at the time of his inauguration. Among the 
many beneficent acts of his official life this will stand pre-eminent ; and among 
the many friends in whose hearts his memory will be longest cherished, there 
will be thousands who, but for his efforts, would have been denied the blessings 
of education, and the manifold benefits resulting from that mental and moral 
culture which the children of all classes of our fellow-citizens nave since en- 
joyed by means of the liberal and enlightened system he so opportunely intro- 
duced and established.” 

This rapid sketch would be culpably deficient did we not endeavor to convey 
some idea of the rare personal gifts and virtues of Mr. Seaton, in the sphere 
where they naturally shone with a more benign lustre—his home; and this we 
prefer to do in the words of one who knew and loved him well: “The centre of 
all household thought ; obeyed by his inferiors with a service of love recalling a 
patriarchal age; it was at home, in the daily amenities of domestic and social life, 
that he was supreme. Whocan forget Mr. Seaton as host? In the gatherings about 
his generous board mingled the cordial welcome and that air of an older and 
better school which constantly distinguished him—the kindly and reassuring at- 
tention, unaffectedly bestowed on the least distinguished guest, the colloquial 
charm, which extended the fame of his hospitality far beyond the sphere of its 
exercise. His conversation was indeed of an exalted character, lighted up by a 
quaint humor and ready wit, enriched with varied and solid information derived 
alike from men and books, marked also by originality of thought, by an utter 
absence of self-assertion or dogmatism, by a delicate tact in shielding others 
from the wound which a thoughtless or unkind word might inflict, and in drawing 
forth to the best advantage the talents and attainments of each. Doubtless, no 
unimportant part of the charm exercised by Mr. Seaton resided in his engaging 
presence—in the winning smile, the bright eye, the gentle voice, the benignity 
of a countenance upon which a long life of manly effort and kindly purpose had 
left its impress. In recalling these characteristics some idea may be conveyed 
of an attractiveness which was not only widely recognized among ourselves, but 
acknowledged by foreigners, especially the diplomatic representatives of other 
governments, solicitous of obtaining from his lips an explanation of our involved 
politics and those views of public measures which have been known on several 
noted occasions to have materially influenced the deliberations of foreign cabi- 
nets and determined their international policy.” 

We know not how we can better close this account of the life and character 
- of a lamented colleague than by quoting the following passage from a discourse 
delivered on the occasion of his death: “ One of the finest intellects of this 
country, and of the most devout, almost austere, evangelical faith, has repeat- 
edly said, ‘that of all the men he had ever known Mr. Seaton was nearest 
perfection and most ready to enter God’s presence.’ One of the texts on 
which the deceased sometimes dwelt as being to him exceedingly suggestive 
was, ‘As aman ¢hinketh so zs he ;’ and this might be termed the key-note to 
his own character; without guile, trusting all, believing in all, his wide mantle 


MEMOIR OF HON. W. W. SEATON. 315 


of charity and love covering all creeds, all humanity, his was truly ‘the spirit 
which thinketh no evil.’ One of his most striking characteristics was the indomi- 
table courage which, through life and to its extremest verge, led him to brave diffi- 
culties and adversities with the same calm, unflinching decision with which he con- 
fronted personal danger, and which enabled him to endure, with unsurpassed forti- 
tude, the sufferings of mortal illness. Self-reliant, self-poised, upheld by his con- 
sciousness of right and just endeavor, firm in his grasp of the immutable prin- 
ciples of truth, and in his reliance upon a gracious and superintending Provi- 
dence, his life was guided by a sense of responsibility as a free moral agent, 
from whom a strict account of the talents committed to his charge was hereafter 
to be exacted. He was constant and fervent in prayer. Often, months be- 
fore, and during his illness, his voice was heard in the stillness of night raised 
in petition to God. His last words on earth, the last tones of his voice vibrated 
with the name of the Saviour. He was a ‘devout Christian; exalted honor his 
instinct, Christianity his guide.’” 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


WASHINGTON, January 15, 1868. 


In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, fixing the time of beginning of the annual session on the third Wed- 
nesday of January in each year, a meeting was called for this day. Present, 
Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, General Richard Delafield, Professor L. Agassiz, Hon. 
Peter Parker, and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

The Secretary presented the following joint resolution of the Senate and 
House of Representatives of the United States: 


[PuBLICc RESOLUTION No. 5.] 


A RESOLUTION for the appointment of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 


Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Con- 
gress assembled, That the vacancies in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 
of the class ‘‘ other than members of Congress”’ be filled by the appointment of Theodore 
D. Woolsey, of Connecticut, William B. Astor, of New York, John Maclean, of New Jersey, 
and Peter Parker, of the city of Washington. 

Approved, January 11, 1868. 


The Secretary stated that on the 7th of January the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives had appointed the following Regents: Hon. J. A. Garfield 
of Ohio, Hon. L. P. Poland of Vermont, and Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn of New York. 

No quorum being present, the Board, after examining the building and col- 


lections, adjourned to meet on Wednesday evening, January 22, 1868, at 74 
o'clock. 


WASHINGTON, January 22, 1868. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 74 o’clock p. m. in the Regents’ 
room of the Smithsonian Institution. Present, Hon. B. I’. Wade, Hon. R. 
Wallach, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. G. Davis, Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. L. P. 
Poland, Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, Prof. L. Agassiz, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, General 
Richard Delafield, Hon. Peter Parker, and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

Mr. Wade was called to the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were 
read and approved. 

The Secretary stated that a vacancy existed in the Executive Committce, on 
account of the death of Professor Bache. 

On motion it was 

Resolved, 'That Hon. Peter Parker be elected to fill the vacancy in the Execu- 
tive Committee. 316 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 317 


The Secretary made a statement relative to the finances of the Institution, the 
sale of the State stocks, etc. 

Gen. Delafield, on the part of the Executive Committee, presented the annual 
account of receipts and expenditures for 1867, and stated that a detailed report 
would be submitted at a future meeting. 

- The Secretary presented a statement in regard to international exchanges of 
literary, scientific and government publications. ‘The act of Congress, passed 
at the last session, directing that 50 copies of every government publication 
should be given to the Smithsonian Institution to be exchanged for the publica- 
tions of foreign governments, had not been carried out, as the public printer did 
not consider that the act referred to authorized the printing of extra copies of 
the works, and all the regular edition was already disposed of according to exist- 
ing laws. Further legislation was therefore required. 

Mr. Pruyn stated that the subject had been referred to the Library Committee 
of Congress, of which he was a member, and that he would do all in his power 
to promote the object desired. 

Professor Agassiz, from the committee appointed at the meeting of February 1, 
1867, presented a report, which, on motion of Mr. Wallach, was accepted. 

After remarks by several Regents, on motion of Mr. Poland, the report was 
djaid on the table and made the special order for the next meeting. 

On motion of General Garfield the report was ordered to be printed. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Monday evening, January 27, 1868. 


WASHINGTON, January 27, 1868. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was held 
at 74 o’clock p. m., in the Regents’ room. Present, Chief Justice Chase, (the 
‘Chancellor,) Hon. B. F. Wade, Hon. Richard Wallach, Hon. J. A. Garfield, 
Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, Professor Agassiz, Hon. Peter Parker, 
‘and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

‘The Chancellor took the chair, and the minutes of the last meeting were read 
and approved. 

The Secretary presented the report for the year 1867. 

Professor Agassiz presented a printed and revised copy of the mepate of the 
special committee on the use of the new room, made at the last meeting, which 
was read as follows: 


Report of the committee appointed to consider what will be the best use for the large 
room in the second story of the main building of the Smithsonian Institution. 


The influence the Smithsonian Institution has exercised from its origin upon 
the progress of science in the United States has been so marked and so deep, 
that in considering any step connected with the organization of the Institution, 
it is of the utmost importance to keep in view its bearing upon the advancement 
of knowledge generally. To those not familiar with the active operations of 
the Institution, the growing recognition of the difference between the increase 
and diffusion of knowledge, and the consequent establishment by Congress of a 
National Academy, mainly organized for the purpose of enlarging the boundaries 


318 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


of science among us, are in themselves sufficient evidence of its beneficent power. 
The large and unique library lately transferred from the Institution to the library 
of Congress, and the extended intercourse between the Institution and all the 
learned bodies scattered over the globe, bear equally impressive testimony to the 
wide-spread action of the Institution. 

In attempting to determine the most appropriate use to which the large build- 
ing of the Smithsonian, and especially the large unappropriated hall in the second 
story, may be put, your committee has been led to consider the probable course 
the Institution may follow whenever its resources become consolidated and its 
means, gradually freed from their temporary application to subordinate purposes, 
are exclusively devoted to the special object pointed out in the will of Smithson, 
viz: “the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” ‘The policy which 
has led to the transfer of the Smithsonian library to that of Congress suggests 
the propriety of severing also the museum from the Smithsonian Institution, 
inasmuch as a museum is no more contemplated by the will of Smithson than a 
library. The accumulation of books and specimens has been a natural conse- 
quence of the organization of an institution exclusively devoted to the fostering 
of intellectual pursuits. But in proportion as their number increased they claimed 
a larger and larger part of the attention and means of the Institution until it 
became a matter of serious consideration how far the possession of such objects 
should be embraced in its general plan and scope. 

As far as the library is concerned the question has been settled. It has become 
evident that, in consequence of the judicious distributing of its published contri- 
butions and miscellaneous works, the Smithsonian has acquired the most com- 
plete collection of learned transactions in existence; so extensive, indeed, that 
its preservation and natural extension would have encroached upon the specified 
obligations of the Institution. The disposition made of it leaves the students of 
science in the fullest enjoyment of this invaluable store of information, while it 
relieves the Smithsonian of a serious burden. Now your committee is satisfied 
that the museum of natural history, and the other collections preserved in the 
Smithsonian, stand in precisely the same relation to the Institution as the library 
did, and that it may be equally desirable to give them up, and with them the 
largest part if not the whole of the building, could this be done without injury 
to the collections and to the cause of natural history. However, it does not appear 
advisable to adopt such a course immediately; but it seems wise to keep it in 
view as a probability, doing meanwhile whatever is most likely to contribute to 
the advancement of science. 

A few facts concerning the operations of the Institution should be borne in 
mind in this connection. In the same manner as the Smithsonian has distributed 
its various publications broadcast among learned institutions and individual sci- 
entific men, and obtained in return the magnificent library above alluded to, it 
has also distributed an immense number of specimens, and fostered in this way 
scientific research both at home and abroad. But for these latter contributions 
scattered over the whole civilized world it has neither claimed nor received ade- 
quate returns. All the duplicates of these treasures obtained at home from the 
various government exploring expeditions and surveys have been given away with 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 819 


the understanding that the time may come when the progress of science among 
us would make it desirable that returns in kind should be expected. 

The Smithsonian Institution has now been in operation for twenty years. In 
acknowledgment of its published Contributions to Knowledge it has received the 
splendid library which now adorns the Congressional library. Is it not time that 
the rights accrued in consequence of the distribution of specimens by the Insti 
tution should be called in; that this great outstanding debt, as it may well be 
called, should be collected before the recipients of these manifold gifts have passed 
away, and the benefits thus conferred by the Smithsonian are altogether forgot- 
ten; when the Institution might find it difficult to obtain, without new offerings, 
that which at this moment it may claim as its due? 

Should this Board approve the recommendation of this committee, no time 
ought to be lost in giving notice to all the various institutions with which the 
Smithsonian is in regular correspondence, that this is henceforth to be the regu- 
lar policy of the Institution. On the other hand it is indispensable that we 
should make the necessary preparations for receiving these objects, and also 
determine beforehand the ultimate destination of the extensive collections which 
no doubt will flow in as soon as we are prepared to take care of them. Your 
committee is of opinion that the great hall in the second story of the building 
should be used for the reception of these collections, and the smaller rooms in 
the towers, as far as not needed for other purposes, as laboratories to identify, 
arrange, classify, and distribute these collections for the greatest advantage of 
science among us, until suitable arrangements can be made for the organization 
of a great national museum, to which the whole should in the end be transferred. 

It is self-evident that the collections likely to come in will soon outgrow the 
capacity of the Smithsonian Institution and its ability to take care of them, with- 
out applying its income to objects for which it was not intended. But the diffi- 
culty of disposing of these scientific treasures is no sufficient ground why the 
Smithsonian should surrender its large claims on other scientific institutions ; for, 
in so doing, it would simply deprive the country of scientific objects, which other 
museums would be glad to receive should the Smithsonian be obliged to give 
them up before the country demands and organizes a great national museum in 
Washington. 

To sum up these remarks, your committee recommends— 

1st. That the distribution of specimens carried on by the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution be continued and extended, but that at the same time proper returns be 
required whenever the specimens are not given out in aid of original researches 
or for educational purposes. 

2d. That the expenses for such operations be limited to the resources especi- 
ally appropriated for the purpose, and not allowed to encroach upon the regular 
active operations of the Institution. 

3d. That the great hall of the second story of the building, and such other 
rooms as are not required for the regular operations of the institution, be devoted 
to the preservation of the scientific collections. 

All of which is respectfully submitted in behalf, of the committee. 

L. AGASSIZ. 


320 PROCEEDINGS O# THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


On motion of Mr. Garfield, after remarks by Messrs. Pruyn, Agassiz, Chase, 
Wade, Parker, Wallach, Garfield, and the Secretary, the recommendations of 
the committee, after modification, were adopted unanimously, as follows : 


1st. That the distribution of specimens carried on by the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution be continued and extended, but that at the same time preper returns for 
the past as well as for the future be required, whenever the specimens are not 
given out in aid of original researches or for educational purposes. 

2d. That the expenses for such operations be limited to the resources spe- 
cially appropriated by Congress for the purpose, and not allowed to encroach 
upon the regular active operations of the Institution. 

3d. That the great hall of the second story of the building, and such other 
rooms as are not required for the regular operations of the Institution, be 
devoted to the preservation of the scientific collections. 


On motion of Mr. Garfield, the following resolution was adopted : 


Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report to the Regents, at their 
next mecting, what amount of appropriation should be asked of Congress for 
the care of the museum and for fitting up the great hall for the safe-keeping 
and exhibition of specimens. 


Messrs. Wade, Garfield, Pruyn, Poland, and the Secretary were appointed as 
the committce. 
The Board adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


WEDNESDAY, April 15, 1868. 
Present, Chief Justice Chase, (the Chancellor,) Hon. Rt. Wallach, General R. 
Delafield, Hon. Peter Parker, and Professor Henry, the Seerctary. 
No quorum being present the Board adjourned to mect on the 22d instant at 
7 D1, 


WEDNESDAY, April 22, 1868. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day in the Regents’ room, 
at 7 o’clock p. m. Present, Chief Justice Chase, (the Chancellor,) Hon. 
B. I’. Wade, Hon. Lyman Trumbull, Hon. Garret Davis, Hon. J. A. Garfield, 
Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, General R. Delafield, Hon. Peter Parker, and Professor 
Henry, the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair, and the minutes of the last meeting were 
read and approved. 

General Delafield presented the report of the Executive Committee for the 
year 1867, which was read and approved. 

General Delafield presented the report of the Building Committee for the 
year 1867, which was read and approved. 

‘The Secretary made a statement relative to the facilities afforded by various 
steamship and railroad companies in conveying the packages of the Institution 
free of freight. 

On motion of Mr. Trumbull, the following resolutioas were adopted : 

Whereas the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, North German Lloyd, Ham- 
burg American Steamship Company, General Trans-Atlantic Steamship Com- 
pany, Inman line of steamers, Cunard line of steamers, Pacific Steam Naviga- 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 321 


tion Company, Panama Railroad Company, and California and Mexico Steam- 
ship Company have generously aided in advancing the objects of the Smithso- 
nian Institution and the promotion of science by the facilities they have 
afforded in the transportation of books, specimens, etc., free of charge: There- 
fore, 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution are hereby given to the directors and officers of the above-named compa- 
nies for this liberal and enlightened action. 

Resolved, 'That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the Secretary 
to each of the companies. 

Professor Henry submitted a statement as to the proposed researches and 
publications during the present year. 

Hon. Mr. Parker stated that the city councils had under consideration the 
ceding of the canal, which bounds the Smithsonian grounds to the north, toa 
private company, and as this might affect the interests of the Institution he 
thought some action should be taken in regard to it. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be instructed to ascertain what 
measures are proposed to be taken by the city authorities of Washington in 
regard to the canal, so far as concerns the Smithsonian Institution. 


The Chancellor called attention to the fact that a committee was appcinted 
at the last meeting to prepare estimates for the completion of the large hall 
and for obtaining an adequate appropriation from Congress for the care of the 
government collections, and expressed the desire that this committee should 
act immediately in regard to the matter. 

The Secretary, on behalf of the committee, stated that on consultation with the 
architect it was thought that $50,000 would be required for finishing the large 
room and supplying it with cases, and that at least $10,000 annually ought to be 
appropriated for the care of the museum. Whereupon it was 

Jtesolved, 'That a memorial be presented to Congress asking appropriations in 
accordance with the report of the committee. 

The Secretary gave an account of the establishment of a scientific society in 
Egypt publishing valuable transactions which had been received by the Insti- 
tution. 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Friday, May 1, at 7 o’clock p. m. 


Fripay, May 1, 1868. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 7 o’clock p. m. 
Present, Chief Justice Chase, (the Chancellor,) Hon. B. F. Wade, Hon. Lyman 
Trumbull, Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, Hor. Richard Wallach, 
General R. Delafield, Hon. Peter Parker, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, and Profes- 
sor Henry, the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair, and the minutes of the last meeting were 
read and approved. 

General Delafield, from the Executive Committee, reported that he had col- 
lected a large amount of information in relation to the canal, (bounding the 
Smithsonian grounds,) but was not yet ready to make a report. 

21 


322 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Secretary read a copy of the memorial which had been prepared in 
accordance with the directions of the Board, signed by the Chancellor and Sec- 
retary, and presented to Congress,* as follows : 


To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled : 


In behalf of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, the 
undersigned beg leave respectfully to submit to your honorable body the fol- 
lowing statement, and to solicit such action in regard to it as may be deemed 
just and proper : 

The act of Congress organizing the Institution ordered the erection of a 
building which should accommodate, on a liberal scale, besides a library and a 
gallery of art, a museum, consisting of all the specimens of natural history, 
geology, and art, which then belonged to the government, or which might there- 
after come into its possession by exchange or otherwise. Although the majority 
of the Regents did not consider the maintenance of these objects to be in accord- 
ance with the intention of Smithson, as inferred from a strict interpretation of 
the terms of his will, yet in obedience to the commands of Congress they pro- 
ceeded to erect a building of the necessary dimensions, and to take charge of 
the government collections. 

‘he erection and maintenance of so large and expensive an edifice, involving 
an outlay of $450,000, and the charge of the government museum, have proved 
a grievous burden on the Institution, increasing from year to year, which, had 
not its effects been counteracted by a judicious management of the funds, would 
have paralyzed the legitimate operations of the establishment, and frustrated 
the evident intention of Smithson. 

It is true that Congress, at the time the specimens were transferred to the 
Institution, granted an appropriation of $4,000 for their care and preservation, 
that being the equivalent of the estimated cost of the maintenance of these 
collections in the Patent Office, where they had previously been exhibited. 
But this sum, from the rise in prices and the expansion of the museum by the 
specimens obtained from about fifty exploring expeditions ordered by Congress, 
scarcely more than defrays, at the present time, one-third of the annual expense. 
In this estimate no account is taken of the rent of the part of the building 
devoted to the museum of the government, which, at a moderate estimate, 
would be $20,000 per annum. 

Besides the large expenditure which has already been made on the building, 
at least $50,000 more will be required to finish the large hall in the second 
story, necessary for the full display of the specimens of the government. But 
the Regents do not think it judicious further to embarrass the active operations 
for several years to come, by devoting a large part of the income to this object, 
and have, therefore, concluded to allow this room to remain unfinished until 
other means are provided for completing it. 

It is not by its castellated building nor the exhibition of the museum of the 
government that the Institution has achieved its present reputation, nor by the 
collection and display of material objects of any kind that it has vindicated the 
intelligence and good faith of the government in the administration of the 
trust; it is by its explorations, its researches, its publications, its distribution of 
specimens and its exchanges, constituting it an active, living organization, that 
it has rendered itself favorably known in every part of the civilized world, has 
made contributions to almost every branch of science, and brought more than 
ever before into intimate and friendly relations the Old and the New Worlds. 

A central museum for a complete representation of the natural products of 
America, with such foreign specimens as may be required for comparison and 
generalization, is of great importance, particularly as a means of developing 

* May 1.—In the House of Representatives.—Referred to the Committee on Appropriations. 
and ordered to be printed. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 323 


and illustrating our industrial resources, as well as of facilitating the study of 
the relations of our geology, mineralogy, flora and fauna, to those of the Old 
World. But the benefit of such an establishment is principally confined to this 
country, and does not partake of the cosmopolitan character of an institution 
such as Smithson intended to found, and therefore ought not to be supported 
from his bequest. 

The Board of Regents are confident that upon a full consideration of the case, 
your honorable body will grant an adequate support for the collections of the 
government, and also an appropriation for finishing the repairs of the building, 
and eventually, when the financial condition of the country will permit, for the 
independent maintenance of a national museum. 

It may not be improper, in addition to what has been said, to recall the fact 
that the Smithsonian Institution has transferred, without cost, to the library of 
Congress, one of the most valuable and complete collections of the transactions 
of scientific and learned societies and serial publications in existence, consisting 
of at least 50,000 works, which, with the annual continuations of the same 
series, must render Washington a centre of scientific knowledge, and the library 
itself worthy of the nation; and that it has also presented to the government its 
valuable collection of specimens of art, illustrating the history of engraving 
from the earliest periods. It is prepared to render a similar service to a national 
museum, by the exchanges from foreign museums to which it has been a liberal 
contributor, and which may be obtained as soon as means are provided for their 
transportation and accommodation. 

It may also be mentioned that the Institution has rendered important service 
to the government through the scientific investigations it has made in connection 
with the operations of the different departments, and it is not too much to say 
that, through the labors of its officers, it has been the means of saving millions 
of dollars to the national treasury. 

In conclusion, your memorialists beg leave to represent, on behalf of the 
Board of Regents, that the usual annual appropriation of $4,000 is wholly 
inadequate to the cost of preparing, preserving, and exhibiting the specimens, 
the actual expenditure for that purpose in 1867 having been over $12,000; and 
they take the liberty of respectfully urging on your honorable body the expe- 
diency of increasing it to $10,000, and that a further sum of $25,000 be appro- 
priated at this session of Congress towards the completion of the hall required 
for the government collections. 

And your memorialists will ever pray, &c. 

S. P. CHASE, 
Chancellor Smithsonian Institution. 
JOSEPH HENRY, 
Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion, the action of the Chancellor and Secretary in relation to the 
memorial was approved. 

The Secretary gave an account of the correspondence of the Institution, and 
as an illustration of its diversified character read the letters which had been 
received that day. 

On motion of Mr. Maclean, the annual report of the Secretary was accepted, 
and the officers of the Institution authorized to transmit it to Congress. 

A motion of Mr. Wallach, in behalf of the Executive Committee, to increase 
the salary of the Secretary, was referred back to the same Committee, with 
instructions to make a report on the whole subject of the compensation of the 
officers of the Institution at the next meeting. 

Adjourned, to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


3824 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


EXTRACTS FROM THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE SUBMIT- 
TED TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


From the Records of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 


Boston, Massacuuserts, May 29, 1866. 


Remarks were made by the president and by the librarian on the aid ren- 
dered by the Smithsonian Institution in effecting the exchanges of the academy; 
and, on motion of the librarian, it was voted: 'That the thanks of the academy 
be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for the generous and efficient aid 
which it has rendered through its system of foreign exchanges and distribution 
of publications, by which the academy has greatly profited. 

CHAUNCEY WRIGHT, 
Recording Secretary American Academy. 


From George H. Knight. 


CINCINNATI, OxIo, July 10, 1866. 


The system of weights and measures being on the tapis, ought we not to save 
posterity a world of trouble by once for all dethroning ¢en as the metrical num- 
ber in favor of eight—a number susceptible of indefinite bisection, itself a cube, 
(23,) and whose square is a cube, (4°?) 

Two with its multiples is the natural division in measures; witness the old dry 
measure: 2 gillss=one jack; 2 jacks=one pint; 2 pints=one quart; 2 quarts= 
one pottle; 2 pottles=one gallon; 2 gallons=one peck; 4 pecks=one bushel; 
8 bushels=one-quarter ; 4 quarters=one chaldron, &c. 

The system would, of course, abolish the two digits, 8 and 9. Eight would 
be represented by the sign 10, and nine by 11, while 8.x8.=100. I am not 
unaware of the prodigious labor involved in such a change—a labor too great 
for an age which expends more on litigation than on its wheat crop; but I never- 
theless believe it will be undertaken by some future age at a far greater sacrifice. 


% 
From E. C. Bolles, Secretary of the Portland Society of Natural History. 


PorTLAND, MAINE, August 24, 1866. 


The Portland Society of Natural History has always felt that the Smithsonian 
Institution was its best friend. Unnumbered instances of a generous regard, 
rising to munificence in the time of our loss and trial; wise counsels never out 
of place; wonderful facilities for scientific interchange most cheerfully granted, 
all compel us to this belief; and it is in obedience to this conviction that we lay 
before you, at the earliest possible moment, a statement of the present condition 
of our society, which, in the terrible calamity well known throughout our land, 
has been almost the greatest sufferer of all. 

_ The destructive fire of July 4th consumed our building and collections, leav- 
ing, from the peculiar construction of the former, scarcely a vestige of the interior 
of the hall. We regret to say that this loss was entirely unnecessary. The 
structure was eminently fire-proof, separated by 20 feet on each side from the 
buildings on the right and left. A large wooden house on the right had been 
entirely burned without danger to our property ; the library had been quietly and 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 825 


safely removed; in the event of possible danger there seemed time enough to 
secure the cabinets, which were already so arranged as to be readily carried out, 
when an ill-judged explosion of powder in the building on the left blew out the 
few windows in our premises, and drove the burning mass of splinters and boards 
quite over the lower floor of our lecture-room, and left this, of course, in a moment, 
only a sheet of flame. This unexpected blow, almost destroying several mem- 
bers of the society, rendered all further efforts to save our property vain. 

You will be pleased to learn that all our books and pamphlets, including our 
own and the Smithsonian publications, were saved. I wish that I could say as 
much for the collections, but, excepting about 100 species of shells, withdrawn 
for a special purpose and not then returned, all was lost. 

And now we beg to assure you that the society still lives. Not even this 
second trial by fire shall destroy our existence and work. Although since that 
night of disasters every one’s heart and brain have been overtaxed, we have not 
lost a single meeting. One result you will see in the enclosed appeal, which 
document we have circulated among such men of science as were catalogued in 
the “ Naturalist’s Directory.” We find ourselves almost penniless. Our city is 
too well drained of its resources to afford more than a few scanty crumbs of aid. 
What response will be made to our petition we do not as yet know; certain it is 
that if this machinery fails we shall try some other. Our fortune, by its very 
hardness, rouses and stimulates us. We are very anxious to have some building 
of our own, however humble, rather than multiply risks by sharing with other 
organizations the common shelter of one roof. We feel better to-day, because 
no part of our loss is to be charged upon our own want of forethought or imme- 
diate care. 

Our present location might again serve us were it not for public demands and 
interference. The walls of our building are as good as when first built; but 
the city, in making the street in front of us wider, cuts off about 20 fect of our 
building, reducing the dimensions of our land too much to leave the rest of use 
tous. I need scarcely add that, under the most favorable terms of sale, we 
cannot close our business matters up to have more than $2,500 remain above our 
mortgage debt. 

But we ought not to tax your patience further. We shall be most grateful 
for your sympathy, suggestions, aid. Situated as we are, there is not another 
institution of science that has been forced to record two such terrible chapters of 
misfortune. But we mean, if Providence blesses our labors, to make it true that 
no local society of natural history shall leave in years to come a better chapter 
of hard-earned prosperity and fame. 


[Nore.—We are happy to state that this society is again in a flourishing con- 
dition, and that permission has recently been given to it by the city government 
to occupy, free of charge, rooms in the new city hall building; also, that the 
Smithsonian Institution has presented it with another very complete set of its 
duplicate specimens of natural history —J. H.] 


From Josiah Goodwin, secretary and editor of the Bath and West of England 
Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, Arts, Manufactures, and Com- 
merce. 

Batu, September 3, 1866. 
On behalf of the president and council of the Bath and West of England 
socicty, I have the honor to acknowledge the safe arrival of the several books 
enumerated in the invoice numbered 804a, 1866, which I beg to enclose receipted ; 
and I have much pleasure in conveying to the honorable the officers and Regents 


326 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


of the Smithsonian Institution the assurance that the president and the council 
of the Bath and West of England society entertain not only a very high sense 
of the valuable services conferred on the scientific world Ly the labors and pub- 
lications of the Smithsonian Institution, but they cannot too highly applaud the 
enlightened liberality which has actuated the conductors of the Smithsonian 
Institution in the establishment of such an admirable system of organization for 
facilitating the mutual interchange of the publications of the learned and other 
societies in various parts of the ereat continent of America and the United King- 
dom of Great Britain and Ireland. 

Acting in a reciprocal spirit, | have much pleasure in transmitting, through 
your recognized agent, several volumes of the Bath and West of England society’s 
journals, in order to complete the set in the library of your Institution, more e@spe- 
cially as the earlier volumes can now be obtained only very rarely, as the society’s 
stock is entirely exhausted. 


From Dr. Brehm, the director of the Zoological Gardens. 


Hambura, September 11, 1866. 


Tam in receipt of your letter dated the 2d of last month, in which you state 
that a specimen of the American great horned owl is offered for the accep- 
tance of the zoological society of “this city, by the Smithsonian Institution; 
and I have the satisfaction of stating that the bird has arrived in good health 
and condition, and the society is very y much obliged, and will do itself the pleas- 
ure of returning the compliment if you will indicate in what manner it can be 
done. 

If I might further intrude on the kindness of the Institution, it would be to 
say that some of your common finches (Fringillide) would be very acceptable, 
as the birds usually imported are only such as, e. g : Cardinalis virginianus, Spiza 
cimis, Astragalinus tristus, and Cocoborus ludovicianus. But we get overdone 
with these birds of dealers, and which are popular with private purchasers, who 
do not value the less externally attractive and common birds which I am anx- 
ious to possess. Some of the small owls I should also like to have from America, 
together with any of your ducks, (Anas,) excepting the “sumreer duck,” which, 
for the same reason as I have above given in regard to other birds, are imported 
into Lurope in quantities. 

It is remarkable that the “snow goose,” though abounding in the United 
States in any number of thousands, is not in any ‘European zoological garden. 
Will you please to think of me with special attention with regard to this bird? 


From the Chicago Academy of Sciences. 
Cuicaco, February 11, 1867. 


The undersigned, trustees of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, desiring to 
signalize in a more special manner their sense of the great obligations the academy 
is under to the Smithsonian Institution, have caused a list to be made of its recent 
donations to their library and museum, and take this method of expressing to 
you their sincere thanks, not only for these books and specimens, but in general 
for the fostering care with which’ the Institution has treated, from its inception, 
our attempt to ‘establish a strictly scientific museum here in the west. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 


GEO. C. WALKER. H. G. LOOMIS. 
W. E. DOGGETT. Ek. W. BLATCHFORD. 
KE. G. McCAGG. DANIEL THOMPSON. 


J. YOUNG SCAMMON. 


— a 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. oan 


Report on an improved system of numeration, by W. B. Taylor, Esq. 


Unitrep States PATENT OFFICE, 
Washington, March 22, 1867. 


I have examined the paper referred to, on the subject of an improved numera- 
tion for arithmetical operations, and have, respectfully, to offer the following 
remarks: ‘The proposal is simply to ‘interpolate six additional “ digits” (if the 
term may be allowed) between the nine and the ten of our common arithmetical 
scale, in every order or place of figures; in other words, to substitute a senide- 
nary for the received denary radix of numeration. This suggestion has been 
made, I believe, more than once before. In 1859, Mr. J. W. Nystrom, of Phila- 
delphia, published an essay on what he called ‘the tonal system, (ton being 
the name he assigned to the senidenary ten,) advocating the adoption of the 
number 16 as the basis of a universal arithmetic and metrology. 

All who have given the subject of weights and measures much consideration 
will agree in the proposition that a scheme of continual bisections and doublings 
would prove a great convenience in all the operations of concrete arithmetic, and 
were it not for the enormous labor of a reconstruction, and the great time required 
for its general introduction among civilized nations, some such reform might be 
accepted as advantageous or desirable. 

So early as the beginning of the last century, the illustrious Leibnitz elaborated 
a scheme of binary arithmetic, (whose only characters were 1 and 0,) and pub- 
lished a treatise in its exposition and support. A paper of his upon the subject 
will be found in the Memoirs of the Academie Royal des Sciences for the year 
1703, page 85, in which he says he had himself employed this ratio of computa- 
tion for many years, and that he regarded it as “Ja perfection de la science des 
nombres;” an opinion which, from such an authority, is entitled to very high 
respect. 

It may well be questioned, hoWever, whether the senidenary scale favored by 
your correspondent would fulfil the true desideratun—a minimum of arithmetical 
labor. There are considerations tending to show that even our present denary 
ratio is too high for the most complete and general facility. In balancing the 
two opposite conditions of conciseness of expression, and simplicity of construc- 
tion, it must be borne in mind that while the number of places required to express 
a given value is diminished, simply as the logarithm of the vadix increases, 
the mental labor required in using any scale is increased in a considerably higher 
ratio than the arithmetical increment of the radix; probably in a ecometrical 
progression, or as some low power of the base. I am inclined to believe, there- 
fore, that as between the binary and senidenary systems, the former is decidedly 
to be preferred; that the economy of places or of expression in the latter would 
prove but a trival compensation for its much larger range and variety of symbols 
and the far greater complexity of all the tables and processes necessary in its 
employment. 

For all popular uses, either the quamernary or octonary scale would probably 
be found much more convenient than either of theso suggested extremes, and 
certainly much more available for the distribution of weights and measures. 

In 1719, Swedenborg published an Octonary Computas, and a project of an 
octaval system of weiehts, measures, and coins. It is said that Charles XII, of 
Sweden, had contemplated the experimental adoption of the scheme not long 
before his death, in 1718. 

It may not be considered irrelevant to here briefly compare the four different 
scales above mentioned with our established scale, in point of expressiveness. 


328 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Scale of comparison. 


On 
g 338 ; 
iE & | Expression for 
Scale. 2 = © | the present 
1 @ =o year 
s &p a : 
aS 3 ad 
A — 4A 
Deratyeree ceases se tse eee eee eras seein == ele US he le 1 1, 867 
Senidenary,- sere sowie sees eas ene eee oases en cece 16 | 1.204 & . 743. 
Octonany i eee eater es Nace das cals ae 8 903} if 3. 513 
Quatternaryeeece nese eee ree ne ee ees ciacininiate 4 . 602 $ 131. 023. 
Binary sacs eee cee erie oe eho aecse meek ose gee 2 30] 79 | 11.101. 001. 011 


Or to compare them in the expression of very large values, as for example, of 
such a sum as the number of grains of sand required to constitute a globe as 
large as our earth, (which, assuming 10 millions of grains to the cubic inch, 
would not exceed 659 quintillions, an expression requiring 33 places of figures,) 
we should find that the senidenary scale would require 28 figures, (a reduction 
quite insignificant,) the octonary would require 37 figures, (an excess equally 
insignificant, with only half the number of digits, and probably not one-fourth 
the.difficulty,) the quarternary 55 figures, and the binary 110 figures. 

In conclusion, I would express the opinion that the arithmetical scale suggested 
by your correspondent does not promise a convenience which would justify the 
subversion of the existing system of enumeration in its favor. 


‘From Count de Lulk, President of the St. Betersburg Academy of Sciences. 


Sr. PETERSBURG, May 13, 1867. 

Having received, through the kind attention of his excellency General Clay,. 
the letter which you did me the honor to address to me under date of the 25th 
of March last, from the city of Washington, I lost no time in communicating its 
purport to the Imperial Academy of Sciences. ‘That body has accepted, with 
the most lively acknowledgments, the offer which you make, in the name of the 
Smithsonian Institution, to enrich the museums of the academy with the gift of 
duplicates of the objects of natural history, collected in the Russian possessions 
in America, as weil as of those which M. Bischoff shal] have an opportunity of 
collecting in Kamtschatka and the province of the Amour. 

At the same time I deemed it my duty to address to General Korsakoff, gov- 
ernor general of Siberia, a request that he would have the goodness to give such 
orders that M. Bischoff shall find, during the expedition which he contemplates, 
assistance and protection on the part of the local authorities. By an ofiicial 
despatch of the 25th of April, M. Korsakoff informs me that he has written on this 
subject to the governors of the provinces which M. Bischoff has the intention of 
visiting, and has, at the same time, conveyed to me an open order (in the Russian 
language) which it will be proper that M. Bischoff shall carry with him and pro- 
duce to the local authorities in case of need, that he may secure their protection 
and assistance, be enabled to procure from the magazines of the state provisions 
at the legal rates, and be received on board the vessels of the empire. This docu- 
ment I have the honor of transmitting with the present communication, and beg, 
sir, that you will accept the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 3829 


From H. Zisgenbals. 


Lerpsic, May 17, 1867. 
Enclosed I send you the prospectus of the Schlagintwait collection of ethno- 
graphic heads of India and higher Asia, which, in view of the purpose now enter- 
tained of forming a comprehensive museum of such representations, cannot fail 
to be of interest to the Smithsonian Institution. 
The price of the collection is, as has been already stated, somewhat high, and 
is established at the following rates: 
1. Single heads, according to the choice of the purchaser, for 11 thalers. 
2. At least 25 heads taken at one time, at 9 thalers. 
3. The complete collection, 275 heads and 37 impressions of hands and feet, 
taken at one time, 2,348 thalers. 
In case of a commission for the above purpose I would hold myself in readi- 
ness to superintend the transmission in the best and most expeditious manner. 


From W. Alfred Lloyd. 


Hampoure, May 25, 1867. 


The sparrows will be sent in about two months from this date, when the 
young birds born this spring will be strong enough for travelling. ‘They are not 
very easy to keep in captivity, and I must try to find out by previous observa- 
tion what will be the best manner of forwarding them. You shall, of course, 
have due notice and proper instructions, and I will place them in the care of a 
trustworthy person, to whom a premium can be offered, varying in amount 
according to the number delivered alive and in good health. ‘This is the plan I 
adopt with regard to the transport of living aquarium animals, and thank you 
very much for kindly trying to send me some. I mentioned sea anemones and 
madrepores, they being easier to send alive than some other animals, but I should 
be glad to have any American invertebrata, particularly marine, as [ try to make 
the aquarium of our society a kind of museum of the lower aquatic forms of life. 
IT think I did send you a pamphlet containing a list of those I have already 
obtained, chiefly from England and the north of Europe, and I am now desirous 
to get things from places further afield. I believe many of your marine crystacea 
might be forwarded with no very great amount of difficulty, but the only exam- 
ples I have yet obtained are Cenobita Diogenes, from Cuba, and Limularpoly- 
phemus, from New York. I have still some of the last named, but they are too 
big for my accommodations, and I am anxious to see very young specimens— 
say a couple of inches long. Last week I almost got some crabs from the South 
Sea islands. They appear to be situated somewhere about grapsus or gonople. 
These three forms of crustacea reached Europe alive because of their habit of 
living much out of water, not usually immersed in fluid, but only kept damp, so- 
that the fact or accidence of their own avoidance of being kept actually below 
the surface of the water caused their gills to be sufficiently aerated on the voy- 
age, as it is evident that thin films of water presented to the atmosphere are 
more quickly oxygenated and acted upon than large masses, because of the pre- 
sentation of greater surfaces to the action of the atmosphere, just the same com- 
paring together dissimilar processes that a lump of sugar placed in water as a 
solid lump takes a much longer time to dissolve than if the same quantity were 
powdered, because when in the form of powder the water has an infinite number 
of surfaces to act upon all at once. For this reason I keep all difficult marine 
animals in shallow water. A cubic foot of fluid, arranged as a cube, pre- 
sents to the atmosphere a surface of 144 square inches, whereas, if the same cubic 
foot be spread out so the depth is but three inches, the surface presented is 576 


330 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


inches, and the amount of oxygen absorbed by the atmosphere in contact with it 
and the health of the animals immersed in it (always supposing they have enough 
space in which to move) is according to the arithmetical expression of the case. 
Even deep-sea creatures obtained from the greatest depths to which dredges and 
sounding lines have ever penetrated try to get to the surface of the aquarium 
they are placed in, to seek the air which the enormous pressure gave them in the 
waters they inhabited in nature, and appear to suffer no inconvenience by the 
removal of that pressure, their tissues being vascular and permeated by the water 
on all sides. I trouble you with these particulars as being useful hints in the 
sending of any aquatic animals, as sailors and others are so apt to keep them in 
deep water, i. e., deep water relatively to the surface exposed afforded by the 
vessel they are brought in. I have often thought that a large tub containing 
masses of rough cleaned sponge, (such as is used for stable purposes,) would 
answer well in bringing over some crustacea, and perhaps sea anemones. Some 
small holes should be bored in the side of the tub about three inches from the 
bottom, and then, if a quantity of sea-water were daily or oftener poured over 
the sponge and animals, it would find its way out at the holes and leave the 
sponge saturated with moisture. Each mass of sponge would be a kind of lung 
perforated with openings in all directions, and the fluid contained in the sponge 
would thus have a very large surface exposure to the surrounding air, and the 
crabs would climb upon and absorb it, while the three inches of water below 
would effectually prevent desiccation. ‘Twenty or thirty small crabs so brought 
to [Europe in a tub of about four feet diameter, covered over the top with a net, 
would be very nearly in the condition, chemically speaking of, as many birds or 
other lung-breathing creatures. ‘The sponge too would, I think, prevent injury 
to the animals by the motion of the ship. We know far too little of the habits 
of invertebrate aquatic forms of life from parts of the world distant from us, as 
we have not given sufficient consideration to the proper means of transporting 
them. What is wanted is not only water but air in the water, and if on board 
ship the appliances are somewhat rude, so that the fluid cannot be kept as pure 
as it might be kept on land, then shallowness and the presentation of great sur- 
faces of fluid to the purifying influences of the atmosphere are the best means of 


getting over the difficulty. We shall be very thankful for the promised meno- 
poma. 


From W. Alfred Lloyd. 


Hampura, July 13, 1867. 

By the steamer Borussia, leaving here this evening, the “ Zoologische Gessell- 
chaft,” of Hamburg, sends for the acceptance of the Smithsonian Institution at 
Washington a collection of upwards of 300 living sparrows, in accordance with 
a wish expressed by you, as you desire these birds to multiply in your country 
that they may consume the insects that devour corn, vegetables, and fruit grow- 
ing in the ground. Will you please report on their arrival and say how many, 
if any, reached you alive; then this society will pay the man in charge a propor- 
tionate premium for himself. The freight is free between our two Institutions 
by all the vessels of the Hamburg New York company. Please return the cages, 
and, if you wish, we will send more in them, and continue to forward you sup- 
plies till we succeed, if success be possible. Sparrows from England have been 
sent, after some trials, to Australia, and they are there thriving, I believe. If 
any ill-luck should happen to the present consignment, please try to find out the 
cause of it, in order that in renewing our attempt we may learn from experience 
of the past. I have heard something of the value of transporting such birds 
to long distances confined in small cages, with two or three in each, but no 
reason was given for it, and therefore I cannot see why such a system should be 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 831 


gight or wrong; but if you find a good cause for it, let me know and I will 
adopt the plan, or any other. 

You were, in your letter of April 24th last, so kind as to say you would 
endeavor to forward my wish in procuring foal America some living marine 
animals for our aquarium here, and I should be glad to know what success you 
have yet met with. Some weeks ago I sent you a letter setting forth at full 
length my views on the transport ‘of non-lung- breathing animals, and I trust 
that the explanations I ventured to trouble you with may be of some service in 
getting over difficulties. We know very little of non- European zoophytes in a 
living state, and, as i may have told you, American sea anemones have been 
brought over onl ly once, though such animals from Britain have several times 
Been | sent to your oii y and to Australia. 

I am exceedingly anxious to obtain some of your Helian thoid polypes, your 
sea anemones and madrepores; and no matter how common they may be with 
you, they are sure to be interesting and valuable to me, unless it is positively 
known beyond all doubt that they are identical with European specics, and 
even then the very fact of the identity would be of interest. So please send me 
any. Of course you have got Gosse’s “Actinotoba Britannica,” 8vo, 1860. 
lt is the text-book for British Actineas and Madrepores; and I am told that 
Rhodactinea is exactly the same as our Act. mesembry anthemone. I should 
like to prove this. I have also heard that our Actinotoba dianthus is “very near 

our M. marginatam,” and this, too, I should like to clear up. 

Arachnactis, the only swimming anemone known, is reported to be very abund- 
ant with you; it finds a place in the lists of our British fauna, but I do not know 
any one who has ever seen it, and I fear it is too small and delicate, and too near 
in texture and habit to the Acala aphe to be brought here alive. Bisidiam and 
Haleampa, too, are two of your minute forms I should like to get. 

Our twe commonest British corals, Caryophyllea and Balamphy yllea, are exceed- 
ingly hardy in transport, and if your stony corals are anything like ours the send- 
ing them over is a matter of no great difliculty. 

We have but one really denotoid coral in ‘Britain, Laphohelia prolifera, and 
its corrallam even is very rare indeed, and no British naturalist has ever seen it 
alive. Tropical (American and other) branching corals are constantly being 
brought to Kurope by tons weight, but never once has a single living specimen 
Deen | imported in good health. “Lately I went to much expense in try ing to get 
some from the Navigators’ islands, but they all arrived without a particle of 
fleshy matter on them. You may judge from this what a great prize I should 
deem an Astrangia colony here in Hamburg, and this is found in abundance, 
‘I believe, in Massachusetts bay. It is right to name the name of the man who 
for the first and only time brought sea anemones from your country—Captain 
H.W. Wendt. In my blazing zeal I have had his photographie portrait framed ; 
and, common sailor though he looks, he is in my eyes a greater man than all the 
political fellows who go raving up and down various “countries. The species 
were Phy, ymactis florida : and Pin ymactis pluvia, from Tguazee, in Peru, and described 
Mm Dana’s great work in quarto and folio on Captain Wilkes’s United States 
exploring expedition. 

The Mchinodermata of any kinds, hard or soft, would, I fear, not travel, but 
LT need not say how much I should value a living Echinar achinus, of which ‘only 

| oue example of one species (1. Placenta) has ever been found in Britain. With 
you it is very common. 

_ Fishes from America are not to be hoped for, I am afraid, though I have got 

tivo alive, (Pimelodus catus and Leneiscus p ygmaeus. ) But some of the crustacea 

ight, I imagine, be got over alive; for example, Homarus Americanus. And 

judging from it, T should i imagine your edible crabs and your soldier crabs to be 

different specifically from ours. 


But pray assist me in preventing the importation of Limulus polyphemus 


$32 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


(horseshoe crab,) which come over here in such numbers that lately I have with 
them stocked all the marine aquaria of England and the continent of Europe, 
and I do not know what to do with those | now have over. I do not like to | 
see the poor things dying by inches, and my mind revolts at plunging animals | 
full of life and health into spirits. It would be well if Limulas were less hardy. | 


From the Museum of Natural History of the Ne ational University of Greece. 
ATHENS, August 12, 1867. 


We have learned, through M. Rangabé, our envoy extraordinary and minister 
plenipotentiary near the government of the Union, that the directorship of the | 
Institution of Smithson is desirous of entering into relations of exchange with | 
our museum of natural history, with a view to obtaining the natural productions | 
of Greece. We lose no time in expressing the pleasure which this information | 
has given us, and the gratification we shall experience in forming and maintain- | 
ing such relations, which cannot fail to be of great advantage to our own museum, 
‘nasmuch as our collections are at present but scantily provided with objects | 
pertaining to the natural history of North America. As regards duplicates of — 
the objects of our own country, we have in readiness for offering to the Institu- 
tion: a series of fossil bones of different mammifers (Hippotherium grande; _ 
Rhinoceros partygnathus; Sus erymanthius; several species of antelope, &c.,_ 
&c.,) of the pleocene formation of Pikermi, in Attica; a collection of impres-- 
sions of fossil plants of the eocene formation of Koumi, in Enbir; preparations” 
of several kinds of birds of Greece; eggs of different Greek birds; marine — 
shells, fresh-water and terrestrial. | 

We beg to be instructed as to what the Institution would desire, or rather) 
what it would prefer to receive in the first instance, in order that we may be 
able at once to make a first remittance. We should be glad, at the same time, 
to know by what channel, by what means, and to what address our remittances” 
must be forwarded. It would be esteemed a favor if the authorities of the Insti- 
tution would inform us in a compendious note what objects it possesses in dupli- 
cate and at its disposal for exchange, so that we might indicate in turn our own | 


desiderata. 
We have the honor of subscribing ourselves, with assurances of the most dis= 


tinguished consideration, | 
TH. Dr HELDREICH, 
Conservator of the Museum of Natural History. 
HEHITZOPOULOS, 
Ephor of the Zoological, Mineralogical, and Geological Collections 
of the Museum of Natural History of the University. 


From Professor Laboulaye, of the Institute of France. 


Paris, September 4, 1867. 


T have received, through M. Bossange, the case containing 174 volumes of | 
educational books, which you had the goodness to send me. ‘These books form | 
the admiration of all who take an interest in education, and I hope that Franco | 
will profit by this example. We have excellent things at home by which you 
in turn might profit; but we have seen nothing comparable to your “Reader,” | 
your “Object Lessons,” your “Graphics,” and your “Geographical Series.” 

I send you a letter for each of the editors who has been kind enough to make 


ii 
ff 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 333 


me a present; and I avail myself of this opportunity to say to you how much I 
am touched by the proof you have given me, on this occasion, of good will. 
You have treated me as a compatriot, and, sooth to say, there is no Frenchman 
who is more American than myself. 


[The works referred to were presented by American publishers of school books 
at the request of the Institution. —J. H.] 


From D. G. Lindhagen, perpetual secretary of the Academy of Sciences of 
Stockholm. 


StTockHoLm, November 4, 1867. 


I have had the pleasure of receiving, in behalf of the Academy of Sciences at 
Stockholm, your letter of the 29th of May last, accompanying your remittance, 
through M. Fligel of Leipzic, of a collection of very rare birds of the Arctic 
regions of your continent—a collection which your distinguished Institution has 
had the goodness to present to our academy. 

The package arrived in the month of August, during my absence on certain 
commissions of the academy, and was transmitted to M. Sandevall, intendant of 
the national museum of natural history, who presented it to the academy at its 
first meeting in autumn, pronouncing its contents to possess great value for the 
museum. 

Permit me to convey to you the thanks of the academy for this acceptable 
donation. 


From John Gould, esq. 


Lonpon, November 25, 1867. 

I beg to thank you most sincerely for your kindness and liberality in sending 
from time to time for my inspection, through Mr. Lawrence, of New York, speci- 
mens of humming-birds belonging to the Smithsonian Institution, which he has 
designated as new species. By these acts of condescension you are greatly aid- 
ing the cause of science, since it is only by the actual comparison of such exam- 
ples with the older known species of this extensive family in the collections of 
this country that the fact of their being new can be satisfactorily determined. 


From S. P. Mayberry. 


Carr EvizaBetTu, Marne, January 4, 1868. 

I am very much pleased with the selections in your reports, and hope that 
some means may be taken for their more extended circulation. While at asummer 
resort, Rye Beach, New Hampshire, of some celebrity, attention was called to 
the gradual approach of the sea upon the land. Some 20 rods below high-water 
mark, at an exceeding low tide, may be seen the stumps of quite large trees 
embedded in the sand, and from the general appearance one would suppose that 
the trees had been felled from those stumps. I made inquiry of the oldest 
‘inhabitants if they had any information relative to them; they had none; that, 
in their time and that of their fathers’, these had been noticed, seeming not much 
further out to sea than at the present time. There is no growth within 800 yards. 
The country around has been settled since 1623. About two miles from this 
used to be a fine sand beach, which has disappeared. The inhabitants thought 


334 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


the constant play of the sea had worn it, but from what I saw I rather inferred 
that the gradual approach had not been noticed, and I believe at some other 
poir:ts there is unmistakable evidence. If these facts are of any use to science, 
they are at your disposal. 


[The facts presented in the above communication are very interesting, in con- 
nection with similar observations at other points along our coast. ‘They indicate 
a movement in the strata of the earth—_J. H.] 


From Lucien Pratt, professor of physics and chemistry, University of San José, 
Costa Rica. 


San José DE Costa Rica, February 8, 1868. 


We have received through M. the minister of public instruction a magnificent 
collection of the scientific memoirs of the Smithsonian Institution, which will 
form the most precious part of the library of our university. I am authorized to 
keep it in the laboratory, and I can assure you that, as far as we are concerned, — 
the object of the publication will be fully attained. It will essentially serve to — 
augment our stores of knowledge, especially in meteorology and geology. The | 
minister has, I believe, already written to the Smithsonian Institution in the name 
of the Costa Rican government. Permit me, sir, specially to offer you my own — 
acknowledgments and to say how greatly I felicitate myself at seeing our labor- — 
atory placed in the relationship of exchange with one of the first scientific bodies _ 
of the world. Regarding neither the paucity of the present population of the 
country, nor the necessarily embryonic state of the University of San José, you | 
have looked only at our disposition to labor, to take part in the scientific move- - 
ment of the great nations, and you have treated us with a liberality for which I~ 
know not how to express my gratitude. 

I was about to solicit an order to send you a collection of the ores of the - 
country and of the most characteristic rocks among those which I have thus far | 
been able to collect, when this very order was issued to me. I have, therefore, — 
prepared two small cases, enclosing 39 select specimens of the ores of gold and 
silver of Costa Rica, as well as of some eruptive rocks and principal limestones 
known in the country.* These two cases I propose to despatch by the mail of 
day after to-morrow. 

‘The specimens of ores of gold and silver are accompanied only by a designation 
of the locality; by the next post I shall have the honor of addressing you @ 
copy of an official table drawn up by one of the judges of mines, in which you — 
will find all the indications relative to the value of the ores. I send no table of 
analysis, because this analysis would apply only to isolated specimens or at most 
to an average of specimens, and would never have the practical signification of — 
the results obtained by the exploitation. Neither have I sent any specimen of — 
the enveloping stratum, because the specimens which I have at the university 
have been taken rather too near the surface, and it is impossible to recognize in 
the decomposed rock any mineralogical character which would authorize a deter- 
mination respecting the formation itself. It should be added that I have not yet 
been able to proceed to a study of the conditions of the bearings on the spot. 
As soon as I shall have found time to make a geological reconnaissance of the 
principal Costa Rican mines, I will send you a statement of my observations, 
and will submit to you at the same time specimens of the rocks in support of my 
determinations. It would be very interesting to see whether the law of Hum- 
boldt applies to Central America, and whether it be really necessary always to 


} 


* These specimens have been received at the Institution. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 3835 


seek the precious metals at the point of contact of the porphyry and trachyta. 
I do not doubt this law as far as the great formation of South America is con- 
cerned, but it appears to me that here and in all South America the upheavals 
have taken place at several intervals and relatively on a small scale, so that all 
is confounded. 

You will excuse, I trust, sir, the meagreness of our remittance, in considera- 
tion that it is barely two years since the university has possessed a laboratory. 
The work of organization, indeed, is not yet fully completed. I have no pre- 
parator, and the most advanced of my pupils have had less than two years’ 
tuition. I have a number of schemes in view which can only be realized by 
degrees. In all that relates to a serious study of the country, it was impossible 
to commence anything before providing assistants, without whom an isolated 
explorer, however earnest his purpose, would find himself reduced to two hands 
and 12 hours’ labor per diem. 'The government, by which the laboratory has 
been established, has always protected us with a liberality sufficiently indicative 
of its enlightened views, and I hope that ere long myself and my disciples will 
be enabled to give far other proofs of our existence than a scanty remittance 
of some 39 specimens. 

It is possible that we shall remain for some time among the poorer correspond- 
ents of the Smithsonian Institution, but have the goodness to believe that we 
shall be among the most zealous, and of the number of those always most ready 
to contribute, according to our resources, to the noble objects which the Institu- 
tion holds up to view. 


BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF CHARLES COFFIN JEWETT, 


{FORMERLY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, IN CHARGE OF THE LIBRARY.) 


By REUBEN A. GUILD, OF BkRowN UNIVERSITY.* 


Again we are called upon to mourn the loss of a distinguished man, whom 
death has suddenly removed from earth in the prime of life and in the midst of 
his accustomed duties. We refer to Professor Charles C. Jewett, superinten- 
dent of the Public Library in Boston, who died at his residence, in Braintree, 
yesterday morning, at half-past 1 o’clock, after a brief illness of ten hours. On 
Wednesday, we are informed, he was at his post in the library, attending to his 
work as usual, until 3 o’clock in the afternoon, when he was seized with a sensa- 
tion of numbness in one hand, which proved to be paralysis. He remained con- 
scious for a time, and after having had medical attendance, requested to be carried 
to his home. On the way he became insensible, and thus he continued until his 
death. 

Mr. Jewett was born in Lebanon, Maine, on the 12th of August, 1816. His 
father, the Rev. Paul Jewett, was a Congregationalist clergyman of Salem, 
Massachusetts, who graduated at Brown University in 1802, in the same class 
with the late Hon. Henry Wheaton, LL. D., author of “Elements of Interna- 
tional Law.” He was a tutor in this institution from 1806 to 1809, and was 
afterwards offered a professorship, which he declined, preferring the labors and 


responsibilities of the Christian ministry to those of any other calling or profes- _ 


sion. He was a man of talents, of accurate learning, of cultivated taste, and of 
very retiring habits. In the education of his children he took unwearied pains. 
His eldest son was, until recently, a well-known and enterprising publisher and 
bookseller in Boston; the second is the one whose loss'we to-day deplore, and a 
third was for several years a professor in Amherst College. 

Mr. Jewett passed his early life in Salem, graduating at the Latin School in 
that place. He entered Dartmouth College in 1831, but transferred his connec- 
tion, in his sophomore year, to Brown University, where he graduated in the 
famous class of 1835. He spent two years or more in teaching at the Uxbridge 
Academy, and subsequently studied at the Theological Seminary in Andover. 
Here he devoted himself chiefly to Philology, and especially to the oriental lan- 
guages and eastern antiquities, in which departments of knowledge he attained 
great proficiency. Indeed, according to the testimonies of the late Professors 
Stuart and Edwards, few students, if any, had in these departments excelled him. 
His commencement address at Andover attracted universal attention, and was 


greatly admired on account of the elegant style in which it was written, and the © 


thorough acquaintance with oriental subjects which it evinced on the part of the 
author. 

During his residence at Andover, Mr. Jewett was for a year and upwards the 
librarian of the seminary, and he assisted Mr. Taylor in the preparation of a 


catalogue of the books. At this time he was intending to spend several years, 
and perhaps his life, in the East as a missionary, and he had, accordingly, at the 
close of his theological course, marked out for himself an extensive course of 
study and research. He had been offered facilities for the accomplishment of his 
wishes such as few scholars, in this country at least, had ever enjoyed. When — 


ready to embark, so slight a circumstance as the misdirecting of a letter to inform 
him when the vessel in which he had taken passage was to sail, changed his 


* From the Providence Evening Press, Friday, January 10, 1868. 
3836 


te = AR olde = ago at 


RP Ae aaife 8 


<i Tiges 


CHARLES COFVIN JEWETT. Sot 


whole course of life. The vessel sailed without him, and he took charge for a 
year of “Day’s Acadesny,” so-called, in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Here we 
first made his acquaintance as a pupil, and we shall never forget his genial man- 
ners towards all, and his cordial affection for those especially whom he instructed. 
In 1841 he was appointed librarian of Brown University, and he entered upon 
his duties in the month of October. He at once set himself to the task of rear 
ranging the books, then numbering about ten thousand volumes, and of preparing 
a catalogue of the same. Jor this kind of work he had an uncommon aptitude. 
The catalogue was published in 1843, and attracted much attention, being favora- 
bly noticed in the North American Review, and in other periodicals. Especial 
care was now given to this department of the University, and a new era in its 
history was inaugurated. 

Soon after the publication of the catalogue, Mr. Jewett was elected professor 
of modern languages and literature in the university. He immediately embarked 
for Europe, where he spent two years and a half, principally in I’rance, Germany, 
and ltaly, devoting himself to the acquisition of the languages of these countries, 
and making himself familiar with all the principal libraries. During his resi- 
dence abroad, Professor Jewett made valuable purchases of English and classical 
books, under the direction of the library committee. He was also intrusted with 
large commissions by a gentleman of the corporation, for the purchase of stand- 
ard books in the three principal modern languages of Europe. These purchases, 
amounting to seven thousand volumes and upwards, were made with singular 
ekill and fidelity: and the accessions thus secured now constitute the choicest 
iveasures of the library. 

Upon his return from Europe, Professor Jewett devoted himself to his college 
duties as teacher and librarian, until March, 1848, when he resigned his position 
at Brown to accept the place of assistant secretary and librarian of the Smith- 
sonian Institution at Washington. He entered upon his new duties with enthu- 
siastic ardor, and with all the fondness and capacity for hard and persevering 
labor for which he had been pre-eminently distinguished. He was doomed, how- 
ever, to disappointment in his efforts to build up a great national library, and thus 
to carry out what he understood to be the expressed wishes of Congress in regard 
to the expenditure of the Smithsonian funds.* The controversy between science 
and literature, as represented by Professors Henry and Jewett, attracted great 
attention at the time, and subjected the latter to trials which fully entitled him 
to the sympathy that literary men so cordially gave him. But of the merits of 
this controversy we do not intend here to speak. Although unable, as already 
stated, to carry out his plans, Professor Jewett did much to promote bibliographi- 
cal studies and the success of American libraries. His “Notices of Public 
Libraries in the United States,” which was printed in 1850, was widely cireu- 
lated and met with very general favor. He also perfected a system of cata- 
loguing, by stereotyping separately the title of each work in a library, thus com- 
bining economy with accuracy. ‘This system, indorsed by Edward Everett, 
Joseph G. Cogswell, Charles lolsom, Samuel I’. Haven, Edward IE. Hale, and 
George Livermore, was published under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, together with rules and examples for the proper cataloguing of books. 

When it was decided to establish a great public library in Boston, Professor 
Jewett, by common consent the ablest bibliographer and most accomplished 
librarian in the country, was selected as the one of all others to superintend its 
affairs. Although offered an honorable position in our oldest university, and the 
presidency of a western college, he cheerfully accepted the place urged upon him 
by the trustees of the public library. The library building was dedicated with 
appropriate ceremonies on the Ist of January, 1858, and in October following the 

* The wishes of Mr. Jewett in regard to a library at the seat of government worthy of the 


nation, are now being realized by the action of Congress, through the influence of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, though not at the expense of its funds.—J. H. 


22 


338 CHARLES COFFIN JEWETT. 


first catalogue of books was published. For more than 10 years Mr. Jewett has 
thus been identified with the best interests of learning in the metropolis of New 
England. The catalogues which he has prepared, and the rules for the govern- 
ment of the library which he has suggested, have served as models for similar 
libraries in all parts of the country. ‘To his thorough and systematic knowledge, 
and to the faithful performance of his duties, the citizens of Boston are largely 
indebted for the rapid growth and complete success of what seems destined to: 
be the library of the land. 

The early death of such a man must be regarded asa public loss. What 
shall we say, alas! for the loved wife and children who survive him, and for 
those who enjoyed his friendship, and who knew him in the most intimate rela- 
tions of private life? For such, it is a consolation to know that his daily walk 
and conversation was a beautiful illustration of the Christian’s faith; and that 
the heavenly smile which rested upon his features in the calm repose of death 
was but an index to the soul that had ceaséd to animate them forever. The loss 
of such a man, viewed in its religious aspects, is indeed “ gain.” 


BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF WM. HENRY HARVEY, OF DUBLIN. 


By PROFESSOR ASA GRAY, OF HARVARD COLLEGE. 


[This biography is republished from the American Journal of Science and 
Arts as a tribute tothe memory of a most valued collaborator of the Smithsonian 
Institution.—J. H.] 


William Henry Harvey, whose lamented death was announced in the last 
number of this journal, (p. 129,) was born at Summerville, near Limerick, Ire- 
land, on the 5th of February, 1811. His father, Joseph M. Harvey, was a highly 
respected merchant in that city, and a member of the Society of Friends. William 
Henry was, we believe, the youngest of several children. He received a good 
education at Ballitore school, an institution of the Friends, and on leaving it was: 
engaged for a time in his father’s counting-room, devoting, however, all his spare 
time to natural history, his favorite pursuit even from boyhood. He made con- 
siderable attainments in entomology and conchology, and in botany he early 
turned his attention to mosses and alge. To the study of the latter, in which 
he became pre-eminent, he was attracted from the first by the opportunities which 
he enjoyed on the productive western coast of Ireland, the family usually spend- 
ing a good part of the summer at the seaside, mostly on the bold and picturesque 
shore of Clare. As the late Sir William Hooker's bent for botany was fixed by 
his accidental discovery of a rare moss, which he took to Sir J. EH. Smith, so in 
turn was Harvey’s, by his discovery of two new habitats of another rare moss, 
the Hookeria letevirens, which led to a correspondence with Hooker, and toa 
life-long mutual attachment of these most excellent men. Encouraged by his 
illustrious friend and patron, Harvey sought some position in which he might 
devote himself to science ; and it would appear was selected by Mr. Spring Rice 
(the late Lord Monteagle) for the post of colonial treasurer at the Cape of Good 
Hope; that by some accident the appointment was made out in the name of an 
elder brother, and an inopportune change of ministry frustrated all attempts at 
rectification. ‘There was no other way but for the brother to accept the under- 
signed appointment, and take the young botanist with him to the Cape as his 
assistant. ‘This was done, and the brothers sailed for that colony in the year 
1835. But the health of the elder brother suddenly and hopelessly failed within 
a year, and he died in 1836 on the passage home. William Harvey’s appoint- 
ment to succeed his brother had been sent to the Cape while he was on his home- 
ward voyage; he immediately returned to his post and fulfilled its duties for 
three years, devoting his mornings to collecting and his nights to botanical inves- 
tigation, with such assiduity that his health also gave way, and he was compelled 
to return home in 1839. ‘The summer of the next year found him re-established 
and on his way to the Cape for the third time. But he could not long endure 
the sultry climate and the intense application; with broken health he came back. 
in 1841 and gave up the appointment. 

After two years of prostration and seclusion he was well again; and in 1844, 
on the death of Dr. Coulter, he was appointed keeper of the herbarium of Trinity 
College, Dublin. The most important portion of the herbarium then consisted 
of the collections, yet unassorted, made by Coulter in northwestern Mexico and 
California. Harvey generously added his own large collections, for which he 
was allowed fifty pounds a year in addition to a slender salary, and he proceeded 
to build up the herbarium into a first-class establishment. 'The professorship of 


339 


340 WILLIAM HENRY HARVEY. 


botany in the college, which was pretty well endowed, fell vacant about this 
time, and the college authorities, wishing to elect Harvey to the chair and so to 
combine the two offices, conferred upon him the necessary degree of M.D. But 
it was contended that an honorary degree did not meet the requirements, and so 
Dr. Allman, the present distinguished professor of natural history at Edinburg, 
carried the election. 

Except for the slenderness of his salary, Dr. Harvey was now well placed for 
scientific work, the object to which he wished to devote his life, and he entered 
upon and pursued his distinguished career henceforth with an entire and well- 
directed energy that never flagged until he was prostrated by mortal disease. 

He had already published, at the Cape in 1838, his Genera of South African 
Plants, hastily prepared, solely for local use, but no unworthy beginning of his 
work in Phenogamous Botany; and in his favorite department of the science he 
had brought out in 1841 his Manual of British Alge, which he re-edited in 1849. 
He now commenced the first of the series of his greater works, illustrated by his 
facile pencil—for he drew admirably. ‘The first (monthly) part of his excellent 
and beautiful Phycologia Britannica, a Iistory of British Seaweeds, containing 
colored figures of all the species inhabiting the shores of the British islands, 
appeared in January, 1846, and the undertaking was completed in 1851, in three 
(or four) volumes, with 360 plates, all drawn on stone by his own hand. A simi- 
lar but less extended work, the Nereis Australis, or Alg@ of the Southern Ocean, 
which was begun in 1847, was carried only to 50 plates of selected and beauti- 
ful species. 

In 1848, Dr. Harvey succeeded Dr. Litton as professor of botany in the Royal 
Dublin Society, to which belonged the botanic garden of Glasnevin ; this required 
him to deliver short courses of lectures annually in Dublin or in some other Irish 
town, and provided a welcome addition to his income. 

In 1848, at the request of his friend Van Voorst, the publisher, he wrote his 
charming little volume, The Sea-Side Book, the unsurpassed model of that class 
of popular scientific books; it was published in 1849, and has passed through 
several editions. In July of that year, having arranged a visit to this country, 
and having been invited to deliver a course of lectures before the Lowell Insti- 
tute, he took steamer for Halifax and Boston, passed the summer and autumn in 
exploring the shores of the northern States, and in the society of his friends and 
relatives; for the late Mr. Jacob Harvey, still well and pleasantly remembered 
in New York, who married the daughter of Dr. Hosack, was his elder brother. 
In the autumn he gave an admirable course of lectures upon Cryptogamic botany 
before the Loweli Institute in Boston, and afterwards a shorter course at the 
Smithsonian Institution at Washington. He then travelled in the southern 
Atlantic States, continuing the exploration of our Alg@ down to Florida and the 
Keys; and in May, 1850, he returned to Iveland.* Under the wise and liberal 
arrangements made by Professor Henry in behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, 
and with his own large collections augmented by the contributions which every 
student or lover of Alge was glad to place in such worthy hands, Professor 
Harvey now prepared his Nereis Boreali-Americana, or Contributions to a His- 
tory of the Marine Alge of North America. 'The work is a systematic account 
of all the known marine Alge of North America, but with figures only of the 
leading species. It was issued in three parts; the first part, the Dfelanospermea, 
in 1852, in the third volume of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge; 
the second, the Ithodospermee, in the fifth volume; and the third, or Chloro- 
spermea, in the tenth volume of the series published in 1858; and the three parts, 
collected for separate issue, compose a thick imperial quarto volume, of 550 pages 
ot letter-press and fifty plates. ‘The work remains the principal if not the only 


_*A notice of Dr. Harvey in the Athenseum states, quite erroneously, that ‘‘ he also at this 
time made a tour around the shores of the Pacific, visiting Oregon and California.” 


esas 


WILLIAM HENRY HARVEY. 341 


guide to the American student of Alge, and one of the most popular as well as 
useful of the very various contributions to knowledge which the well-managed 
bequest of Smithson has given to the world. 

Before the last part of the Nereis Boreali- Americana was published, Professor 
Harvey had sought a wider field of scientific labor and observation. Obtaining 
a long leave of absence, and some assistance from the university in addition to 
the continuance of his salary, he left England in August, 1853, by the overland 
route for Australia, stopping at Aden and Ceylon to collect; he visited the east, 
south, and west coasts of Australia, as well as Tasmania. ‘Taking advantage of 
a missionary ship which was to cruise among the South Sea islands, and which 
offered him unexpected facilities, he visited the Fiji, Navigators’, and Friendly 
islands, touching also at New Zealand. Returning to Sydney he sailed to Val- 
paraiso, which he reached much prostrated through over-exertion in a warm cli- 
mate; and when recuperated he returned home by way of the Isthmus, arriving 
in October, 1856. The algological collections of these three laborious years, or 
the Australian portion of them, formed the subject of Professor Harvey’s third 
great illustrated work, and one of the most exquisite of the kind, the Phycologia 
Australica, the serial publication of which began in 1858, and was concluded 
in 1863, in five imperial octavo volumes, each of 60 colored plates. All but the 
last century of plates were put upon stone by the author. 

Upon Dr. Harvey’s return, in 1856, from his long expedition, he found the 
chair of botany in the University of Dublin vacated by the appointment of Dr. 
Allman to that of natural history in the University of Edinburg, and he was at 
once preferred to the position which he had sought when younger and freer, and 
which he now occupied till his death. 'The exhausting duties of this chair, and 
of that which he still held in the Royal Dublin Society, undiminished by the 
transference to the Government Museum of Irish Industry, did not prevent Pro- 
fessor Harvey from entering with unabated ardor upon an undertaking of greater 
magnitude than any preceding one. ‘This was the Flora Capensis, a full sys- 
tematic account of all the plants of the Cape Colony and the adjacent provinces 
of Cafirariaand Natal, in which he was associated with Dr. Sonder, of Ham- 
burg. ‘Three thick octavo volumes of this work have appeared, the last in 
1865, including the Composite. Along with this Dr. Harvey—learning for the 
purpose another form of lithographic drawing—brought out, between the years 
1859 and 1864, two volumes of his Thesaurus Capensis, or Illustrations of the 
South African Flora, comprising 200 plates of interesting phanogamous plants. 
A complete list of his publications would include several contributions to scientific 
periodicals, mainly to Hooker’s Journal of Botany, and a few miscellaneous 
writings. 

In April, 1861, Dr. Harvey married Miss Phelps of Limerick. If not robust, 
he was apparently in good health, in the full maturity of his powers, and, it was 
hoped, only at the nsoonday of his allotted course of usefulness. But ere the lec- 
ture season of thut summer was over, an attack of hemorrhage from the lungs 
gave notice of a serious pulmonary disease. Yet he seemed to recover from this 
almost completely ; he resumed lis stated work and gave his lectures as usual in 
1863, and also in the spring of the following year, but with some difficulty. The 
winter and spring of 1864—5 were spent in the south of France, with only tran- 
sient benefit. Returning to his home and his herbarium he worked on still at 
the Cape Flora, with cheerful spirit and feeble hands, until he could work no 
longer. Last spring he sought in Devonshire a milder air, and found a peaceful 
rest. “On ‘Tuesday, the 15th of May, 1866, at the age of 55 years, he quietly 
breathed his last at the residence of Lady Hooker, the widow of his long attached 
friend Sir William J. Hooker, surrounded by kind and anxious relatives and 
or and was buried in the cemetery at Torquay, on Saturday the 19th of 

ay.” 


342 WILLIAM HENRY HARVEY. 


Dr. Harvey was one of the few botanists of our day who excelled both in 
henogamic and cryptogamic botany. In algology, his favorite branch, proba- 
bly he has left no superior; in systematic botany generally, he had now an emi- 
nent position. He was a keen observer and a capital describer. He investi- 
gated accurately, worked readily and easily with microscope, pencil and pen, 
wrote perspicuously, and, where the subject permitted, with captivating grace; 
affording, in his lighter productions, mere glimpses of the warm and poetical 
imagination, delicate humor, refined feeling, and sincere goodness which were 
charmingly revealed in intimate intercourse and correspondence, and which won 
the admiration and the love of all who knew him well. Handsome in person, 
gentle and fascinating in manners, genial and warm-hearted, but of very retir- 
ing disposition, simple in his tastes and unaffectedly devout, it is not surprising 
that he attracted friends wherever he went, so that his death will be sensibly felt 
on every continent and in the islands of the sea. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


THE BOARD OF REGENTS 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, January 20, 1869. 


In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, fixing the time of beginning of the annual session on the third 
Wednesday of January in each year, a meeting was called for this day. 

No quorum being present, the board adjourned to meet on Wednesday, 27th 
January, 1869, at 74 o’clock. 


WASHINGTON, January 27, 1869. 


A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 74 o’clock p. m. at the Insti- 
tution. Present, Hon. B. F. Wade, Hon. W. P. Fessenden, Hon. L. Trumbull, 
Hon. G. Davis, Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. J. V. L. Pruyn, Hon. R. Delafield, 
Hon. P. Parker, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, Hon. 8. J. Bowen, and Professor 
Henry, the secretary. 

Mr. Wade was called to the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were 
read and approved. 

The secretary stated that since the last session, Mr. Sayles J. Bowen had been 
elected mayor of the city of Washington, and thereby became ex-oflicio a mem- 
ber of the board in place of Mr. Wallach, and that Professor Agassiz’s term had 
expired, but a resolution reappointing him a Regent had passed the Senate. 

General Delafield, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented the annual 
account of receipts and expenditures for the year 1868, with estimates for the 
year 1869; which was read, and, ; 

On motion of Mr. Pruyn, the report was adopted. 

General Delafield also presented the following report relative to the Washing- 
ton city canal, which was read: 


Report of the executive committee on a resolution of the Regents of the Smithson: 
ian Institution on the influences of the Washington city canal on the health of 
the population of the city, May 15, 1868.* 


The executive committee, to which was referred the resolution of the Regents 
of the Smithsonian Institution of the 22d of April, 1868, instructing it to ascer- 


* Senate Mis. Doc. No. 95, 40th Congress, 2d session. 
343 


344 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


tain what measures are proposed to be taken by the city authorities of Wash- 
ington in regard to the canal, so far as concerns the Smithsonian Institution, 
has examined the snbject and now report, for the information of the Regents: 

That the Washington city canal has been constructed under the authority 
granted by the following laws : 

On the ist of May, 1802, Congress passed an act incorporating the Wash- 
ington Canal Company, to raise $80, 000, and construct a canal from the Potomac 
to the Eastern Branch, to admit boats drawing three feet water to pass through 
the whole extent of said canal, with the right to charge and collect tolls and 
wharfage. If not so completed within five y years, it was to revert to the United 
States. 

This act seems to have expired by the failure of the company to execute the 
work, and on the 16th of February, 1809, Congress incorporated other parties, 
to raise $100,000, with the same title, to construct the canal through part of the 
city of Washington, as laid down on a plan of the city defining its limits, to 
admit of boats drawing three feet water to pass through it; and if, at any time, 
the canal shall become obstructed so that boats and scows drawing three feet 

water cannot pass through from the Potomac to the Eastern Branch, the com- 
pany shall not collect tolls or wharfage, and all the rights under this act shall 
cease, unless the canal is completed within seven years from the passage of the 
act. 

Before the expiration of this seven years, and on the 6th of May, 1812, Con- 
gress authorized money to be raised by lottery for completing the canal, render- 
ing it navigable, and draining the marshes and low grounds contiguous thereto, 
and on the 7th of May, 1822, authority was granted by Coneress to the city of 
Washington to contract with the canal company to change the direction of parts 
of the canal, to drain and dry the low grounds on the borders of Tiber creek. 

On the 20th of May, 1826, the canal company was authorized to increase the 
width of the canal along the present boundary of the Smithsonian grounds, and 
elsewhere, to 150 feet in width, and also to construct basins; and within five 
years shall construct the canal through its whole length to contain water at least 
one foot in depth at ordinary low water. 

On the 2d of May, 1831, the canal company sold all its interest to the city of 
Washington, which was conveyed by a deed dated the 23d of July, 1831; and 
on the 31st of May, 1832, Congress confirmed this sale, and enacted that all the 

right, title, interest, property, and estate of the Washington Canal Company are 
vested in the mayor, aldermen, and common council, for the aforesaid use, with 
the proviso, that the canal shall be finished and completed, of the breadth and 
depth and in the manner and within the time hereinafter prescribed, and not 
otherwise. The act then prescribes the width at different parts, and then that 
the canal, throughout its whole length and breadth aforesaid, and the basins, shall 
have a depth of at least four feet water at all times, and that the whole shall 
be walled on its sides, and made suitable for steam-vessels, to be used therein, 
and finished by the Ist of March, 1833, and in default, all the rights and privi- 
leges granted by this act shall cease and determine. No tolls or wharfage were 
allowed to be charged or collected whenever the canal was so out ef repair as to 
impede the free navigation with four feet water. By the same act all the right, 
title, property, interest, and estate of the United States, of, in, and to that part 
of the public reservation designated as the mall, was vested in the city corpora- 
tion, in fee, to be sold, and the moneys applied to the construction of the canal. 
A street of 80 feet wide on the south side, in addition to the 40 fect landing, 
was also authorized, and previous specified acts, conflicting with this act, were 
repealed. 

On the 2d of March, 1833, Congress appropriated $150,000 to aid in fulfilling 
the objects and requirements of the act of 31st of May, 1832, provided the city 
corporation relinquished all title to the land vested in it by the Sth section of 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 845 


the act, and all the rights and privileges granted by the 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 
13th, and 14th sections of said act. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Congress appropriated $20,000 for clearing out 
and deepening that portion of the canal which passes through and along the 
public grounds, provided the city expends a like sum in cleaning out and deep- 
ening the other portions. 

On the 3d of March, 1851, Congress appropriated $20,000 for completing, 
clearing out, and repairing that portion of the canal which passes through and 
along the public grounds, provided the city expends a like sum in clearing and 
repairing the other portions. 

On the 23d of February, 1865, Congress authorized the city corporation te 
lay taxes * * to introduce the necessary sewerage and drainage facilities under 
or upon the whole or any portion of any avenue, street, or alley. 

On the 16th of February, 1866, a bill was reported in the House of Repre- 
sentatives creating a sewerage commission, with power to improve and regulate 
the Washington city canal, as may be necessary; and on the 6th of March an 
amendment to the bill of the 16th of February, 1866, was reported, limiting 
the number of commissioners to three, giving them power to adopt and lay down 
a complete and uniform plan of sewerage, as it may deem necessary and most 
advisable, with reference to the public health and general interest; the city to 
raise $150,000 to execute the work by contract, and the United States not to be 
responsible for an amount exceeding one-half the outlay or expenses incurred 
under this act. ‘There was no further action on this bill or amendment. 

About the same time, to wit, on the 7th of March, 1866, the Senate of the 
United States passed a resolution requiring the appointment of a board of United 
States engineers, to report a plan for improving the canal and sewerage of tbe 
city. This board, on the 2d of April, 1866, made a partial report for the tem- 
porary improvement of the canal, which the city authorities adopted, and appro- 
priated $75,000 to carry into effect. 

Such is all the legislation on this subject the committee has been enabled to 
find, up to the end of the year 1867; from which it appears the United States 
granted to a company the right to construct the canal in question, on certain 
conditions and for specified uses; that this company sold all its rights to the 
corporation of the city of Washington, and the United States approved the sale 
and transfer, granted additional rights, and exacted additional facilities, limiting 
the uses to navigation by steamers, barges, and scows over the whole surface and 
length of the canal and basins, from the Potomac to the Eastern Branch. No 
authority is found for converting the canal into a sewer or recipient for the sewer- 
age matter of the city, nor can the committee find that the purposes of the canal 
for navigation have ever been carried into full effect. It would further appear 
that the city can make no sale, transfer, disposition, or change of its rights, inter- 
ests in and uses of the canal, without the authority of the United States, and it 
may well be questioned whether or not the city has lost all its rights in the pre- 
mises, by failing to make the canal navigable, and using it as a sewer and 
reservoir for the excreta from a large proportion of the population of the city. 


PROPOSED ACTION. 


_ On the 6th April, 1868, a bill was reported in the board of aldermen, grant- 
Ing to certain citizens all the rights now held by the city in the canal for a term 
of 30 years. It proposes to grant, for the sole use and benefit of the parties 
named, all the rights, &c., of the city to the canal, and all the rights conferred by 
the United States, under the act of the 31st May, 1833. ‘The corporators are to 
narrow the existing canal, and deepen it to one foot at low water, and finish 
the same in June, 1873, and may collect tolls and dockage. The company shall 
extend all sewers now leading into said canal to the outer surface of the canah 


346 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


wall, and at no time interfere with the canal being used for sewerage. It was 
provided that this transfer, with the proposed modifications, be submitted to Con- 
gress for approval. 

The mayor of the city, in a communication to Congress of the 23d April, 1866, 
states that the condition of the canal is such as to require an abatement of the 
nuisance caused by deposits from the sewers, while the bill now under considera- 
tion of the council greatly increases and prolongs this nuisance. 

The committee concurs in the opinion of the mayor of the city that the pro- 
posed grant of the canal to a private corporation would be a grievous injury to 
the inhabitants of the city, and would defeat the much-desired object of both 
Congress and the community of securing the health of the city. 

The committee learns from the mayor that it is proposed to extend the Ches- 
apeake and Ohio canal from Georgetown, through the city, to the deep water 
along the Eastern Branch, with the view of establishing a shipping port for large 
vessels, and depot for the Cumberland coal, thus sharing with Georgetown and 
Alexandria the profits of this branch of industry. The project is one to which 
the committee should present no objection, provided it does not imterfere with the 
general health of the city, or works necessary for promoting the health of the 
inhabitants. 

The committee considers that a canal for such a purpose, or any other, through 
this city, should not lock down to title-water until it has passed entirely through 
the city, and recommends that neither the existing canal, the proposed modifica- 
tions, nor transfer of the existing canal to any private corporation, be approved 
by Congress unless the subject of public health and sewerage be first provided 
for, and insured against all hindrance and interruption for all time to come, and 
that no sewage matter be allowed to enter any open canal whatever, within the 
limits of the District of Columbia. 


INFLUENCE OF THE CANAL ON THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION. 


At the present time the Washington city canal is an extended cesspool, the 
bottom of which is below the level of low water, the surface varying with the 
slow and gradual rise and fall of the tide, without any current to act upon the 
bottom or of sufficient velocity to move insoluble ponderous matter that is 
received into it. 

The sewage from the water-closets, kitchens, laundries, stables, cattle-pens, and 
street gutters is now received into this immense trap, there to remain, without 
power of any kind to carry it into the river or other place to protect the city 
against its pernicious effects and influences. The existing sewers now enter this 
reservoir so much below low water as to have caused one-half their entire height 
to be closed by deposit, and as a consequence filling every such sewer with 
poisonous matter into the city to the level of the intersection of the water in the 
canal with the inclined plane of the bottom of the sewer. This mass cannot be 
removed by any means now available. On the supposition that the canal re- 
ceives the sewage from a population of only 30,000 of the inhabitants of the 
city, the estimated annual cubic mass that is thrown into the canal is not less 
than 300,000 cubic fect, or at the rate of 10 cubic feet per head per annum of 
solid and fluid human excrement. 

This fecal matter has for some years past been accumulating in the canal, in 
proportion to the extent and number of sewers constructed from time to time, 
without any power of removal of the solid parts, and only a slight power for 
moving the fluid portions backwards and forwards, there being no continuous 
current to force even the fluid and soluble parts into the Potomac or Eastern 
Branch. 

From the experience of other cities, and the investigations of chemists and 
engineers, we learn that open sewers, as the canal in this city, evolve gases very 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 347 


prejudicial to health. Observation has shown that the death rate is much greater 
among the population along these open sewers than in streets removed but a 
short distance from them. 

The signs of animal life visible to the naked eye in small rivers after receiv- 
ing sewage matter consists of myriads of minute worms, characteristic of all 
- sewage water, and may be regarded as the last remains of animal life which can 
survive in such a locality; and even these die off in summer. 

The putrescence of the organic liquids and deposits in the open sewers and 
bottoms and beds of streams in all weathers, and the evolution of noxious gases 
therefrom, lead to the sensible contamination of the surrounding atmosphere, and 
consequently decreases the purity and healthiness of the air, and the discharge 
of sewage matter into streams and small rivers pollutes the water by the mixture 
of much organic matter in a state of active putrescence. 

Analysis gives 15 to 80 grains per gallon of suspended matter, and from 35 
to 76 grains of dissolved matter, of the sewage of large towns. Of the former 
about 35 per centum is organic, and of the latter about 28 per centum. The 
organic matter consists of vegetable and animal fibre with a soluble extractive in 
a high state of decomposition. The organic constituents give off such an abund- 
ance of foul gases that they are a constant source of annoyance. ‘These gases 
consist of about 73 per centum of light carburetted hydrogen, 16 per centum of 
carbonic acid, 10 of nitrogen, and traces of sulphuretted hydrogen, ammonia, and 
a putrid, organic vapor that is in the highest degree offensive. 

Every gallon of sewage will discharge from 14 to 14 cubic inches of this gas 
per hour, and the fermentation continues for weeks. Whenever this gas escapes 
from privies, cesspools, or sewers, it causes disease, and finally sets up a putrid 
form of fever which is exceedingly fatal. 

Every effort is made elsewhere to prevent the diffusion of these foetid gases 
into the houses and public ways, while in Washington we promote the evil to an 
incalculable extent and danger in that vast fermenting vat, the city canal. 

It follows that the sewage of large populous cities and towns can only be con- 
ducted into large rivers near the sea, that they may not contaminate the atmo- 
sphere, and should never be discharged into fresh-water streams used or required 
for man or beast. 

Jf conducted into closed harbors or bays, they create such a deadly pollution 
as soon to lead to the most alarming consequences. 

The magnitude of this evil, and the suddenness with which it may come upon 
us in its most fatal form, are exemplified by the experience of London. The 
committee asks attention thereto, as fully illustrating the evil we have to com- 
bat in this city, and the necessity of prompt attention : 

“On the introduction of the water-closet system in London, and the abolition 
of cesspools, with the increase of gas-works, the Thames began to give indica- 
tions of receiving a larger quantity of decomposing matter than it could purify 
or get rid of by the tide movement. In 1856 it became apparent in the summer 
months that the river emitted a disagreeable stench. ‘This became still more 
evident in 1857, and was obviously dependent on the increased attention paid to 
the removal of all refuse from houses by the aid of drainage. In 1858 the stench 
appeared with increased intensity, and especially in the neighborhood of the new 
houses of parliament. Livery one felt it was necessary to meet so gigantic an 
evil. The river had become one elongated cesspool, and the effect upon the 
teeming population of its banks might be in a short time of the most disastrous 
kind. In 1858 an act was passed for preventing, as far as practical, the sewage 
from passing into the Thames within the metropolis, giving authority to expend 
three millions of pounds sterling to effect the object.” 

This experience may very properly be received as a truthful representation 
of what is being done in this city, and the consequences. 

The specific gravity of sewage gases is lighter than that of the atmosphere 


348 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Generated in large volumes in the canal, and lower end of as well as in the sewers, 
it ascends the sewers to escape at every higher level, and creates the pestilential 
influences heretofore referred to. We had some experience in this city in 1857, 
causing death and prolonged disease among the inmates of one of our hotels, 
Thus the deleterious gases ascend and the poisonous liquids descend, making the 


ventilation of the sewers as important as conveying away the solids and liquids 


to insure the health of the city. No system of cleansing sewers by manual labor 


is justifiable. 

Laborers employed in this disgusting business in the culverts for fluid excre- 
ments, as in the Paris system, are subject to two terrible diseases, both due to 
the deadly effluvium of feces, the one caused by ammonia gas, creating distem- 
pers of the nose and eyes, and the second by sulphuretted hydrogen, nitrogen, 
and hydrosulphuretted ammonia, causing sudden death. In the sewers for fluid 
and solid excrementa, as in London and Washington city, the effects are even 
more fatal. In the report of the engineer relating to the London sewers, it is. 
stated that he witnessed several cases of death, and others in which men were 
taken out insensible, after only a few seconds’ exposure. In Warwick street, 
Pimlico, five men were killed, in 1852, by this gaseous sewage. ‘Three of them 
had gone into the sewer early in the morning, and, not returning for breakfast, 
alarm was felt for their safety. A surgeon entered the sewer and was killed on 
the spot. A young policeman followed and was struck dead in a few minutes. 
On examination after death it was shown that he could not have made more than 
two respirations before death after entering the sewer. On making an opening 
from the street into the sewers to get the bodies of these men, the gases as they 
escaped were set fire to by a match and burnt with a yellow flame, rising twenty 
feet. Within three months of the date of the engineer’s report three more lives 
were lost near Whitechapel by breathing sewage gases as it escaped from an 
opening made into another sewer. 

It is now a well-established fact, deduced from the medical statistics of the 
English armies in India, and of our army in its marches during the past two 
years, that cholera is propagated mainly by atmospheres contaminated and poi- 
soned by the excrement of cholera patients. 

In this city the canal would be the reservoir for such matter, first to be con- 
taminated by travellers from infected districts, sojourning temporarily at the hotels, 
all the sewers from which now or are hereafter to empty in the canal. 

The committee is of the opinion that the canal, as it now exists, is a great cause 
for creating and propagating disease, and should at the earliest possible moment 
be filled up and discontinued for use as a sewer and reservoir for excrement and 
waste waters of kitchens, water-closets, laundries, and other sources of contam- 
inating matter, and is also of the opinion that, if the proposition of granting the 
city rights to this canal be confirmed, the evils herein set forth cannot be efii- 
ciently corrected by any means left in the power of the public authorities with- 
out incurring a heavy expenditure to purchase rights and property now proposed 
to be given away. 

It is proper to state that part of this system of sewage, and, it is believed, the 
commencement of making the canal a reservoir and cesspool, was made under 
appropriations of Congress for building sewers from the Capitol and the execu- 
tive buildings from Fifteenth to Seventeenth streets. 


REMEDIES FOR THE EXISTING EVILS. 


The committee has pointed out the probable evil consequences of our existing 
system of sewage, as a result of using the canal as a cesspool and reservoir for 


the fecal matter, from whence it cannot be removed by any existing means. It 


has also shown that the air and water from the canal are contaminated by the 
sewerage of the city, and produce fatal diseases tending to virulent epidemics, 
and that the canal is neither fit for navigation, sewerage, or drainage, in its pre- 
sent form and dimensions. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 349 


It remains for the committee to propose some method by which these evils may 
be remedied. 

The old, thickly populated cities and towns of Europe have been compelled, 
for self-preservation, to expend millions of money, and adopted a variety of sys- 
tems to remove excrement from the limits of their abodes. 

The systems last adopted for Paris and London, at an immense outlay, give in 
general the main reliable features of the most acceptable plans. 

In Paris metallic vessels for every family are so arranged that the solid feeces 
are separated from the urine. ‘The latter passes into street sewers of large 
dimensions, conducting it, with the surface drainage from the streets, into the 
Seine, and the solids are removed from the dwellings by scavengers with carts, 
and conveyed some miles from Paris, where it is converted into dry poudrette and 
sold for manure. No less than 278,000 cubic metres of these solid excrementa 
were collected from the tenements in Paris and removed to La Vilette for con- 
version into fertilizing matters in one year. 

In London a system commenced in 1859 of sewers at different levels, ranning 
parallel with the Thames, receives all the house and street drainage, both solid 
and fluid, and conducts the same, miles below the city, into the river, to find its 
way to the sea. These longitudinal sewers drain the entire city surface of 117 
square miles, and are together 82 miles in length. ‘Their fall does not exceed 
two feet per mile, and are carried over rivers, railways, roads, and streets, by 
wrought-iron aqueducts. Of the surface thus drained 253 square miles are below 
the level of high water, and drained by a sewer of 10 miles in length. <A part 
of the sewerage, or 144 miles of this surface, has to be pumped up 17$ feet to 
discharge it into the Thames; and at what is called the Abbey Mills Station, the 
whole mass of sewage is pumped up 36 feet to the level of the outfall sewer. 
This system is peculiar in having culverts parallel with the river, to receive the 
sewage at high levels as far as practicable, and not allow it to fall into basins or 
valleys below the river surface, and by steam pumps raising all the sewage mat- 
ter from surfaces below the river level into the main drains leading to the river. 

Another system is advocated, by which all the excrementa is received from the 
water-closets, both solid and fluid, into small boxes in the streets, from whence 
it is drawn by pneumatic portable’ engines into tight barrels, and thence in its 
liquid state distributed in drills underground by ploughs, as a manure for the sur- 
rounding country. It is claimed to be the only effectual way of removing this 
offensive matter and preserving the whole of it for manuring the soil. 

With subsoil ploughing, rotation of crops, lime, marl, green sand, barn-yard 
manure, guano, and other fertilizers, the use of sewage matter is not likely to be 
acceptable to our agriculturists, and no demand will probably exist sufficient to 
absorb the quantities that by this system must be daily disposed of in summer 
and winter. 

The committee has come to the conclusion that we must construct the sewers 
of the city of Washington on levels above high water, and conduct them to dis- 
charge their contents in the strong ebb current of the Potomac river at high water, 
that the entire accumulation of twelve hours may have six hours of ebb tide to 
carry it towards the Chesapeake, which, with the annual freshets and constant 
flow of the Potomac, will always carry it beyond the distance it can be brought 
back by the flood. 

It is indispensable the outlet of these main sewers should be below the Long 
bridge, (and as distant as practicable,) otherwise all the solid matter would accu- 
mulate on the shoals between this bridge and Georgetown, and in time create as 

reat an evil as the canal. 

To effect this object all the main sewers must be carried across the site of the 
present canal on closed aqueducts or causeways, at the most advantageous levels 
above high water, and thence under the grounds south of the canal, to suitable 
places on the bank of the river, where closed and covered reservoirs may be con 


350 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


structed to retain the sewage until the ebb-tide makes, when gates or valves will 
be opened to allow it to escape into the river, under the water surface, using the 
waters of Rock creek and the Tiber to cleanse them. 

The present canal should then cease to be used for any other purpose than as. 
an escape for the waters of the Tiber during extraordinary freshets, and for such 
surface drainage as cannot be carried across it into the sewers leading to the 
Potomac, and to this end must be filled up and reduced in size and form to an 
arched culvert. The proposed canal for commercial purposes, with an outlet in 
the Eastern Branch, should, in like manner, be carried over the valley of the 
present canal on an aqueduct or causeway, and then through or along the high — 
ground to the Eastern Branch. 

We have found that the canal is not useful for navigation. A railroad over 
the same ground, extended along the river front, with turn-outs and sidings to 
warehouses and depots, free to every owner of a car, would better subserve the 
public welfare, it is believed, than any water transportation that can be derived 
from the existing or other canal. Such a road for heavy traffic, with a well- 
constructed paved street for light vehicles, and a paved walk along the south side, 
adjacent to the public reservations, connecting the Capitol, botanic garden, Smith- 
sonian, agricultural, and Washington monument grounds with the grounds about 
the President’s house, would insure greater health, promote public convenience, 
and greatly enhance the value of property now separated from the settled portions 
of the city by an impassable barrier. These are additional considerations for 
using the site of the existing canal as a covered drain or culvert for surface water 
only. 

The committee has confined itself to pointing out the evil effects of the exist- 
ing sewerage, the necessity for immediate correction, and a general plan therefor, 
leaving it for the talent and genius of the most experienced engineers to select 
the most advantageous sites for the outlets of the sewers, at the most distant 
points from dense population, and mature the details of a project for carrying this — 
system into effect. 

All of which is respectfully submitted by 

RICHARD DELAFIELD, 
For the Committee of the Regents. 
RICHARD WALLACH, Mayor. 
RICHARD DELAFIELD, U. 8S. Army. 
PETER PARKER, M. D. 
Wasuineton, D. C., May 15, 1868. 


After discussion,and the unanimous expression of opinion that the canal was 
a nuisance which should speedily be abated, on motion of Mr. Pruyn the fol- 
lowing resolution was adopted : 

“‘ Resolved, 'That the report of the executive committee be accepted, and that. 
the committee be authorized, in their discretion, to unite with the corporate 
authorities of Washington in a memorial to Congress for such relief as may 
eventually lead to an abatement of the nuisance complained of.” 

On motion of General Delafield, it was 

“Resolved, That the vacancy in the executive committee be filled by the 
election of Rev. Dr. John Maclean.” 

Professor Henry presented his annual report of the operations of the Institution 
during the year 1868, which was read, accepted, and ordered to be presented to 
Congress. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was 

“ Resolved, That the regents renew their application to Congress to increase 
the annual appropriation for the care of the government collections to $10,000.” 

The board adjourned, to meet at the call of the secretary. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


THE BOARD OF REGENTS 


SITS ONLPAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., February 3, 1870. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 
was held on Thursday, February 3, 1870, at 7 o’clock p. m., at the Insti- 
tution. 

Present: Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor of the Institution, Messrs. 
Hamlin, Trumbull, Poland, Cox, Maclean, Delafield, Parker, and the 
secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and adopted. 

Professor Henry, the secretary, announced that Hon. Hannibal Ham- 
lin, of the Senate, had been appointed a Regent, vice Mr. Fessenden, 
deceased; that Hon. James A. Garfield and L. P. Poland had been 
reappointed from the House of Representatives; and that Hon. 8.58. 
Cox had been appointed, vice Mr. Pruyn, whose term had expired. 

The secretary announced the death of Charles Armistead Alexander, 
esq., a valued collaborator of the Institution, whose series of spirited 
translations of the eulogies of eminent men, delivered before foreign 
academies, have added much value to the annual reports of this estab- 
lishment, and have been received in several cases with much commen- 
dation by the original authors. 

On motion of Dr. Maclean, it was 

Resolved, That the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution recognize, 
in the death of Charles A. Alexander, esq., the loss of a valued collabo- 
rator, and that they sympathize with his friends and relatives in the 
bereavement to which they are subjected. 

The secretary presented a general statement of the financial condition 
of the Institution. 

General Delafield presented the annual report of the Executive Com- 
mittee relative to the receipts and expenditures during the year 1869, 
and the estimates for the year 1870, which was read and accepted. 

On motion of Dr. Maclean the secretary was directed to have an 1n- 
surance effected on the east wing and range of the Smithsonian building 
to such amount as he may think necessary. 

The secretary presented the eulogy on the late Professor A. D. Bache, 
which was received and ordered to be printed in the annual report. 

General Delafield, for the Executive Committee, reported that they 
were still collecting facts and statistics relative to the city canal, and 
would hereafter present a further report. 

The secretary stated that it was his painful duty to announce that 
since the last meeting of the Board the death had occurred of one of its 
most distinguished members—the Hon, William Pitt Fessenden. 


551 


352 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Appropriate remarks were then made relative to the services, charac- 
ter, and virtues of the deceased, by Messrs. Trumbull, Hamlin, Parker, 
and the Chancellor, Chief Justice Chase. 

On motion of Mr. Trumbull the following resolutions were adopted : 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 
deeply mourn the loss of their distinguished fellow-regent, William Pitt 
Fessenden. 

Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Fessenden our country has lost a 
refined and influential citizen, the Senate of the United States an able, 
judicious, honest statesman, and this Institution an active, intelligent, 
and learned Regent. 

Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the afflicted family of Mr. 
Fessenden, and offer to them our heartfelt sympathy in their great 
bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be communicated by the 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to the family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That Chief Justice Chase be requested to prepare a eulogy 
on Mr. Fessenden, for insertion in the journal of the Board of Regents. 

General Delafield in behalf of the Executive Committee, stated that 
they deemed it highly important for the interests of the Institution in 
the promotion of science, and due to the secretary for his long and 
devoted services, that he should visit Europe to consult with the savans 
and societies of Great Britain and the continent, and he therefore hoped 
that a leave of absence would be granted to Professor Henry for several 
months, and that an allowance be made for his expenses. 

On motion of Dr. Maclean, it was unanimously— 

Resolved, That Professor Henry, Secretary of the Institution, be 
authorized to visit Europe in behalf of the interests of the Smithsonian 
Institution, and that he be granted from three to six months leave of 
absence, and two thousand dollars for traveling expenses for this 
purpose. 

Judge Poland moved, that in consideration of the extra services which 
had been rendered by Mr. Rhees, chief clerk, since the death of Mr. 

tandolph, bookkeeper of the Institution, in auditing and keeping the 
accounts for the last three years, he be allowed $350, in addition to $250 
already received, or $200 per year. 

This proposition was advocated by the secretary, who considered it 
just not only in regard to the particular services in question, but also 
for his efficiency in the conduct of the general business of the 
establishment. 

The motion was agreed to. : 

Adjourned to meet on the 10th instant, at 7 o’clock. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., February 10, 1870. 


A mecting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 
was held on Thursday, February 10, 1870, at 7 o’clock p. m., at the 
Institution. 

Present, Messrs. Chase, Trumbull, Hamlin, Davis, Garfield, Poland, 
Delafield, Parker, Bowen, and the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes were read and approved. 

Professor Henry presented his annual report, which was accepted. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was— 

Tvesolved, That the Executive Committee and the secretary be directed 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 853 


to prepare a detailed statement of all the money expended on the 
museum during the past year, distinguishing between the items directly 
and exclusively chargeable to the care of the collections of the Govern- 
ment, and those of a contingent or indirect character. 

Mr. Hamlin presented the following, which were adopted : 

Having learned that the chief clerk of this Institution, Mr. William 
J. Rhees, is about to resign the office he has filled for seventeen years, 
to engage in an active business enterprise— 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents highly appreciate his worth asa 
man, and his services as an officer of this Institution. 

Resolved, That while they regret his resignation of an office which he 
has filled with honor to himself and advantage to the Institution, they 
hope that he may be equally successful in the career on which he is 
about to enter, and that a copy of these resolutions be presented to him 
by the secretary. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the secretary. 


[Norr.—After this meeting the annual report was submitted to Con- 
gress and ordered to be printed; therefore, the subsequent proceedings 
of the Board for the session of the beginning of 1870 will be found in 
the next annual report.—J. H.] 


23 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


or 


THE] BOARD OF REGENTS 


OF THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, Alay 23, 1870. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this evening, at the call 
of the Secretary. Present: Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. 
J. A. Garfield, Hon. 8. S. Cox, General Delafield, Hon. Peter Parker, 
Rey. Dr. J. Maclean and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Judge Poland was called to the 
chair. 

The Secretary presented the report of the expenditures on account of 
the Government collections for the year 1869; and, on motion of General 
Garfield, it was resolved that the Board of Regents apply to Congress. 
for an appropriation of $10,000 for the care of the Government collec- 
tions during the year 1870. 

Professor Henry stated that the resolution of the board adopted at 
the meeting of February 3, 1870, authorizing him to visit Europe, had 
been entirely unexpected to him, as he had received no intimation pre- 
vious to its being offered that it was in contemplation ; that he had con- 
cluded to avail himself of the resolution, and’that he was making prepa- 
rations for his departure on the 1st of June; that he intended to make 
arrangements for the operations of the Institution which were to be 
carried on during his absence; that he intended to settle all the accounts 
which would be due at the time of his departure; to deposit checks for 
the salaries accruing during his absence, to be paid on the indorsement 
of Professor Baird; and also to deposit to the credit of that officer $2,000, 
to pay transportation and incidental expenses; that he had been much 
gratified with the expressions of kind feeling which had been called 
forth by the announcement of his intended visit to Europe, and the 
offers which he had received from the Cunard and Bremen lines of 
steamers of a free passage across the ocean. 

The board then adjourned. 


WASHINGTON, January 18, 1871. 
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smith 


sonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their annual meet- 
354 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 355 


ing on the third Wednesday in January of each year, the Board met this 
day in the Regents’ room. 

No quorum being present, the Board adjourned to meet on Thursday, 
January 26. 


WASHINGTON, January 26, 1871. 


A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 7p. m. in the Regents’ 
room. Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. J. A. Gar- 
field, Hon. M. G. Emery, Hon. P. Parker, Rev. Dr. J. Maclean, and the 
Secretary, Professor Henry. 

In the absence of the Chancellor, Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary mentioned his visit to Europe, and stated the fact that 
it had been highly satisfactory in regard to the foreign correspondents 
of the Institution and the estimation in which the establishment is held 
in the Old World. 

Whereupon, on motion of General Garfield, he was requested at some 
future meeting to give ‘a detailed account of his tour, particularly in its 
relation to the operations of the Institution. 

The Secretary gave an account of the operations of the Institution 
since the last meeting of the Board. He stated that in accordance with 
the resolution of the Board adopted at the meeting of February 3, 1870, 
he had effected an insurance of $10,000 on the east wing and range of 
the building, at 66% per cent.; that Congress has appropriated $10,000 
for the care of the Government collections for the year ending June 30, 
1871, of which $5,024 has already been drawn; that Congress has also 
appropriated $10,600 toward the completion of the upper hall, which 
sum is to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Inte- 
rior, who has directed the Architect of the Capitol (Mr. E. Clark) to 
oversee the work. 

The Secretary read a letter from the agents of the Anchor Line of 
steamers, offering to carry the Italian exchanges of the Smithsonian 
Institution by their vessels free of charge. 

On motion of General Garfield, the Secretary was directed to present 
the thanks of the Board to the agents of that line, and also to the agents 
of the lines that had offered him a free passage to Europe. 

Dr. Maclean stated that the majority of the executive committee had 
decided to alter their report for 1869 to conform to the mode previously 
adopted. 

The Secretary stated that the business of the Institution had of late 
years so much increased that it was no longer possible to conduct it 
without further assistance. That this was the case would be evident 
from the following statement: 


356 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


The Institution has now upwards of 1,800 foreign correspondents con- 
nected with the exchanges. It has 400 regular meteorological observers. 
It isin communication with almost all the colleges, libraries, literary, 
and scientific societies in America, besides being continually called 
upon by individuals in every part of the country for information on 
scientific subjects. It publishes annually upward of a thousand 
printed pages, requiring much labor in correcting copy, reading proof, 
and attending to the details of printing, binding, &c. Its system of 
international exchanges, exclusive of the correspondence, involves a large 
amount of time and labor in doing up and directing the separate pack- 
ages sent away, and in receiving and distributing those from abroad. 
Several thousand volumes are annually received from foreign and 
domestic exchanges, which are all recorded at the Institution previous 
to being deposited in the Library of Congress. The arrangement of the 
material constantly received from the meteorological observers, supply- 
ing them with blanks and instructions, occasions another draught on 
the labors of the working corps of the Institution. 

The continual repairs and care of the building are another item requir- 
ing supervision, besides the reconstruction of the parts of the edifice 
destroyed by the fire. But above all, the entering and care of the thou- 
sands of specimens which are constantly received, their assortment, and 
distribution of duplicates, is sufficient to occupy the entire time of a sep- 
arate corps of assistants. It may be said with truth that in no institu- 
tion has more work been done with a smaller number of persons than 
at the Smithsonian. 

The difficulty in carrying on the operations of the Institution had been 
increased since the last meeting of the Board by the resignation of Mr. 
Rhees, who had held the position of chief clerk for seventeen years. 
He had, however, lately learned that Mr. Rhees might be induced to re- 
turn to his former position, to which the Secretary desired to recall him. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was 

tesolved, That the Secretary be allowed to appoint a permanent as- 
sistant as chief clerk, at a salary not to exceed $175 per month. 

General Garfield presented a letter from General Delafield, tendering 
his resignation as a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Mr. Poland offered the following resolution, which was adopted unan 
imously : 

Resolved by the Board of Regents, That they entertain the highest 
appreciation of the services of General Richard Delafield as a member 
of the Board, and especially as a member of the executive committee, 
and greatly regret the loss caused by his resignation, and desire to ex- 
press to him, upon his retirement, their strong personal regard. 

Dr. Parker presented the report of the executive committee for 1870, 
which was read and accepted. 

The board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 357 


WASHINGTON, March 9, 1871. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this evening at 7 o’clock. 
Present: Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. 8.8. Cox, Hon. P. 
Parker, General W. I’. Sherman, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

Judge Poland was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Secretary stated that by joint resolution of Congress, Genera 
William T. Sherman had been elected a Regent for the term of six 
years, vice Richard Delafield, resigned. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, the vacancy existing in the executive com- 
mittee was filled by the election of General Sherman. 

The Secretary called attention to the fact that the mayor of the city 
of Washington was ez officio a Regent, but that under the new territo- 
rial government the office of mayor ceased, and suggested the propriety 
of action by Congress to substitute the governor of the Territory as 
the ex officio member of the board. 

Messrs. Hamlin and Poland expressed their intention to bring the sub- 
ject before Congress immediately, and anticipated no objection to the 
passage of an act providing for the change contemplated. 

The Secretary gave an account of the improvements now being made 
in the building under the appropriation by Congress. The new hall 
would soon be finished, and it was proposed to devote it mainly to eth- 
nology. Mr. B. Waterhouse Hawkins had been employed to prepare 
illustrations of extinct animals, &c., to decorate the walls. 

The Secretary called attention to the books belonging to James Smith- 
son, the founder of the Institution, and requested some action in rela- 
tion to the best manner of their preservation. It was thought proper 
to preserve them in a metallic case with plate-glass front, open to the 
view of the public, but not to be taken out by any one. 

The Secretary presented his annual report for 1870, which was read 
and accepted. 

The board then adjourned sine die. 


EULOGY ON PROF. ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE, 
LATE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE UNITED STATES COAST SURVEY. 


By Pror. JosrrH HENRY. 


Prepared at the request of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and also of 
the National Academy of Sciences. 


ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE, whose life and character form the sub- 
ject of the following eulogy, was the son of Richard Bache, one of eight 
children of Sarah, the only daughter of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. His 
mother was Sophia Burret Dallas, daughter of Alexander J. Dallas, and 
sister of George M. Dallas, whose names are well known in the history 
of this country, the former as Secretary of the Treasury, and the latter 
as Vice-President of the United States, and subsequently as minister to 
the Court of St. James. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Philadelphia, on the 19th of 
July, 1806. At an early age he became a pupil of a classical school, 
and was distinguished by an unusual aptitude in the acquisition ot 
learning. Shortly before arriving at the age of fifteen he was ap- 
pointed a cadet at the National Military Academy at West Point. 
Here, though the youngest pupil, he soon attained a high grade of 
scholarship, which he maintained during the whole of his course, and 
was finally graduated in 1825, at the head of his class. His merit 
was in this case the more conspicuous, inasmuch as the class is 
shown to have been one of unusual ability, by having numbered no 
less than four successful candidates for the honor of adoption into 
the Corps of Engineers. It has been mentioned as a solitary in- 
stance in the history of the Academy, noted for its rigid discipline, 
that young Bache passed through the entire course of four years with- 
out having received a mark of actual demerit, and, what is perhaps not 
less uncommon, without having called forth the least manifestation of 
envy on the part of his fellow-pupils. On the contrary, his superiority 
in scholarship was freely acknowledged by every member of his class, 
while his unassuming manner, friendly demeanor, and fidelity to duty 
secured him the affection as well as the respect of not only his fellow- 
pupils, but also of the officers of the institution. It is also remembered 
that his classmates, with instinctive deference to his scrupulous sense 
of propriety, forbore to solicit his participation in any amusement which 
in the slightest degree conflicted with the rules of the Academy. So 
far from this, they commended his course, and took pride to themselves, 


358 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 859 


as members of his class, in his reputation for high standing and exem- 
plary conduct. His room-mate, older by several years than he was, and 
byno means noted for regularity or studious habits, constituted himself, 
as it were, his guardian, and sedulously excluded all visitors or other 
interruptions to study during the prescribed hours. For this self- 
imposed service, gravely rendered as essential to the honor of the class, 
he was accustomed jocularly to claim immunity for his own delin- 
quencies or shortcomings. But whatever protection others might 
require on account of youth and inexperience, young Bache needed no 
guardian to keep him in the line of duty. Impressed beyond his years 
with a sense of the responsibiity which would devolve upon him as the 
eldest of his mother’s family, entertaining a grave appreciation of the 
obligations involved in his education at the National Academy, he 
resolved from the first to exert his energies to the utmost in qualifying 
himself for the duties which he might be called upon to discharge, 
whether in professional or private life. Nor was he uninfluenced in this 
determination by a consciousness that as a descendant of Franklin he 
was, in a certain degree, an object of popular interest, and that on this 
account something more than an ordinary responsibility rested upon 
him. Ona mind constituted like his an influence of this kind could 
not but exert a happy effect. 

The character which he established for gentleness of manner and 
evenness of temper was not entirely the result of native amiability, for 
when a child he is said to have been quick-tempered, and at later 
periods of his life, when suddenly provoked beyond his habitual power 
of endurance, he sometimes gave way to manifestations of temper which 
might have surprised those who only knew him in his usual state of 
calm deportment. These ebullitions were, however, of rare occurrence, 
and always of short duration. His marked characteristic was the con- 
trol which he had acquired over his passions and feelings, and it was 
this which enabled him to suppress all tendency to self-indulgence, to 
pursue with unremitting perseverance the course he had marked out, to 
observe an undeviating regard for truth and justice, and to cherish 
habitually all that would tend to exemplify the kindlier affections of the 
heart. 

Although young Bache was perhaps predisposed, from hereditary 
influence, to form correct habits and adopt high moral principles, yet 
these dispositions might have remained dormant had it not been for the 
early training and the watchful care of his noble mother. From his 
earliest days she checked with gentle reproof every indication of child- 
ish revolt against wholesome restraint, and steadily carried out her sys- 
tem of discipline so gently and yet so effectually that it met with 
scarcely any opposition, and left the conviction that she was always in 
the right. Her maternal solicitude did not end with his being placed 
under military rule, but was continued through his whole course by 
means of aready pen. In the language of one who was permitted to 


360 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


read her letters to her son while at West Point, ‘“‘ nothing could be more 
admirable than the way in which, amid pleasant gossip and family 
news, she would inspire her son with high sentiments and encourage him 
to persevering industry.” 

As an illustration of his persistency of purpose, it is related that, when 
a recitation of more than common length or difficulty was to be prepared 
for the morrow, it was no unusual practice of his to place himself on a 
seat of unstable equilibrium, which by giving way when volition was 
about to lose its power recalled his flagging attention to the allotted 
task. 

After graduating he was selected, on account of his scholarship, to 
remain at the Academy as an assistant professor. In this position, 
which gave him an opportunity to review his studies and extend his 
reading, he continued one year; when, at his own request, he was 
assigned to engineering duty under the late General, then Colonel, Tot- 
ten, at Newport, Rhode Island. Here he remained two years, engaged 
in constructing fortifications, devoting his extra hours to the study of 
physics and chemistry, and, as a recreation, collecting and labeling the 
shells of that region. But the most important event of this period of 
his life, and that which, doubtless, contributed in a large degree to his 
future success, was his becoming acquainted with and subsequent 
betrothal to Miss Naney Clarke Fowler, the daughter of an old and 
highly-respected citizen of Newport. With the stinted pay of a lieu- 
tenant of engineers, out of which his mother and her younger offspring 
were to’ be provided for, marriage was not to be thought of, excepting as 
an event in the remote distance. Fortunately as unexpectedly, how- 
ever, a change now took place in his circumstances which enabled him 
to gratify the earnest wish of his heart and to secure to himself a com- 
panion and helpmate who lavished upon him all her affections, and 
through his life ardently devoted all her thoughts and energies to sus- 
tain, assist, and encourage him. The change alluded to, and which 
opened to him an uninterrupted career of usefulness during the whole 
of his active life, was the result of an invitation to the chair of natural 
philosophy and chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania, at Phila- 
delphia. He accepted the position with that unaffected diffidence which 
is the usual concomitant of true but untried merit, though, as might 
have been anticipated, his eventual success was commensurate with the 
industry and ability which had marked his previous progress. Hav- 
ing already had some experience as a teacher, he the more readily gained 
the entire confidence of the authorities of the university and the affee- 
tion of his pupils. He did not, however, rest satisfied with the occu- 
pation of teacher, or with merely imparting knowledge obtained by 
the labors of others, but sought to enlarge the bounds of science by 
discoveries of his own. As auxiliary to this, he became a member of 
the Franklin Institute, a society then newly established for the promo- 
tion of the mechanical arts. This society, which still maintains a vig- 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 861 


orous existence, was well calculated to exhibit his talents and develop 
his character. It brought him into intimate association with the prin- 
cipal manufacturers, engineers, and artisans of the city, and into 
relations of friendship with a large number of young men destined, in 
more advanced life, to exert an extended influence on public affairs. 
He was appointed chairman of one of the most important of its com- 
mittees, and was chosen as the expounder of the principles of the insti- 
tute at its public exhibitions. Facilities were thus afforded him for the 
prosecution of science, which he could not have well commanded in any 
other position. Workshops were thrown open to him, and skillful hands 
yielded him ready assistance in realizing the conceptions of his suggest- 
ive mind. His descent from the illustrious statesman and philosopher 
whose name the institute bears, and who is almost regarded as the tute- 
lar saint of Philadelphia, no doubt contributed to a prepossession in his 
favor, but the influence which he acquired and maintained was due to 
his own learning, industry, ability, and courtesy. ‘To these he owed the 
favor and distinction of having conferred upon him the principal direct- 
orship of the scientific investigations of the institute, and the opportu- 
nity which it afforded him of so greatly contributing to the usefulness 
of the society and to the advancement of his own reputation. 

For a full account of the labors in which he was engaged in his con- 
nection with the Franklin Institute we must here be content with refer- 
ring to the volumes of its journal from 1828 to 1835 inclusive. We may 
pause a moment, however, to notice the investigations relating to the 
bursting of steam-boilers, of which he was the principal director. The 
public mind had, at that epoch, been so frequently and painfully called 
to this subject that the institute was induced to organize a series of 
systematic researches in regard to it, the importance of which was soon 
recognized by the General Government in the form of an appropriation 
for defraying the attendant expenses. In the prosecution of these 
inquiries a large amount of information relative to explosions, and sug- 
gestions as to their causes, was first collected by correspondence, and on 
this was based a series of well-devised experiments, which were exe- 
cuted with signal address, and the results interpreted with logical dis- 
crimination. The conclusions arrived at were embodied in a series of 
propositions, which, after a lapse of more than thirty years, have not 
been superseded by any others of more practical value. The most fre- 
quent cause of explosion was found to be the gradual heating of the 
boiler beyond its power of resistance; and next to this, the sudden gen- 
eration of steam by allowing the water to becoine too low, and its sub- 
sequent contact with the overheated metal of the sides and other 
portions of the boiler. The generation of gas from the decomposition 
of water as a cause of explosion was disproved, as was also the disper- 
sion of water in the form of spray through superheated steam. These 
experiments were not unattended with danger, and required, in their 
execution, no small amount of personal courage. Accidents were immi- 


362 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


nent at almost every stage of the investigation; and in some instances 
explosions were produced which alarmed the neighborhood. So true 
is it that in the pursuit of science dangers are oftentimes voluntarily 
encountered, exacting no less courage or firmness of nerve than that which 
animates the warrior in the more conspicuous but scarcely more import- 
ant conflicts of the battle-field. 

The attention of Mr. Bache at this period was not exclusively devoted 
to his labors in connection with the Franklin Institute. He was also a 
member of the American Philosophical Society, and, as such, in associ- 
ation with Hare, Espy, and others interested in the pursuit of various 
branches of physics and chemistry. He erected an observatory in the 
yard of his dwelling, in which, with the aid of his wife and of his for- 
mer pupil, John IF. Fraser, he determined with accuracy, for the first 
time in this country, the periods of the daily variations of the magnetic 
needle, and by another series of observations the connection of the fit- 
ful variations of the direction of the magnetic force with the appear- 
ance of the aurora borealis. 

Again, in connection with his friend, Mr. Espy, he made a minute 
survey of a portion of the track of a tornado, which visited New Bruns- 
wick, in New Jersey, onthe 19th of June, 1835, and from the change of 
' place and relative position of the trees and other objects, as left by the 
wind, he succeeded in establishing the fact,in accordance with the 
hypotheses of Mr. Espy, that the effects of the storm were due to an 
ascending and progressive column of air, by which all objects within 
the influence of the disturbance, on either side the track, were drawn 
inward, and not due, as had been supposed, to a horizontal rotation at 
the surface, which would tend to throw them outward by centrifugal 
projection. In codperation with Professor Courtenay, he also made a 
series of determinations of the magnetic dip at various places in the 
United States. Indeed, terrestrial magnetism was with him a favorite 
subject, to which he continued to make valuable contributions at inter- 
vals during his whole life. The phenomena of heat likewise engaged 
much of his attention, and he was the first to show, contrary to gener- 
ally-received opinion, that the radiation and consequent absorption of 
dark heat is not affected by color. His investigations in this line were 
suddenly brought to a close by an accident, which we may be allowed 
to mention as furnishing an illustration of his self-control and consid- 
erate regard for the feelings of others. After an expenditure of money 
which he could ill afford, and of time withdrawn from the hours due to 
repose, he had procured and arranged on a stand a series of delicate 
instruments intended for a long-meditated experiment on radiant heat. 
During his temporary absence his mother, in hurriedly passing through 
the apartment, accidentally caught in her dress the support of the 
apparatus and brought the whole to the floor, a mass of mingled frag- 
ments. The author of this disaster was so painfully affected by the 
destruction, of which she had been the unintentional cause, as to be 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 3638 


obliged to leave to his wife the task of breaking the unwelcome tidings 
toher son. Onreceiving the information, he stood for a moment, per- 
fectly silent, then hurried out into the open air to conceal his emotion 
and tranquilize his feelings. After a short interval he returned, calm, 
affectionate, and apparently cheerful, and neither by word nor look gave 
any indication of the pain and disappointment he had so severely expe- 
rienced. 

It should not be forgotten that the labors to which we have alluded 
were performed in hours not devoted to his regular duties as a professor 
in the university. To these he was obliged to give three hours a day, 
besides other time to the preparation of illustrations for his lectures, 
while several evenings of the week were claimed by committees of the 
Franklin Institute and the Philosophical Society. He was enabled to . 
execute these multifarious labors by a division of his time into separate 
periods, to each of which was allotted its special occupation. By a 
rigid adherence to this system he was always prompt in his engage- 
ments, was never hurried, and found time, moreover, to attend to the 
claims of friendship and society. He was a zealous and successful 
teacher, to whom the imparting of knowledge was a source of unalloyed 
and inexhaustible pleasure. His pupils could not fail to be favorably 
impressed by his enthusiasm and influenced by his kindness. He © 
always manifested an interest not only in their proficiency in study, but 
also in their general welfare. They regarded him with affection as 
well as respect, and while in other class-rooms of the university disor- 
der and insubordination occasionally annoyed the teachers, nothing was 
to be witnessed in his, but earnest attention and gentlemanly deport- 
ment. 

His success as an instructor affords a striking confutation of the fal- 
lacy which has not unfrequently been advocated in certain quarters, that 
men devoted to original research and imbued with habits of mind 
which it generates are not well qualified for the office of instructors. 
So far is the proposition from having any foundation in fact, that it is 
precisely among the most celebrated explorers of science of the present 
century that the most successful and noted teachers have been found. 
In proof of this the illustrious names of Priestley, De Candolle, Dalton, 
Davy, Oersted, Faraday, and a host of others, immediately occur. At 
the same time it cannot be denied that it is questionable economy to 
devote to the drudgery of drilling youth in the elements of knowledge, 
a mind well qualified by nature and training to enlarge tbe boundaries 
of thought and increase the stores of knowledge. But it is equally 
clear that the practice of teaching is, to a certain extent, not incompati- 
ble with the leisure and concentration of mind requisite for original 
research; that the latter must, in fact, act beneficially alike on the 
instructor and instructed; the former gaining in clearness of concep- 
tion in the appreciation of the new truths he is unfolding by imparting 
a knowledge of their character to others, while the latter catch, by sym- 


364 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


pathy, a portion of the enthusiasm of the master, and are stimulated to 
exertions of which they would otherwise be incapable. 

In 1836, when Professor Bache had just attained the thirtieth year of 
his age, his attention and energies received « new direction, constitut- 
ing, as it were, a new epoch in his life. This change was caused by a 
movement on the part of the trustees of the Girard College for Orphans, 
an institution munificently endowed by a benevolent citizen of Phila- 
delphia. Preparatory to organizing this institution it was thought 
desirable to select @ suitable person as president, and to send him abroad 
to study the systems of education and methods of instruction and disci- 
plineadopted in Europe. The eyes of the entire community were with one 
accord directed to our professor as the proper man for this office. He 
had, however, become enamored with the pursuit of science, and it was. 
with difficulty that he could bring himself to regard with favor a prop- 
osition which might tend to separate him from this favorite object. 
The consideration of a more extended field of usefulness at length pre- 
vailed, and he accepted, though not without some lingering regret, the 
proffered position. No American ever visited Europe under more favora- 
ble circumstances for becoming intimately acquainted with its scientific 
and literary institutions. His published researches had given him a 
European reputation, and afforded him that ready access to the intelli- 
gent and influential classes of society which is denied the traveler 
whose only recommendation is the possession of wealth. It cannot be 
doubted that he was also favored in this respect by the admiration 
which in Europe still attaches to the name of his renowned ancestor.* 
He was everywhere received with marked attention, and from his moral 
and intellectual qualities did not fail to sustain the prepossessions in his 
favor and to secure the friendship and esteem of the most distin- 
guished savants of the Old World. 

He remained in Europe two years, and on his return embodied the 
results of his researches on education in his report to the trustees of 
Girard College. This report forms a large octavo volume, and is an 
almost exhaustive exposition of the scholastic systems and methods of 
instruction in use at the time in England, France, Prussia, Austria, 
Switzerland, and Italy. It has done more, perhaps, to improve the 
theory and art of education in this country than any other work ever 
published; and it has effected this not alone by the statement of facts 
derived from observation, but also by the inferences and suggestions 


*The force of this sentiment was quaintly but strongly marked by a slight incident 
which occurred when he wasin Germany. An elderly savant, on being introduced, 
clasped him in his arms, saluted him with a kiss on either cheek, and greeted him with 
the exclamation, “ Mein Gott, now let me die, since I have lived to see with mine own 
eyes an emanation of the great Franklin!” This compliment was perhaps more flat- 
tering than agreeable, since the old professor in question was wont, after the fashion 
of his day, to stimulate his lagging faculties by frequent and profuse extractions 
from the snuff-box. 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 3865 


with which it abounds. The accounts which are given of the different 
schools of Europe are founded on personal inspection ; the results being 
noted down at the time with the writer’s habitual regard to accuracy. 

After completing his report he was prepared to commence the organ- 
ization of the Girard College, but the trustees, partly on account of the 
unfinished condition of the building, and partly from a delay in the ad- 
justment of the funds of the endowment, were not disposed to put the 
institution into immediate operation. In the mean time Professor 
Bache, desirous of rendering the information he had acquired of 
immediate practical use, offered his services gratuitously to the muni- 
cipal authorities of Philadelphia, to organize, on an improved basis, a 
system of public education for that city. This offer was gladly accepted, 
and he commenced the work with his usual energy and with the cordial 
support of the directors and teachers of the common schools. At the 
end of the year, finding that the trustees of the college were stili unpre- 
pared to open the institution, he relinquished the salary, but retained 
the office of president, and devoted his time mainly to the organization 
of the schools. He was now, however, induced to accept from the city, 
as the sole and necessary means of his support, a salary much less than 
the one he had relinquished. The result of his labors in regard to the 
schools was the establishment of the best system of combined free educa- 
tion which had, at that time, been adopted in this country. It has since 
generally been regarded as a model, and has been introduced as such 
in different cities of the Union. 

In 1842, having completed the organization of the schools, and Girard 
College still remaining in a stationary condition, he resigned all con- 
nection with it, and, yielding to the solicitations of the trustees of the 
university, returned to his former chair of natural philosophy and chem- 
istry, in order that he might resume the cultivation of science. Not that 
it is to be inferred that in his devotion to the advancement of education 
he had relinquished or deferred the scientific pursuits to which the habit 
of his mind and the bent of his genius continually impelled him, for 
during his travelsin Europe he had been careful to provide himself with 
a set of portable instruments of physical research, and, as a relief from 
the labors imposed by the special object of his mission, he instituted a 
connected series of observations at prominent points on the Continent 
and in Great Britain, relative to the dip and intensity of terrestrial mag- 
netism. These observations were made with the view of ascertaining 
the relative direction and strength of the magnetic force in Europe and 
America, by the comparison of parallel series of observations in the two 
countries with the same instruments. They also served, in most in- 
stances, to settle with greater precision than had previously been 
attained the relative magnetic condition of the points at which they 
were made. 

Though the organization of the schools of such a city as Philadelphia 
might seem sufficient to absorb all his energy and self-devotion, yet 


866 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


even in the midst of this labor we find our late colleague actively coép- 
erating in the great enterprise of the British Association to determine 
by contemporaneous observations, at widely separated points, the fiuctu- 
ations of the magnetic and meteorological elements of the globe. This. 
codperation, in which no doubta feeling of national pride mingled itself 
with his ardor for the advancement of science, consisted primarily in the 
establishment of an observatory, to which the trustees of Girard Col- 
lege contributed a full series of instruments, combining all the latest 
improvements, and which was supported by the American Philosoph- 
ical Society, and a number of liberal and intelligent individuals. The 
observations which were here continued at short intervals, both by day 
and night, for five years, form arich mine of statistics, from which, 
until within the last few years of his life, the professor drew a highly 
interesting series of results, without exhausting the material. In addi- 
tion to these observations, he made during his summer vacations a 
magnetic survey of Pennylvania. 

He was not destined to remain long in his old position in the uni- 
versity. Before he had become fairly settled in it and had renewed 
his familiarity with its duties, he was called in November, 1843, on 
the occasion of the death of Mr. Hassler, Superintendent of the United 
States Coast Survey, to fill the important sphere of public duty thus. 
rendered vacant. His appointment to this position was first suggested 
by the members of the American Philosophical Society, and the nomi- 
nation fully concurred in by the principal scientific and literary institu- 
tions of the country. In this movement he himself took no part, and 
indeed regarded the position as one not to be coveted; for while it . 
opened a wide field for the exercise of talent and the acquisition of an 
enviable reputation, it involved responsibilities and presented difii- 
culties of the gravest character. Professor Bache was not one of those 
who, abounding in self-confidence, imagine themselves equal to every 
exigency, or who seek the distinctions and emoluments of office without. 
any regard to the services to be rendered or the duties to be discharged. 
On the contrary, though early and continued success must have tended 
to increase his self-esteem, each new position to which he was called 
was entered upon with feelings of solicitude rather than of exultation. 
He rightly judged that the proper moment for self-congratulation is not 
at the beginning of an arduous and precarious enterprise, but at the 
time of its full and successful accomplishment. Nor canit be necessary 
to add that this characteristic contributed largely to his success. In 
civil service as in the camp, the leader to whom all look with confidence: 
is not he who, with blind and arrogant self-reliance, disdains caution as 
unworthy of courage, but he who, sensitively alive to the dangers to 
be encountered, exerts every faculty in calling to his aid every resource 
which may tend to secure victory or facilitate retreat. 

With whatever misgivings Professor Bache may have undertaken 
the task to which he was assigned, it may be truly said that no living 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 367 


man was so well qualified as himself to secure the results which the 
nation and its commercial interests demanded. His education and 
training at West Point, his skill in original investigations, his thorough 
familiarity with the principles of applied science, his knowledge of the 
world, and his gentlemanly deportment, were all in a greater or less de- 
gree essential elements in the successful prosecution of the survey. It 
would appear as if the training and acquisition of every period of his 
life, and the development of every trait of his character, had been 
especially ordained to fit him in every respect to overcome the difficul- 
ties of this position. Besides the qualifications we have enumerated, 
he possessed rare executive ability, which enabled him to govern and 
guide the diverse elements of the vast undertaking with consummate 
tact and skill. Quick to perceive and acknowledge merit in others, 
he rapidly gathered around him a corps of men eminently well quali- 
fied for the execution of the tasks to which he severally assigned them. 

The Coast Survey had been recommended to Congress by President 
Jefferson as early as 1807, but it was not until ten years afterward that 
the work was actually commenced, under the superintendence of Pro- 
fessor Hassler, an eminent Swiss engineer, whose plans had been pre- 
viously sanctioned by the American Philosophical Society. Though the 
fundamental features of the survey had been established on the most 
approved scientific principles yet so frequent were the changes in the 
policy of the Government, and so limited were the appropriations, that, 
even up tothe time of Professor Bache’s appointment, in 1843, little more 
than a beginning had been made. The survey, so far as accomplished, 
extended only from New York Harbor to Point Judith, on the east coast, 
and southward to Cape Henlopen. The new Superintendent saw the 
necessity of greatly enlarging the plan, so as to embrace a much broader 
field of simultaneous labor than it had previously included. He divided 
the whole coast line into sections, and organized, under separate parties, 
the essential operations of the survey simultaneously in each. Hecom- 
menced the exploration of the Gulf Stream, and at the same time pro- 
jected a series of observations on the tides, on the magnetism of the earth, 
and the direction of the winds at different seasons of the year. He 
also instituted a succession of researches in regard to the bottom of the 
ocean within soundings, and the forms of animal life which are found 
there, thus offering new and unexpected indications to the navigator. 
He pressed into service, for the determination of the longitude, the elec- 
tric telegraph; for the ready reproduction of charts, photography; and 
for multiplying copper-plate engravings, the new art of electrotyping. 
In planning and directing the execution of these varied improvements, 
which exacted so much comprehensiveness in design and minuteness in 
detail, Protessor Bache was entirely successful. He was equally for- 
tunate, principally through the moral influence of his character, in 
impressing upon the Government, and especially upon Congress, a more 
just estimate of what such a survey required for its maintenance and 


368 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


creditable prosecution. Not only was a largely-increased appropriation 
needed to carry out this more comprehensive plan, but also to meet the 
expenses consequent upon the extension of the shore-line itself. Our 
sea-coast, when the survey commenced, already exceeded in length that 
of any other civilized nation, but, in 1845, it was still more extended by 
the annexation of Texas, and again, in 1848, by our acquisitions on the 
Pacific. Professor Bache was in the habit of answering the question 
often propounded to him by members of Congress, ‘When will this 
survey be completed ?” by asking, ‘‘ When will you cease annexing new 
territory ?” a reply not less significant at the present day than when it 
was first given, and which may continue long to be applicable under 
the expansive tendencies of our national policy. 

When Professor Bache took charge of the survey, it was still almost 
in its incipient stage, subjected to misapprehension, assailed by unjust 
prejudice, and liable, during any session of Congress, to be suspended 
or abolished. When he died, it had conquered prejudice, silenced oppo- 
sition, and become established on a firm foundation as one of the perma- 
nent bureaus of the executive Government. The importance of the 
work, which was always highly appreciated by the mariner, became 
strikingly obvious to the general public through the service which it 
rendered during the late war, in furnishing accurate charts and sailing 
directions for the guidance of our squadrons along the southern coast. 
Nor was this alone; an active participation was also borne by the officers 
of the survey in the attack of the United States Navy on Sumter, Port 
Royal, Fort Fisher, Mobile, New Urleans, and other strongholds, while 
constant aid was rendered by them in the navigation of the inlets and 
channels, and in the avoidance of hidden rocks or shoals with which 
none could be more minutely acquainted. Though the value of the sur- 
vey was signally conspicuous on these occasions, it needs but little 
reflection to be convinced of its essential connection with the general 
prosperity of the country. Whatever diminishes the danger of depart- 
ure from or an approach to our shores facilitates commerce, and thus 
renders more valuable the products of our industry, even in portions 
of our land most remote from the sea-board. But the survey should not 
be viewed alone in its economical relations, since, as an enlightened and 
liberal people, we owe it to the great community of nations and the 
cause of humanity to supply the world with accurate charts of our pre- 
carious coast, as well as to furnish it with all the other aids to safer 
navigation which the science and experience of the age may devise. 

Professor Bache, with his enlightened appreciation of the value of 
abstract science, kept constantly in view the various problems relative 
to the physics of the globe, which are directly or even incidentally con- 
nected with the survey of the coast, and ever cherished the hope of 
being permitted to complete his labors by their solution. Among these 
was anew determination of the magnitude and form of the earth, and 
the variations in the intensity of terrestrial gravity at various points on 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 869 


the continent of North America; the discussion of the general theory 
of the tides; the magnetic condition of the continent; and the improve- 
ment of the general map of the United States, by determining its rela- 
tion to the coast line, and the precise geographical positions of the most 
important points in the interior. Though his hopes in regard to these 
problems were not destined to be realized by himself, fortunately for 
the cause of science they have been left in charge of a successor in the 
person of his ardent friend and collaborator. Professor Peirce, to whose 
genius and industry we may confidently look for that full exposition of 
the work which, while it entitles him to the highest approbation of 
the scientific world, will render ample justice to the labors and sagacity 
of his lamented predecessor. 

Besides having charge of the Coast Survey, Professor Bache was 
Superintendent of Weights and Measures, and in the exercise of this 
function directed a series of investigations relative to the collection 
of excise duties on distilled spirits, and likewise superintended the 
construction of a large number of sets of standard weights and meas- 
ures for distribution among the several States of the Union. He 
was also appointed one of a commission to examine into the condi- 
tion of the light-house system of this country, and to report upon any 
improvements calculated to render it more efficient. In the investiga- 
tions pertaining to this subject, involving, as they do, a knowledge of a 
wide range of applied science, he took a lively interest, and rendered 
important service in the organization of the admirable system which was 
adopted and still remains in operation. This commission of investiga- 
tion was afterward merged in the present Light-House Board, of which 
he continued a member until the time of his death. 

In 1846 he had been named in the act of incorporation as one of the 
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, and by successive reélection 
was continued by Congress in this office until his death, a period of 
nearly twenty years. To say that he assisted in shaping the policy of 
the establishment would not be enough. It was almost exclusively 
through his predominating influence that the policy which has given 
the institution its present celebrity was, after much opposition, finally 
adopted. ‘The object of the donation, it will be remembered, had been. 
expressed in terms so concise that its import could scarcely be at once 
appreciated by the general public, though to the cultivators of science, 
to which class Smithson himself belonged, the language employed failed 
not to convey clear and precise ideas. Out of this state of things it is 
not surprising that difference of opinion should arise respecting the 
proper means to be adopted to realize the intentions of the founder of 
the institution. Professor Bache with persistent firmness, tempered by 
his usual moderation, advocated the appropriation of the proceeds of 
the funds principally to the plan set forth in the first report of the See- 
retary, namely, of encouraging and supporting original research in the 
different branches of science. Unfortunately this policy could only be 


24 


370 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


partially adopted, on account of the restrictions of the enactment of Con- 
gress, by which provision was to be made for certain specified objects. 
He strenuously opposed the contemplated expenditure of a most dispro- 
portionate sum in the erection and maintenance of a costly edifice; but 
failing to prevent this, he introduced the resolution adopted by the 
board as a compromise, whereby the mischief which he could not wholly 
avert might at least be lessened. This resolution provided that the 
time of the erection of the building should be extended over several years, 
while the fund appropriated for the purpose, being in the mean time 
invested in a safe and productive manner, would serve in some degree 
to counterbalance the effect of the great and unnecessary outlay which 
had been resolved on. It would be difficult for the secretary, however 
unwilling to intrude anything personal on this occasion, to forbear men- 
tioning that it was entirely due to the persuasive influence of the pro- 
fessor that he was induced, almost against his own better judgment, to 
leave the quiet pursuit of science and the congenial employment of 
college instruction to assume the laborious and responsible duties of the 
office to which, through the partiality of friendship, he had been called. 
Nor would it be possible for him to abstain from acknowledging with 
heart-felt emotion that he was from first to last supported and sus- 
tained in his difficult position by the fraternal sympathy, the pru- 
dent counsel, and the unwavering friendship of the lamented deceased. 

His demeanor in the board was quiet and unobtrusive, and his opinions. 
sought no support in elaborated or premeditated argument; but when a 
topic likely to lead to difficulty in discussion was introduced, he seldom 
failed, with that admirable tact for which he was always noted, to dis- 
pose of it by some suggestion so judicious and appropriate as to secure 
ready acquiescence and harmonious action. The loss of sueh a man in 
the councils of the Institution, when we consider the characteristics 
which it has been our aim to portray, must, indeed, be regarded as little 
less than irreparable. 

As a vice-president of the United States Sanitary Commission his. 
influence was felt in selecting proper agents, and suggesting efficient 
means for collecting and distributing the liberal contributions offered 
for ameliorating the condition of our soldiers during the war. But the 
services which he rendered the Government during the recent struggle 
were not confined to this agency, or to the immediate operations of the 
Coast Survey. He was called into consultations to discuss plans of 
attack on the part of the Navy, and for its codperation with the Army. 
He acted also as a member of a commission to which various projects, 
professing to improve the art of war, were referred, and in this capacity 
it is not too much to say that his judicious counsel contributed to save 
the Government millions of dollars by preventing the adoption of plausi- 
ble though impracticable propositions from which nothing but failure 
and loss could have resulted. 

One of the last acts of his life was an exemplification of the devoted 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 371 


affection which he had always borne to his native city, whither it was his 
cherished intention to return when he should be at last released from offi- 
cial duty. At the request of the governor of Pennsylvania, although over- 
whelmed with other publicJabors, he planned lines of defenses for Philadel- 
phia, and to a certain extent personally superintended their construction. 
Unaccustomed for many years to direct exposure to the sun, this work 
proved too much for his physical strength and brought on the first indica- 
tions of that malady which terminated his life. Though apparently of - 
a vigorous constitution, and capable, under the excitement of official 
life, of bearing an unusual amount of bodily fatigue, yet he was subject 
at intervals to “sick headaches,” a disease which seems to have been 
hereditary, and which perhaps conspired with other causes in termi- 
nating his useful and distinguished career. Previous to the war he had 
spent the warmer part of each summer in a tent, at some point of the 
primary triangulation of the survey, whence he directed the various 
parties in the field by correspondence; and as the point was usually at 
the top of a mountain, or at some elevated position, from which other 
stations of the survey could be seen, he did not want for invigorating 
air. With this, and the exercise of measuring angles he laid in a store of 
health sufficient to enable him to carry on without interruption the 
arduous duties of the remaining portion of the year. But after the com- 
mencement of the war his presence was continually required in Wash- 
ington to give advice and information as to military and naval opera- 
tions, and to attend the meetings of the scientific commission to which 
we have previously referred. He was, therefore, no longer able to avail 
himself of the recuperating influence of mountain air, and in view of this 
his valuable life may be said to have been one of the sacrifices offered 
for the pfeservation of the Union. The first indications of the insidious 
disease which gradually sapped the citadel of life were numbness in the 
fingers of his right hand, and, on one occasion, for a short time only, 
loss of memory. Though these symptoms gave him some uneasiness, 
they did not diminish his exertions in the line of hisduty. Other symp- 
toms, however, exhibited themselves, which, though awaking anxiety, 
did not much alarm his friends, until he was suddenly deprived, in a con- 
siderable degree, of the power of locomotion and of the expression of 
ideas ; the result, it was supposed, of a softening of the brain. But though 
the power of expression was paralyzed, his memory appeared to retain all 
the impressions of the past, and he evidently took much pleasure in hav- 
ing recalled to him scenes and events of years gone by. Forseveral months 
he was very anxious as to the business of the Coast Survey, and it was 
with difficulty he could be restrained from resuming in full the duties of 
his office ; but as the malady increased his perception of external objects 
diminished. He took less and less interest in passing events, and finally 
seemed to withdraw his attention from the exterior world, with which 
he almost ceased thenceforth to hold any active communication. It was 
hoped that a voyage to Europe, through the excitements of shipboard 


872 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


and the revival of old associations, would be of service to him; but, not- 
withstanding an occasional manifestation of his wonted spirit of social 
and intellectual enjoyment at the encounter of a friend of former times 
or distinguished associate in the walks of science, he returned from a 
sojourn abroad of eighteen months without having experienced any per- 
manent abatement in the progress of his malady. He lingered for a short 
time longer, and finally resigned his breath at Newport, Rhode Island, 
on the 17th of February, 1867, in the sixty-first year of his age. 

It would be impossible to name an American distinguished on purely 
scientific grounds to whom the enlightened sentiment of his own country- 
men and of foreign nations has awarded more emphatic marks of ad- 
miration and esteem. The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on 
him by the principal universities of this country, and few of our leading 
societies were willing to forego the honor of numbering him among their 
associates. He was elected in succession president of the American 
Philosophical Society, of the American Association for the Advancement 
of Science, and, of the National Academy of Sciences established 
by Congress. Nor were foreigners less forward iu acknowledging 
his merit. He was a member of the Royal Society of London, 
of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg, of the Insti- 
tute of France, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Royal and Impe- 
rial Geographical Society of Vienna, the Royal Academy of Turin, the 
Mathematical Society of Hamburg, the Academy of Sciences in the 
Institute of Bologna, the Royal Astronomical Society of London, and 
of the Royal Irish Academy of Dublin. In addition to these testimonies 
of appreciation, several medals were awarded to him by foreign govern- 
ments for his distinguished services in the Coast Survey and in the 
cause of science generally. } 


The life we have here sketched is eminently suggestive, both from a 
philosophical and a practical point of view. It presents an unbroken 
series of successful efforts, with no interruptions in its sustained and 
constantly ascending course; all parts follow each other in harmonious 
continuity; and not only is each stage of its progress in advance of the 
one which preceded it, but itfurnishes the means of education for that 
which succeeded. It is not merely curiosity, laudable as that might be, 
but a sense of the importance of the inquiry, which prompts us to ask, 
What were the mental and moral characteristics of the mind which pro- 
duced such results? And we say intentionally, the mind which produced 
these results, for although it be true that accident has in many cases a 
determining influence on the fortunes of an individual, it will be clear 
from what precedes, or we shall have greatly failed in the task which 
we proposed to ourselves, that the element of casualty had but little to do 
with the success which crowned the life to which the question at present 
relates. 

From long acquaintance with him and critical study of the events of 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 3873 


his life, and the distinctive manifestations of his moral and intellectual 
nature, we veuture, though not without hesitation, to present the fol- 
lowing analysis of the character of one who has performed so conspicu- 
ous a part, and in whose memory so many are deeply interested. 

Alexander Dallas Bache possessed, or we may perhaps say originally 
inherited, a mind of strong general powers, with no faculty in excess or 
in deficiency, but, as a whole, capable of unusual expansion or develop- 
ment in any direction which early training or the education of life might 
determine. He also possessed strong passions, which, instead of exert- 
ing an unfavorable effect on his character by their indulgence, became, 
under the restraining influence to which they were in due season sub- 
jected, areserved energy, asit were, ready to manifest itself spontaneously 
and at any time in the vindication of truth and justice. He was like- 
wise endowed with a power of will which, controlling all his faculties 
and propensities, rendered them subservient to those fixed purposes 
which had once received the sanction of his deliberate judgment. Em- 
inent also among his characteristics, and perhaps most conspicuous of 
all, was the social element of refined humanity, a regard for his fellow- 
man, which craved as an essential want of his nature fraternal sympa- 
thy, not only with those within the wide circle of his daily associations, 
but with those from whom he could expect no reciprocation of the sen- 
timent, the entire brotherhood of mankind. These characteristics, with 
a nice perception of right and a conscience always ready to enforce its 
mandates, are, we think, sufficient to explain the remarkable career we 
have described. 

They were perhaps indicated by himself, though with an admission 
not to be accepted without some reserve, ina conversation with the writer 
of this sketch in reference to his entrance at West Point. “I knew,” he 
said, ‘that I had nothing like genius, but I thought I was capable by 
hard study of accomplishing something, and I resolved to do my best, 
and if possible to gain the approbation of the teachers, and, above all, 
to make myself loved and respected by my classmates.” 

To illustrate the progressive development of the individual traits of 
his character, we may be allowed to dwell for a moment on a few analyt- 
jeal details. The early period of his life, including that which pre- 
ceded his first call to Philadelphia, was almost wholly devoted to the 
improvement of the mechanical, or the “doing” faculties of his mind, 
and but little attention was given to invention, or the exercise of ori- 
ginal thought. His final examination at the Academy, perfect as it was 
in its kind, only exhibited his capacity for the acquisition of knowledge 
not the power to originate or apply it. When his efforts were first 
turned in the latter direction, he evinced, as I well remember, no espe- 
cial aptitude for it that would indicate future success; but in a short 
time, and under the stimulus of the associations into which he was 
thrown in Philadelphia, the faculties of investigation and of generaliza- 
tion were rapidly developed, and had he not been partially turned aside 


374 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


from such pursuits, I doubt not but that he would have still more highly 
distinguished himself in the line of experimental research. Again, the 
change in the circumstances and relations of his life produced by his 
election to the presidency of Girard College introduced him to a famil- 
iarity with an entirely new class of ideas, which served to exercise and 
expand another faculty of his mind, that, namely, which observes and 
appreciates moral truths, though without impairing his aptitude for 
physical research. In like manner, his foreign mission with reference 
to popular education, by bringing him into intimate and friendly associa- 
tion with minds of the first order in the principal cities of Europe, afforded 
him an opportunity for enlarging the sphere of his sympathies, as well 
as of studying men under a great variety of social and mental peculiar- 
ities. 

Again, his long residence and high social position at the seat of Goy- 
ernment, his intimate acquaintance and friendly intercourse with states- 
men and politicians, imbued him with a thorough knowledge of the work- 
ing of the Government, such as few have ever possessed, while his ex- 
ertions to sustain the Coast Survey and improve its condition served to 
call into active operation his power to appreciate character, to discern 
motives, and, therefore, to convince, persuade, and control men. His 
ability in.this latter respect was remarkable; a personal interview with 
an opponent of the survey scarcely ever failed to convert perhaps an 
active enemy into an influential friend. His success in this respect 
often astonished those who frequently harassed Congress with propositions 
covertly designed to promote their own interest at the expense of public 
utility; hence the exclamation was not unfrequently heard, ‘“ Bache is 
certainly a wonderful manager.” If that which is unusual constitutes, 
an element of wonder, then the exclamation was not without truth, 
though not in the sense of those by whom it was uttered, for he never 
advocated any measure that was not just, expedient, and proper, either 
as concerned the interests of the country or the welfare of his species. . 

On the whole, if we would seek the real secret of his influence over 
his fellow-men, it would be found, no doubt, to have consisted in the 
Singular abnegation of self which pervaded his whole conduct; his 
great practical wisdom, his honesty of purpose, and his genial though quiet 
and unobtrusive manner. In the exercise of these characteristics, he 
was so far from the least appearance of dissimulation, that no one ever 
approached him without feeling that it was equally impossible to doubt 
the purity of his intentions as it was to elude the penetration of his 
quiet but thorough scrutiny. His calmness served asa shield from 
within and without; and as a guard against himself as well as a pro- 
tection against others. It enabled him to weigh the motives and observe 
the character of those who consulted him with the view of securing his 
influence or gaining his patronage. His genial nature enabled him to 
descend gracefully from the heights of science and to enter fully and 
frankly into the feelings of any company with which he might be 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 875 


thrown. In this he was aided by a playfulness of fancy and a quiet 
humor which banished any reserve that might have been produced by 
a knowledge of his superior talents and attainments. He was, though 
by no means gifted with those attractions of person which influence at 
first sight, a favorite with all ages, and particularly with the sex 
whose discrimination of character is said to be least fallible. It seems 
almost superfluous to say of such a man that his friendship was open 
and unwavering, that his confidence once bestowed could be shaken by 
no mere difference of opinion or conflict of personal interests. Severe 
to himself under the responsibility of duty, and in the punctual observ- 
ance of his engagements, his indulgence was reserved for the weak and 
the erring. Though his outer life was free from disappointments or 
reverses, and though he walked as it were in perpetual sunshine, all was 
not so within. Besides the anxiety and solicitude incident to the respon- 
sible duties of his position, occasions of trial and profound sorrow were 
not spared him. He was called to mourn the untimely loss of a beloved 
brother, who fell a victim to his zeal for the professor’s service in the 
survey of the Gulf Stream; of another brother, the youngest and last, 
also an officer of the Navy, and a general favorite, who was drowned 
on the coast of California; and lastly of a sister, whom he had adopted 
and cherished asa child. In these seasons of affliction he found conso- 
lation in the steadfast convictions of religious faith. Nurtured in the 
forms and principles of the Episcopal church, he was a devout wor- 
shiper in the sanctuary, though not bigoted in his attachment to the 
peculiar ordinances of that communion. He fully recognized the union 
of science and religion, and held with unwavering constancy the belief 
that revelation, properly interpreted, and science, rightly understood, 
must ultimately join in perfect accord in reference to the great truths 
essential to the well-being of man. 

As an evidence of his high appreciation of abstract science derived 
from original investigation, he left his property in trust to the National 
Academy of Sciences, the income to be devoted to the prosecution of 
researches in physical and natural science by assisting experimentalists 
and observers, and the publication of the results of their investigations. 

I here close this imperfect sketch, in which I am conscious of having 
passed in silence many admirable traits of character and conduct, and of 
having very inadequately portrayed others, with the remark that, though 
our companion and brother has departed, his works and his influence 
still remain to us; that, sorrow as we must for his loss, we can still 
recall with pride and satisfaction the example he has left us of all that, 
in heart, in spirit, and in life, the true man of science ought to be. 


The following is a list of the published scientific papers of Alexander 
Dallas Bache, copied from the appendix to an address by Dr. Benjamin 


376 


EULOGY ON 


PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


A. Gould, before the American Association for the Advancement of 
Science, August 6, 1868. 


1829—Feb. 
1830—May. 


1831—Mar. 


1831—April. 


1831—Oct. 
1832—July. 
1832—July. 
1832—Oct. 
1832—Nov. 


1833—Mar. 


1833—July. 


1833—July. 


1833—Nov. 
1833—Dec. 


1834—Jan. 


1834—Jan. 


1834—June. 


1834—Oct. 
1834—Nov. 


1834—Nov. 


1835—Jan. 


On the specific heat of the atoms of bodies. Journ. Phila. Acad. Nat. Sci., 


vi, 141. 

On the inflammation of phosphorus in a partial vacuum. Amer. Journ. 
Sci., Xvili, 372. 

Report of the committee of the Franklin Institute, of Pennsylvania, ap- 
pointed May, 1829, to ascertain by experiment the value of water as a 
moving power. Journ. Frank. Inst., vii, 1455 viii, ix, x, &e. 

Safety apparatus for steamboats, being a combination of the fusible 
metal disk with the common safety-valve. Journ. Franklin Inst., vii, 
217; Amer. Journ. Sci., xx, 317. 

Meteorological observations during the solar eclipse of February 12, 
1831. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., iv, 132. 

Translation of Berzelius’s Essay on Chemical Nomenclature. 
Journ. Sci., Xxii, 248; Philadelphia, 1832. 

Notice of Benonihiouts on electricity developed by ragnetiaees Journ. 
Franklin Inst., x, 66; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxii, 409. 

Alarm to be applied to the interior flues of steam-boilers. 
lin Inst., x, 217. 

On the diurnal variation of the magnetic needle. 
v, 1. 

Elementary view of the application of analysis to reflection and refrac- 
tion. An appendix to Sir David Brewstev’s treatise on optics. Phila- 
delphia, 1853. pp. 95. 

Translation of Avogadro’s memoir on the elastic force of the vapor of 
mercury. Amer. Journ, Sci., xxiv, 286. 

Note of the effect upon the magnetic needle of the aurora borealis, visi- 
ble at Philadelphia on the 17th of May, 1833. Journ. Franklin Inst., xii, 
5; Amer. Journ. Sei., xxvii, 113. 

Attempt to fix the date of Dr. Franklin’s observation, in relation to the 
northeast storms of the Atlantic States. Jowrn. Franklin Inst., xii, 300. 

Report of experiments on the navigation of the Chesapeake and Dela- 
ware Canal by steam. Journ. Franklin Inst., xii, 361. 

Observations on the disturbance in the direction of the horizontal needle, 
during the occurrence of the aurora of July 10, 1833. Journ. Franklin 
Inst., xiii, 1; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxvii, 118. 

Report of the managers of the Franklin Institute, in relation to weights 

Presented in compliance with a resolution of the house 

Journ. Franklin Inst.,. 


Amer. 


Journ. Frank- 


Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., 


and measures. 
of representatives of the State of Pennsylvania. 
xiv, 6; Philadelphia, 1834. 

Analysis of some of the coals of Pennsylvania, (made jointly with Profes- 
sor H. D. Rogers.) Journ. Phila. Acad. Nat. Sci., vii, 158. 

On the variation of the magnetic needle. Amer. Journ. Sci., xxvii, 385. 

Observations to determine the magnetic dip at Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
New York, West Point, Providence, Springfield, and Albany, (made 
jointly with Professor E. H. Courtenay.) Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., 
v, 209. 

Meteoric observations on and about Nov. 13, 1834. 
XXvii, 335; Journ. Franklin Inst., xvi, 369. 

Note relating to the hardening of lime under water, by the action of car- 
bonate of potassa, &c., and to the hardening of carbonate of lime in 
the air, by potassa and soda. Journ. Frank. Inst., xv, 6. 


Amer. Journ. Sei., 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


1835— Mar. 


1835—May. 


1835—May. 


1835—June. 


1835—July. 


1835—Nov. 


1835—Dec. 


1836—Jan. 


1836—Jan. 


18386—Jan. 


1836—F eb. 


1836—April. 


1836—May. 


1836—July. 


1837— May. 


1838—Aug. 
1839—May. 


1839—Nov. 


377 


Meteorological observations made during the solar eclipse of November 
30, 1834. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., v, 237. 

Experimental illustrations of the radiating and absorbing powers of sur- 
faces for heat, of the effects of transparent screens, of the conducting 
power of solids, &c. Journ. Franklin Inst., xv, 303; Amer. Journ. Sci., 
Xxviii, 320. 

Replies to a circular in relation to the occurrence of an unusual meteoric 
display on the 13th of November, addressed by the Secretary of War 
to the military posts of the United States, with other facts relating to 
the same question. Amer. Journ. Sci., xxviii, 305; Journ. Franklin Inst., 
xvi, 149. 

Experiments on the efficacy of Perkins’s steam-boilers or circulators. 
Journ. Franklin Inst., xv, 379. 

On the comparative corrosion of iron, copper, zinc, &c., by a saturated 
solution of common salt. Jowrn. Franklin Inst., xvi, 2. 

Inquiry in relation to the alleged influence of color on the radiation of 
non-luminous heat. Journ. Franklin Inst., xvi, 289; Amer. Journ. Sci., 
xxx, 16. 

Historical notice of a hypothesis to explain the greater quantity of rain 
which falls on the surface of the ground than above it. Journ. Frank- 
lin Inst., xvii, 106. 

Observations upon the facts recently presented by Professor Olmsted in 
relation to meteors seen on the 13th of November, 1834. Journ. Frank- 
lin Inst., xvii, 33; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxix, 383. 

Historical note on the discovery of the non-conducting power of ice. 
Journ. Franklin Inst., xvii, 182. 

Report of experiments made by the committee of the Franklin Institute 
of Pennsylvania, on the explosions of steam-boilers, at the request of 
the Treasury Department of the United States. Journ. Franklin Inst., 
xvil, 1, 73, 145, 217, 289. 

Remarks on amethod, proposed by Dr. Thomson, for determining the pro- 
portions of potassa and soda in a mixture of the two alkalies; with the 
application of a similar investigation to a different method of analysis. 
Journ. Iranklin Inst., xvii, 305. 

Notes and diagrams illustrative of the directions of the forces acting at 
and near the surface of the earth, in different parts of the Brunswick 
tornado of June 19, 1835. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., v. 407. 

Or the relative horizontal intensities of terrestrial magnetism at severa} 
places in the United States, with the investigations of corrections for 
temperature, and comparisons of the methods of oscillation in full and 
in rarefied air, (jointly with Professor E.H. Courtenay.) Trans. Amer. 
Phil. Soc., v, 427. 

Proposed forms of diagrams for exhibiting to the eye the results of a 
register of the direction of the wind. Journ. Franklin Inst., xviii, 22. 
Corresponding magnetic observations, in connection with Professor 
Lloyd of Dublin, to determine the relative magnetic intensity in Phil- 

adelphia, Dublin, and Edinburgh. Proc. &. Irish Acad., i, 71. 

Note on the effect of deflected currents of air on the quantity of rain col- 
lected by a rain-gauge. Rep. Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1838, ii, 25. 

Report on education in Europe, to the trustees of the Girard College for 
Orphans. 8vo. pp.666. Philadelphia, 1839. 

Comparison of Professor Loomis’s observations on magnetic dip with 
those obtained by Professor Courtenay and himself. Proc. Amer. Piil. 
Soc., i, 146. 


378 


1839—Nov. 


1840—Mar. 
1840—Nov. 
1840—Dec. 


1841—May. 


1841—July. 
1841—Nov. 


1842—April. 


1842—July. 
1842—Oct. 
1842—Dec. 
1843—Jan. 
1843—May. 
1843—May. 


1843—May. 


1845—Feb. 


1847—Dec. 


1848—Dec. 


1849—Aug. 


1849—Aug. 


1850—Mar. 


1850—Mar. 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


Simultaneous magnetic observations, made in correspondence with Pro- 
fessor Lloyd of Dublin. Proc. R. Irish Acad., i, 462; Amer. Journ. Sci., 
xli, 212. 

Observations of the magnetic intensity at twenty-one stations in Europe. 
trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., vii, 75; Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., i, 185. 

Determination of the magnetic dip at Philadelphia and Baltimore. 
Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., i, 294. 

On an instrument for measuring the changes in the vertical compo- 
nent of the force of terrestrial magnetism Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc.,i, 311 

Diagram of the direction and force of the wind, and amount and rate of 
rain-fall during the severe gust of April 2,1841. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., 
ii, 56. 

On observations of the magnetic dip, made at Baltimore by Mr. Nicollet 
and Major Graham. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., ii, 83. 

Account of the formation of cumulus cloud from the action of a fire. 
Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., ii, 116. 

Semi-annual report of the principal of the High School, and report to the 
controllers of the public schools. Twenty-fourth Annual Report of Con- 
trollers of Public Schools of Philadelphia, pp. 23, 50. 

On the application of the self-registering rain-gauge to registering the 
fall of snow. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., ii, 164. 

Report of the principal of the Central High School for the year ending 
July, 1842. 8vo. pp. 120. Philadelphia. 

Address delivered at the close of the twelfth exhibition of American 
manufactures, held by the Franklin Institute. 

On a modification of Lloyd’s induction inclinometer. 
Soc., ii, 237. 

On a new dew-point hygrometer. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., ii, 249. 

Results of two years’ observations of the magnetic elements, and of the 
temperature, pressure, and moisture of the atmosphere at the magnetic 
observatory of Girard College. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., iii, 90. 

Account of an instrument for determining the conducting power of 
bodies for heat. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., iii, 132. 

Account of observations at Philadelphia and Toronto, during the mag- 
netic disturbance of May 6, 1843, and their bearing upon the question 
of the kind of instruments and observations appropriate to determine 
such phenomena. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., iii, 175. 

Report to the Treasury Department on the progress of construction of 
standard weights and measures. Senate Doc. 149, 28th Congress, 2d 
Session. 

Description of a new base apparatus used in the United States Coast 


Survey. Proc. Amer, Phil. Soc., iv, 368. 

On a new method of observing transits. Monthly Not. R. Astr. Soc., ix, 
123; Bull. Acad. Sei., Brussels, xvi, 313; Astr. Nachr., xxviii, 278. 

Comparison of the results obtained in geodesy by the application of the 
theory of least squares. Proc. Amer. Assoc. Adv. Sci., Cambridge, 1849, 
p. 102. 

On the progress of the survey of the coast of the United States. 
Amer. Assoc., Cambridge, 1849, p. 162. 

Notes on the results of observations of the direction and force of the 
wind at the Coast Survey stations at Mobile Point and at Cat Island, 
Gulf of Mexico. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Charleston, 1850, p. 50. 

Abstract of a communication on the recent progress of the telegraphic 
operations of the United States Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. Assoc., 
Charleston, 1850, p. 122. 


Proc. Amer. Phil. 


Proc. 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


1850—Aug. 
1850—Aug. 


1850—Aug. 


1851—May. 


1851—May. 


1851—May. 


1851—May. 


1851—Aug. 


1851—Aug. 


| 1851—Aug. 


1852—Mar. 


1853—July. 


1853—July. 
1854—May. 


1854—May. 


Sas" = 


379 


Method used in the Coast Survey for showing the results of current 
observations. Proc. Amer. Assoc., New Haven, 1850, p. 70; C. S. Rep., 
1850, p. 136. 

Remarks upon the meeting of the American Association at Charleston, 
in March, 1850. Proc. Amer. Assoc., New Haven, 1850, p. 159. 

Notes of a discussion of tidal cbservations, in connection with the Coast 
Survey, made at Cat Island, inthe Gulf of Mexico. Proc. Amer. Assoc 
New Haven, 1850, p. 281; Amer. Journ. Sci., xii, 341; C. S. Rep., 1851 
p. 127. 

Current chart of New York Bay, from observations in the Coast Survey. 
Proc. Amer. Assoc., Cincinnati, 1851, p. 43. 

Comparison of curves showing the hourly changes of magnetic declina- 
tion at Philadelphia, Toronto, and Hobarton from April to August, and 
from October to February, and for March and September. Proc. Amer. 
Assoc., Cincinnati, 1851, p. 62. 

On the determination of the velocity of sound by the method of coin- 
cidences. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Cincinnati, 1851, p. 75. 

Notes on the use of the zenith telescope in determining latitudes in the 
Coast Survey by Talcott’s method, and on the reduction of the abser- 
vations. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Cincinnati, 1851, p. 151; Amer. Journ. Sci., 
xiv, 191. 

Additional notes of a discussion of tidal observations made in connection 
with the Coast Survey at Cat Island, Louisiana. Proc. Amer. Assoc., 
Albany, 1851, p. 94; Amer. Journ. Sci., xiv, 346; C. S. Rep., 1852, p. 111. 

Notes on the tides at Sand Key, near Key West, Florida. Proc. Amer. 
Assoc., Albany, 1851, p. 138. 

Address on retiring from the duties of president of the American Asso- 
ciation for the Advancement of Science. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Albany, 
1851, p. 41. 

Report on the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, (as chairman of a 
committee. ) 


On the tides at Key West, Florida, from observations made in connection 
with the United States Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Cleveland, 
1853, p. 32; Amer. Journ, Sci., xvili, 305; C. S. Rep., 1853, p. 71. 

On the tides of the western coast of the United States, from observations 
at San Francisco, California, in connection with the United States 
Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Cleveland, 1853, p. 42; Amer. Journ. 
Sci., xxi, 1; C. S. Rep., 1853, p. 77. 

Preliminary determination of co-tidal lines on the Atlantic coast of the 
United States, from the Coast Survey tidal observations. Proc. Amer. 
Assoc., Washington, 1854, p. 107; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxi, 14; C. S. Rep., 
1854, p. 147. 

Comparison of the diurnal inequality of the tides at San Diego, San 
Francisco, and Astoria, on the Pacific coast of the United States, from 
observations in connection with the Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. Assoc., 
Washington, 1854, p. 161; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxi, 10; C. S. Rep., 1854, 
p. 152. 

On the distribution of temperature in and near the Gulf Stream, off the 
coast of the United States, from observations made in the Coast 
Survey. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Washington, 1854, p. 134; Amer. Journ. 
Sci., xxi, 29; C. S. Rep., 1854, p. 156. 

Second report on the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. 

Discussion of observations for the isodynamic, isogonic, and isoclinal 
curves of terrestrial magnetism, on and near the line of the boundary 
survey between the United States and Mexico, made in 1849-]852, 


380 


1855—Aug. 


1855—Aug. 


1855—Aug. 


1855—Dec. 


1856—Jan. 


1856—Aug. 


1856—Aug. 
1856—Aug. 
1856—Aug. 


1856—Aug. 


1856—Oct. 


1856—Dec. 


1856—Dec. 


1856—Dec. 


1857—Aug. 


1857—Aug. 


1857—Ang. 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


under the order of W. H. Emory, and combined with observations at — 
San Francisco, California, and Dollar Point, (E. Base,) and Jupiter, 
Texas. Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts and Sci., v, 372. 

Approximate co-tidal lines of the Pacific coast of the United States, | 
from observations in the United States Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. 
Assoc., Providence, 1855, p. 144; C. S. Rep., 1855, p. 338. 

Notice of the tidal observations made on the coast of the United States, | 
on the Gulf of Mexico, with type-curves at the several stations, and — 
their decomposition into the curves of diurnal and semi-diurnal tides. 4 
Proc. Amer. Assoc., Providence, 1855, p. 152 ; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxi, 128; i 
C. S. Rep., 1855, p. 346. 

Notice of earthquake waves on the western coast of the United States 4 
on the 23d and 25th of December, 1854. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Providence, | i 
1855, p. 153; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxi, 37; C. S. Rep., 1855, p. 342, - |i 

Report to New York harbor commissioners, on surveys of New York i 
Harbor. 7 

Annual address before the American Geographical Society, being a paper iH 
upon the Gulf Stream. Bulletin Amer. Geogr. Soc., ii, 94. 

Approximate co-tidal lines of diurnal and semi- aetel tides of the coast — 
of the United States on the Gulf of Mexico. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Albany, | 
1856, p. 168; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxiii, 12; C. S. Bep., 1856, p. 252. . 

On the general distribution of terrestrial magnetism in the United States, 
from observations made in the United States Coast Survey and others, | 
(in connection with Mr. J. E. Hilgard.) Proc. Amer. Assoc., Albany | 
1856, p. 187; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxvi, 1; C. 8. Rep., 1856, p. 209. =| 

Observations ce determine the cause of the increase of Sandy Hook, | 
made by the Coast Survey for the commissioners on harbor encroach-— 
ments. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Albany, 1856, p. 171; Amer. Journ. Sei. | 
xxili, 16; C. S. Rep., 1856, p. 263. 

Notice of observations to determine the progress of the tidal wave of th 
Hudson River, made by the Coast Survey for the commissioners on | 
harbor encroachments. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Albany, 173; Amer. Journ. 
Sci., xxiii, 17. i 

Notes on the progress made in the Coast Survey in prediction-tables for | 
the tides of the United States coast. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Albany, 1856, 
p. 166; C. S. Rep., 1856, p. 249. 

stern address before the American Institute of the city of New } 
York, during the twenty-eighth annual fair. New York, 1857, pp. 60. | 

Report to New York harbor commissioners on the progress of the survey 
of New York harbor. 

Notes on the winds of the coast of the United States on the Gulf of 
Mexico. C.S. Rep., p. 272. | 

Report of Superintendent of Weights and Measures. 

Notice of the determination of the longitude of Fernandina, Amelia — 
Island, Florida, by means of chronometer exchanges from Savannah, — 
ieee (in connection with Mr. C. A. Schott.) Proc. Amer. Assam | 
Montreal, 1857, p. 166; C. S. Rep. 1857, p. 314. 

On the heights of the tides of the Atlantic coast of the United States, _ 
from observations in the Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Montreal, — 
1857, p. 175; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxv, 47; C. S. Rep., p. 342. 

On the winds of the western coast of the United States, from observa- | 
tions in connection with the United States Coast Survey. Proc. Amer. | 
Assoc., Montreal, 1857, p.183; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxv,52; C. S. Repy | 
1857, p. 354. 


1857—Aug. 


1859—June. 


1859—Aug. 


1860—Ang. 


1860—Aug. 


EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE, 


381 


Notes on the measurement of the base of the primary triangulation of 
the eastern section of the coast of the United States, on Epping Plains, 
Maine. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Montreal, 1857, p. 160; Amer. Journ. Sci., 
xxv, p. 58; C. S. Rep., 1857, p. 302. 

Report relative to the New York harbor survey. U.S. Senate Doc., 1858, 
No. 16. 

On a supposed personal equation in the use of the zenith telescope, for 
determining latitudes by Talcott’s method. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Balti- 
more, 1858, p. 14; C. S. Rep., 1858, p. 184. 

On the tidal currents of New York Bay, near Sandy Hook. Proc. Amer- 
Assoc., Baltimore, 1858, p. 80; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxvi, 334; C.S. Rep., 
1858, p. 197. 

Defense of Dr. Gould, by the scientific council of the Dudley Observa- 
tory, (in connection with Professors Joseph Henry and Benj. Peirce.) 
Albany, 1858, pp. 91. 

Address before the Alumni Association of the Central High School. 
delphia, 1859. 

Address in tribute to the memory of Humboldt. 
trum, No. 6. 

General account of the results of the discussion of the declinometer 
observations, made at Girard College, Philadelphia, between the years 
1840 to 1845, with special reference to the eleven-year period. Proc, 
Amer. Assoc., Springfield, 1859, p. 248. 

Gulf-Stream explorations. Third memoir. Distribution of temperature 
in the water of: the Florida Channel and Straits. Proc. Amer. Assoc., 
Springfield, 1859, p. 257; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxix, 199; C. S. Rep., 1859, 
p. 306. 

Discussion of the magnetic and meteorological observations made at the 
Girard College observatory, Philadelphia, in 1840 to 1845, Part I. 
Investigation of the eleven-year period in amplitude of the solar 
diurnal variation, and of the disturbances of the magnetic declination. 
pp. 22. Smiths. Contrib. to Knowledge, vol. xi, art.iv; C. S. Rep., 1859, 
p- 278. 

Lecture on the Gulf Stream. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Newport, 1860, p. xlix; 
Amer. Journ. Sci., Xxx, 313; C. 8. Rep., 1860, p. 165. 

General account of the results of Part IL of the discussion of the decli- 
nometer observations made at the Girard College, Philadelphia, be- 
tween 1840 and 1845, with special reference to the solar diurnal varia- 
tion and its annual inequality. Proc. Amer. Assoc., Newport, 1860, p.74; 
Amer. Journ. Sci., Xxxi, 197. 

Abstract of a discussion of the influence of the moon on the declination 
of the magnetic needle, from the observations at the Girard College. 
Proc. Amer. Assoc., Newport, 1860, p. 83; Amer. Journ. Sci., xxxi, 98. 

Observations of the solar eclipse of 1860, July 18, at the Coast Survey 
station, Gunstock Mountain. Astron. Journ., vi, 157. 

Discussion of the magnetic and meteorological observations made at 
the Girard College observatory, Philadelphia, in 1840 to 1845, Part II. 
Investigation of the solar diurnal variation of the magnetic declina- 
tion and its annual inequality, pp. 28. Smiths. Contrib. to Knowl., vol. 
xiii, art. v; C.S. Rep., 1860, p. 293. 

Discussion of the magnetic and meteorological observations made at the 
Girard College observatory, Philadelphia, in 1840 to 1845, Part III. 
Investigation of the influence of the moon on the magnetic declination, 
pp. 16. Smiths. Contrib. to Knowl., vol. xiii, art. vi; C. 8S. Rep., 1860, p. 312. 

Abstract of a discussion of the horizontal component of the magnetic 


Phila- 


The Pulpit and Ros. 


882 EULOGY ON PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 


1862—Nov. 


" 1862—Nov. 


1862—Nov. 


1862—Dec. 
1863—Jan. 
A863—May. 


1863—Oct. 


1864—May. 


1865—Jan. 


1844 to 1863. 
1844 to 1848. 
1855 to 1863. 


a. | 


force, from observations made at the Girard College observatory, Phil- 
adelphia, in the years 1840 to 1845. Amer. Journ. Sci., xxxiv, 261. 

Discussion of the magnetic and meteorological observations made at the 
Girard College observatory, Philadelphia, in 1840 to 1845, second see- 
tion, comprising Parts IV, V, VI. Horizontal force, investigation of 
the ten or eleven year period, and of the disturbances of the horizontal 
component of the magnetic force; investigations of the solar diurnal 
variation and of the annual inequality of the horizontal force, and 
the lunar effect on the same, pp.78. Smiths. Contrib.to Knowl., vol. xiii, 
art. viii; C. S. Rep., 1862, p. 161. 

Abstract of an investigation of the solar diurnal variation of the annual 
inequality of the horizontal component of the magnetic force, from 
observations made at the Girard College observatory, between 1840 
and 1845. Amer. Journ. Sci., Xxxiv, 373. 

Abstract of a discussion of the influence of the moon on the horizontal 
magnetic force, from observations made at the Girard College observa 
tory, in the years 1840 to,1845. Amer. Journ. Sci., xxxiv, 381. 

Additional researches on the co-tidal lines of the Gulf of Mexico. C. §. 
Rep., 1862, p. 126. 

Eulogy on Hon. James Alfred Pearce. Annual Report of Regents Smith- 
sonian Institution for 1862, p. 100. 

Abstract of results of a magnetic survey of Pennsylvania and parts of 

adjacent States in 1840 and 1841, with some additional results of 1843 
and 1862, and a map. Amer. Journ. Sci., xxxv, 359; C. S. Rep., oo 
p. 212. 


Records and results of a magnetic survey of Pennsylvania and parts of — 


adjacent States in 1840 and 1841, with some additional records and 
results of 1834, 1835, 1843, and 1862, and a map, pp. 88. Smiths. Contrib. 
to Knowl., vol. xiii, art. viii. 

Discussion of the magnetic and meteorological observations made at the 
Girard College observatory, Philadelphia, in 1840 to 1845, third see- 
tion, comprising Parts VII, VII, IX. Vertical force. Investigation 
of the eleven (or ten) year period, and of the disturbances of the ver- 


tical component of the magnetic force, and appendix on the magnetic | 


effect of the aurora borealis; with an investigation of the solar diurnal 


variation, and of the annual inequality of the vertical force, and of | 
the lunar effect on the vertical force, the inclination and total force, pp. 
72. Smiths. Contrib. to Knowl., vol. xiv, art. ii; C. S. Rep., 1863, p. 156. 
Discussion of the magnetic and meteorological observations made at the 
Girard College observatory, Philadelphia, in 1840 to 1845; fourth sec- — 


tion, comprising Parts X, XI, XII. Dip and total force. Analysis of 
the disturbances of the dip and total force; discussion of the solar 


diurnal variation and annual inequality of the dip and total force; 


and discussion of the absolute dip, with the final values for declination, 
dip, and force, between 1841 and 1845, pp. 44. Smiths. Contrib. to Know!., 
vol. xiv, art. iii; C. S. Rep., 1864, p. 183. 

Annual reports of the progress of the United States Coast Survey. 

Annual reports of Superintendent of Weights and Measures. 

Tide tables for the use of navigators, prepared from the Coast Survey 
observations, annually. 


Also, the following reports concerning harbors, jointly with Messrs. 
Totten and Davis: 


1853-—Mar. 
1854—Oct. 


Report upon Cape Fear River and harbor. 
Report of Portland harbor commission 


ie: 


EULOGY ON 


1855—Mar. 


1855— Dec. 


1856—July. 


1856—July. 


1856—Sept. 


1856—Oct. 


1856—Dec. 


1856—Dec. 


1857—Feb. 


1857—Mar. 


1860—Mar. 
1860—Dec. 


1860—Dec. 


1860—Dec. 


1861—Sept. 


1861—Sept. 


1863—April. 


1864—Mar. 


1864- Mar. 


PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE. 383 

Second report of the commissioners on Portland harbor. 

Report of advisory council of the New York harbor commission. New 
York Assembly Doc., 1856, No. 8. 

Report of the advisory council of the New York harbor commission, 
recommending certain lines in the East and North Rivers, and in 
Brooklyn. New York Senate Doc., 1857, No. 40, p. 107. 

Report of the advisory council of the New York harbor commission on 
Gowanus Bay and its improvements. New York Senate Doc., 1857, No. 
40, p. 118. 

Report of the advisory council of the New York harbor commission on 
the Hell Gate Passage, regarded as a channel of approach to New York 
harbor. New York Senate Doc., 1857, No. 40, p. 187. 

Second general report of the advisory council to the harbor commis- 
sioners, on lines in New York harbor. New York Senate Doc., 1857, No. 
40, p. 81. 

Report of the advisory council to the commissioners on harbor encroach- 
ments of New York, in regard to safe and commodious anchorages 
in New York harbor, for the purposes of the quarantine of vessels. 
New York Senate Doc., 1857, No. 40, p. 132. 

Report of the advisory council to the New York harbor commissioners 
upon Harlem River and Spuyten Duyvil Creek. New York Senate Doc., 
1857, No. 40, p. 151. 

Report of the advisory council of lines for the East River, for the shore 
of Long Island, and the east shore of Staten Island. New York Senate 
Doc., 1857, No. 126, p. 9. 

Report of the advisory council to the New York harbor commissioners 
upon the comparative map of New York Bay and harbor, and its ap- 
proaches, prepared by the Coast Survey in March, 1857. New York 
Senate Doc., 1857, No. 126, p. 12. 

Preliminary reports of commissioners on Boston harbor. Boston City Doc., 
1860, No. 37. 

Second report of United States commissioners on the condition of Bostor 
harbor. Boston City Doc., 1860, No. 97. 

Special report of the United States commissioners on Boston harbor, on 


the relation of Mystic Pond and River to Boston harbor. Boston City 
Doc., 1861, No. 12. 


Report of the advisory council of the joint committee of the Massachu- 
setts legislature on the subject of a ship-canal to connect Barnstable 
Bay and Buzzard’s Bay. Mass. Pub. Doc., 1864, No. 41. 

Fourth report of the United States commissioners on Boston harbor. 
Boston City Doc., 1861, No. 62. 

Fifth report of the United States commissioners on Boston harbor. Bos- 
ton City Doc., 1861, No. 63. 

Sixth report of the United States commissioners on Boston harbor. Bos- 
ton City Doc., 1863, No. 53. 

Seventh report of the United States commissioners on Boston harbor. 
Boston City Doc., 1864, No. 33. 

Eighth report of the United States commissioners on Boston harbor. 
Boston City Doc., 1864, No. 34. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 
oF 


THE BOARD, OF, REGENTS 


OF THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., January 25, 1872. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 
was held this day in the Regents’ room, at 7 o’clock p.m. Present: 
Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. G. Davis, Hon. L. P. Poland, 
Hon. S. 8S. Cox, Hon. P. Parker, Hon. H. D. Cooke, and Professor Henry, 
the Secretary. 

Mr. Hamlin was called to the chair. 

The Secretary stated that an act of Congress had substituted the 
governor of the District of Columbia as an ew-officio Regent, in place of 
the mayor of Washington, the latter office having ceased to exist. 
Governor Cooke was then introduced as a member of the Board. 

Dr. Parker, from the Executive Committee, presented a preliminary 
statement of accounts. 

On motion of Mr. Trumbull, the report was accepted. 

The Secretary made a statement relative to the Virginia stocks held 
by the Institution. It had been deemed advisable that the registered 
stock should be converted into coupon bonds, because the coupons were 
receivable for taxes, and the State had not paid interest on its stock for 
several years. The transfer had therefore been made for the Institution 
by Riggs & Co. 

On motion of Judge Poland, the Secretary was directed to deposit the 
Virginia coupon bonds, now in Riggs’ Bank, in the Treasury of the 
United States for safe-keeping. 

The Secretary gave an account of the improvements made in the build- 
ing during the past year. 

A communication from Dr. C. H. F. Peters, of the observatory at 
Clinton, New York, was read, asking the Institution to defray the expense 
and actas the medium of communicating discoveries of planets, comets, 
etc., by ocean telegraph. 

The Secretary stated that he had applied to the ocean telegraph com- 
pany for the free transmission of astronomical discoveries, but had not 
received a reply. 

Several of the Regents expressed the opinion that the Institution 

384 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 3885 


should have the franking privilege, to enable it to distribute scientific 
reports, &c., to libraries and other institutions of the country. 

The Secretary stated that a stable had recently been erected on the 
grounds, with the approval of General Babcock, Commissioner of Public 
Buildings. This was necessary for the use of the Institution, though 
the horse and carriage used by the Secretary had been purchased by 
himself. 

On motion of Mr. Trumbull, the action of the Secretary was approved. 

A claim, presented by T. R. Peale, esq., of Washington, for a portrait 
of Washington, painted by his father, Charles Wilson Peale, now in the 
Smithsonian museum, was referred to the Executive Committee. 

A communication was presented from Henry O’Rielly, relative to the 
discovery of the electro-magnetic telegraph, which, on motion of Mr. 
Davis, was read, and ordered to be placed in the archives of the Insti- 
tution. 

Adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


MARcH 28, 1872. 

A meeting of the Board was called for this evening at 7 o’clock. Pres- 
ent: Hon. 8. P. Chase, Chancellor of the Institution ; Hon. L. P. Poland, 
Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. P. Parker, and Prof. Henry, the Secretary. 

On account of a night session of the Senate, the Vice-President, Hon. 
Mr. Colfax, and Senators Trumbull and Hamlin were prevented from 
attending the meeting. 

No quorum being present, adjourned to meet at the call of the Secre- 
tary. 


APRIL 3, 1872. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 7 o’clock at the Insti- 
tution. Present: Vice-President Colfax, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. L. Trum- 
bull, Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. P. Parker, Hon. H. D. Cooke, and Prof. 
Henry, Secretary. 

Mr. Colfax was called to the chair. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. 

Dr. Parker, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented the re- 
port of the committee, which was read, and, on motion of Mr. Hamlin, 
accepted. 

Dr. Parker stated that the Virginia coupon bonds which had been 
received from the State had no seal affixed to them. In regard to this, 
the Secretary presented the following communication from Jos. Mayo, 
jr., treasurer of Virginia: 


COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, TREASURER’S OFFICE, 
kichmond, March 30, 1872. 
The following coupon bonds Nos. 11521 to 11578, both inclusive, for 
$1,000 each ; No. 1380 for $500, and Nos. 4191 and 4192 for $100 each, of 
25 


386 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS. 


Virginia consolidated debt, exchanged December 9, 1871, for the Smith- 
sonian Institution, and standing in its name on the books of this office, 
were regularly issued and are good and valid. The omission of the State 
seal upon them was an inadvertance, which will be corrected whenever 
the bonds are returned for the purpose. In fact the seal is not necessary 
to give validity to the bonds, though it is customary to place it upon 
them. 
Very respectfully, yours, 
JOS. MAYO, 
Treasurer of Virginia. 


On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary return the bonds to Richmond for the 
purpose of having the State seal affixed to them. 

The Secretary gave an account of Major Powell’s expedition, which 
was authorized by Congress at its last session and had by law been 
placed under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution. He stated 
that he had addressed a communication to Congress recommending 
an additional appropriation for continuing the survey. 

The Secretary stated that, for many years, harmonious relations had 
existed between the Institution and the Department of Agriculture for 
co-operation in advancing the science of meteorology. The blanks had 
been furnished and distributed by that Department, and the observers 
sent their returns to the Commissioner, saving a large item of expense 
in the way of postage. The monthly summaries of observations of rain, 
temperature, etc., had been published in the monthly reports of the 
Department, and had dene much to encourage and stimulate the ob- 
servers and to furnish valuable data for agricultural and scientific pur- 
poses. Judge Watts, the present Commissioner, had recently decided, 
however, to discontinue this publication, and this was an additional 
reason why the Institution should have the franking privilege. The 
Institution had a large number of computers at work in reducing and 
discussing all the meteorological observations it had collected during the 
last twenty years, and would soon publish the results. 

The Secretary presented his annual report for the year 1871, which 
was read, and, on motion of Mr. Trumbull, accepted. 

A communication from F. O. J. Smith, esq., of Portland, relative to 
the electro-magnetic telegraph, was presented to the Board, and ordered 
to be placed in the archives. 

The board then adjourned sine die. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE 
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


THURSDAY, January 16, 1873. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution was 
held this day, at 6 o’clock p.m. Present: The Chancellor Chief Justice 
Chase, Hon. 8. Colfax, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. Ll. Trumbull, Hon. J. W. 
Stevenson, Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. L. P. Poland, General Sherman, 
Professor Agassiz, Hon. Peter Parker, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, and Pro- 
fessor Henry, the Secretary. 

The Chancellor being unable to be present at the beginning of the 
meeting, Hon. Mr. Hamlin was ealled to the chair. 

The Chancellor arriving at 7 o’clock, assumed his official position as 
presiding officer of the Board. 

The Secretary informed the Board that since its last meeting the death 
of Hon. Garrett Davis of the United States Senate had occurred, and that 
the vacancy thus created in the Board of Regents had been filled by the 
appointment of Hon. J. W. Stevenson, a Senator from the State of 
Kentucky; whereupon, on motion of General Garfield, the following 
resolutions were adopted: 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents have heard the announcement 
of the death of their highly esteemed colleague, Hon. Garrett Davis, of 
Kentucky, with deep and sincere regret. 

Kesolved, That in the death of Mr. Davis the Smithsonian Institution 
has lost a warm friend, an efficient supporter, and judicious adviser; 
and the country a patriotic, virtuous, and influential citizen. 

iesolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the journal, and a 
copy of them be transmitted to the family of the deceased. 

The Secretary presented to the Board an exhibit on a large diagram 
of the condition of the funds on the 1st of January, 1873, and of the 
receipts and expenditures during 1872. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, these exhibits were referred to the Execu- 
tive Committee. 

Hon. Peter Parker, in behali of the Executive Committee, made sub- 
stantially the following preliminary report: 

“The Secretary, who by law is the custodian of the Smithsonian funds, 
has presented to the Regents an ocular exhibit of the present condition of 
these funds, and the Executive Committee have, at the present time, to 
state that they have been laboriously engaged for several days in exam- 
ining 1,395 vouchers for the expenditures of the Institution for the past 
year; and comparing these with the bank account, as well as the appro- 


387 


888 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


priations from Congress, find the whole in accordance with the statement 
in the diagram submitted by the Secretary, there being a balance now 
on hand in the First National Bank of $17,811.36. At the next meeting 
the committee will present a detailed statement of all the accounts, with 
estimates of the receipts and appropriations for the year 1873.” 


The Secretary presented the following statement relative to the inter- 
est on the Virginia stock held by the Institution, as furnished by Riggs 
& Co.: 


1870. Jan. 16. 2 per cent. interest on $53,500, less $5.35 ....-.-.-- $1,064 65 
1872. June 21. gof $1,761 coupons, $1,174, less 4, $4.40.......--- 1,169 60 
Aug.2. of $1,761 coupons, $1.174, less } and tax, $77.77.. 1,096 23 
$3,330 48 
1871. Dec. 23. To+ per cent. commission on funding, $88,125 20.... $220 31 
1872. Jan. 12. To 4 per cent. commission on $58,700, conversion of 
registered to coupon bonds..--...----- 2-2-2. <=. 73 37 
June 21. To express charge on $58,700, bonds sent to Richmond 
for affixing State seal, inadvertently omitted . 29 20 
Aug. 2. To express on $1,761 coupons to Richmond......--.- 1 20 
Aug. 2. Toexpress on $1,761 coupons to Richmond......--.. 1 50 
——— 325 58 
1872. Nov. 9. Balance paid by Riggs & Co. to the Institution ...............3,004 90 


This communication was referred to the Executive Committee. _ 

The subject of the deposit of the articles of fine art belonging to the 
Institution in the Corcoran Art Gallery was presented by the Secretary; 
and, on motion of General Garfield, it was 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee and the Secretary report as 
to the character and organization of the Corcoran Art Gallery, and the 
plan to be adopted by the Smithsonian Institution in co-operating with 
that establishment and in depositing articles with it. 

Dr. Maclean presented a statement relative to the claim for the por- 
trait of Washington, and stated that a report would be presented on the 
subject by the Executive Committee at the next meeting. 

The Secretary presented the part of his annual report of the operations 
of the Institution during 1872 relative to original researches, viz: the 
planet Uranus; the tides; altitudes of over 16,000 different places in 
the United States; isothermal map; rain tables; winds and under- 
ground temperatures. 

On motion, the Board adjourned to meet on Monday, January 20, at 
7 o'clock p. m. 


Monpbay, January 20, 1873. 
A meeting of the oaed was held this day at 7 o’clock p. m. 
Present: The Chancellor Chief Justice Chase, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. 
J. W. Stevenson, Hon. L. Trumbull. Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. L. P. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 389 


Poland, General Sherman, Hon. Peter Parker, Professor L. Agassiz, 
Rev. Dr. John Maclean, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Excuses for non-attendance were received from Messrs. Colfax, Cox, 
and Cooke. 

Hon. Peter Parker submitted the report of the Executive Committee, 
which was read, and, on motion of Mr. Poland, was accepted. 

Dr. Maclean, trom the Executive Committee, presented a report ad- 
verse to the claim for a portrait of Washington painted by C. W. 
Peale. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, the report was accepted, ordered to be filed, 
and a copy to be furnished to the claimant. 

The Secretary stated that during the last session of Congress, mainly 
through the efforts of Mr. Hamlin, the following provision had been 
adopted in regard to postage facilities: 

“All publications sent or received by the Smithsonian Institution, marked on each 


package “ Smithsonian Exchange,” shall be allowed to pass FREE IN THE MAIL.” 
[New Postal Code, 6th Sub-div., 184th Sec., June, 1872. 


This does not provide for letters, nor specimens of natural history; 
and since the transfer of the museum of the Land-Office to the Institu- 
tion, the postage on minerals sent by the United States surveyors had 
become a considerable item of expense. The Secretary of the Interior, 
however, had offered to receive for the Institution all such specimens, if 
sent by mail to that Department. 

Mr. Hamlin stated that a bill had passed the House of Representa- 
tives abolishing the franking privilege, and if it passed the Senate the 
Institution would again have to pay postage.* 

‘The Secretary stated that the New York, Newfoundland, and London 
Cable Telegraph Company, and the Western Union Telegraph Company 
had liberally granted the privilege the Institution had requested, to 
transmit without charge between Europe and America announcements 
of astronomical discoveries, such as planets, comets, &e. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, the following resolution was adopted: 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution be tendered to the New York, Newfoundland, and 
London Telegraph Company, and to the Western Union Telegraph 
Company, for their grant of the free transmission of telegrams relative 
to astronomical discoveries. 

The Secretary stated that Mr. George Catlin, the Indian traveler and 
student of ethnology, who had exhibited his sketches of Indian life in 
the Institution, died in December last, and as it was very desirable that 
his valuable ethnological collection should be preserved, and, if possi- 
ble, secured by Congress, it was proper that the Board of Regents 
should take some action in regard to the matter. 


* This bill has since become a law. 


390 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


Professor Agassiz commended the collection as of great ethnological 
value, and expressed the opinion unhesitatingly that it ought to be 
purchased by the Government. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was resolved that the Executive 
Committee ascertain from the heirs of Mr. Catlin the terms on which 
his Indian paintings, sketches, specimens, &c., can be procured, and 
furnish the information, with such recommendation as they think pro- 
per, to the Library Committee of Congress. 

General Garfield presented the subject of the proposed endowment of 
agricultural colleges in a bill which had passed the Senate and was 
now before the House, and expressed the hope that some action could 
be taken to secure the benefit of the act to the Smithsonian Institution. 

Professor Agassiz remarked that there were other institutions in the 
country that were well worthy to share with this Institution any ben- 
efits which might be derived from the distribution of the proceeds of 
the sales of the public lands; especially the Museum of Comparative 
Zoology in Cambridge. This museum now contains the largest collec- 
tion of specimens for the ijlustration of some departments of zoology of 
any in the world, and has been supported at an annual expense of from 
fifty to sixty thousand dollars, principally raised from donations of the 
friends of the establishment. Professor Agassiz also observed that he 
thought Professor Henry, in the distribution of specimens abroad, ought 
in all cases to ask for a return of an equivalent in kind. By not doing 
so he interfered with the growth of other establishments of a similar 
character in this country, and especially with the museum at Cam- 
bridge. 

In reply Professor Henry stated that the policy of the Institution 
from the beginning had been of a most liberal character; thatits motto 
was ‘co-operation, not monopoly ;” that it had endeavored to co-operate 
with all institutions in this country and abroad; that the bequest was 
for the benefit of men, not for men of this country alone, butof every coun- 
try. Whenever specimens have been wanted for scientific research, these 
specimens have been sent as far as the means of the Institution would 
allow, and in cases where specimens were required for special investiga- 
tion in this country, the Institution has endeavored to procure them for 
the object required. It is true a return in kind has not been asked for 
because the appropriation from Congress for the support of the museum 
has not been more than one-fourth of the actual cost, and the Institu- 
tion has not had the means to pay for transportation of the specimens 
and the care of those not immediately wanted for research. It has, 
however, in all cases distinctly announced, in presenting specimens to 
foreign institutions, that suitable returns would be expected from the 
duplicates in their collections whenever the Institution might desire to 
obtain them.* The Institution has in this way a large accumulation of 
credit abroad, and now that the Government has commenced to make 


*See Appendix “G” to the Journal of the Board. 


JOURNAL OF- PROCEEDINGS. 391 


more liberal provision for the support of the National Mnseun, it may 
begin to ask for specimens in return, and in doing so may harmoniously 
co-operate with the Museum of Comparative Zoology by procuring speci- 
mens for it, and in receiving from the latter others in return. 

At the request of the Board, Professor Agassiz then gave an 
account* of his late expedition from Boston through the Straits of 
Magellan to San Francisco, in the steamer Hassler, of the United States 
Coast Survey, after which the Board adjourned to meet at the call of 
the Secretary. 


WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1878. 

A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day, at 7 o’clock p. 
m. Present: Chief Justice Chase, Chancellor, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. 
L. Trumbull, Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. L. P. Poland, Hon. Peter Parker, 
Hon. H. D. Cooke, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Dr. Parker presented the following report of the committee relative to 
the Coreoran Art Gallery : 

The committee to whom was referred the subject of inquiry into the 
character and organization of the Corcoran Art Gallery,t and the plan 
(if any) to be adopted by the Smithsonian Institution in co-operating 
with that establishment and in depositing articles with it, and report 
thereon, have to state: They learn that the Corcoran Art Gallery was 
incorporated by act of Congress on the 24th of May, 1870, [as appears 
from Statutes at Large, Forty-tirst Congress, second Session, chapter 3, 
page 139,] and is in no way connected with the District or territorial 
government of Washington. 

Your committee have conferred with Mr. W. W. Corcoran, and learn 
from him his desire in relation to the art gallery bearing his name is to 
make it one of very high order of art, and, with some exceptions which 
he specified, he is of the opinion the specimens of the Smithsonian will 
not come within the scope of his design. The proffer of the aid of the 
Smithsonian Institution, through its extensive foreign correspondents 
and agencies, in collecting valuable works of art from abroad, will be 
highly appreciated by Mr. Corcoran and the Directors of the Corcoran 
Art Gallery. 

PETER PARKER, 
W.T. SHERMAN, 
Committee. 


FEBRUARY 13, 1873. 


On motion of Mr. Hamlin, the following resolution was adopted: 


Jtesolved, That the report of the committee be accepted, and, in view 
of the facts stated, no further action in the premises is required, except 


*See Appendix “A” to Journal of the Board. 
tSee Appendix “C” to Journal of the Board. 


392 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


so far as relates to co-operation of the Smithsonian Institution in obtain- 
ing for the Corcoran Art Gallery contributions from abroad when re- 
quested by the directors and at the expense of the corporation. 

The Secretary announced the death of Professor James H. Coffin, who 
had for many years been associated with the Institution in its meteor- 
ological work, and had nearly finished a very elaborate paper on the 
winds of the globe, prepared from material furnished by the Institution, 
and to be published as a Smithsonian Contribution to Knowledge. He 
spoke in the highest terms of the character of Professor Coffin as a scien- 
tific investigator, an able ‘eacher, and exemplary Christian. 

On motion of Hon. Mr. Trumbull, the following resolutions were 
adopted : 

Resolved, That the Board of Regents have heard with profound sor- 
row of the death of Professor James H. Coflin, of Lafayette College, 
Easton, Pennsylvania. 

Resolved, That in the death of Professor Coffin the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution has lost a valuable collaborator who has assiduously labored in 
connection with it in the cause of science for more than twenty years; 
the country has lost an efficient teacher, an honest, truthful, and indus- 
trious man, and the world an original contributor to the science of the 
day. 

solved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the fam- 
ily of the deceased. 

The Secretary stated that since the last meeting he had received a 
telegram from Dr. C. H. Peters, of Clinton, New York, announcing the 
discovery of a new planet, and that he had availed himself of the facili- 
ties offered by the Cable and Western Union Companies, and had sent a 
dispatch in regard to the discovery to the European observatories. 

The Secretary informed the Board that JAMES HAMILTON, of Carlisle, 
Pennsylvania, recently deceased, had left a legacy of one thousand 
dollars to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, the 
interest to be ‘‘appropriated biennially, either in money or a medal, for 
such contribution, paper, or lecture on any scientific or useful subject as 
the secretaries may approve.” Action on this subject was postponed 
until more definite information had been received.* 

The Secretary stated that an amendment had been offered in the 
House of Representatives, but not at the instance of the Institution, 
to Senate biil 693, ‘‘to provide for the further endowment and support 
of colleges for the benefit of agriculture, &c., &c.,” as follows: 

“And it is further provided, that the share allotted to the said District 
of Columbia shall be appropriated to the Smithsonian Institution, to 
be expended under the direction of the Board of Regents of said Insti- 
tution, for the support of the National Museum, and in distributing 
specimens and publications to the colleges named in this act and to 
other institutions.” 


* See Will in Appendix “I” to Journal of Board. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 3938 


By this bill the Secretary of the Treasury is to invest annually one- 
fourth of the net amount of sales of the public lands for each year, in 
United States bonds, bearing five per cent. interest, and is to give to each 
State and to the District of Columbia an equal share of this interest, pro- 
vided that the appropriation for any one share shall not exceed in a 
single year the sum of $50,000. 

The opinion was expressed by the Regents that the bill might pass, 
although it was believed that the income to be derived from the sales of 
the public lands would be inconsiderable for many years.* 

The Secretary stated that the plan of the Smithsonian Institution for 
increasing knowledge had met with such favor, that other persons, in 
imitation of James Smithson, had established foundations to advance 
science, and gave an account of the bequest of the late Professor ALEX- 
ANDER DALLAS BACHE; the foundation for lectures by Dr. J. M. TONER, 
_ of Washington, and the gift of Professor TYNDALL of the proceeds of his 
recent lectures in this country. 

In each of these cases, Professor Henry had been made the chairman 
of the boards of trustees appointed to carry out the wishes of the donors. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was 

Resolved, That a full account of the Bache, Toner, and Tyndall sci- 
entific foundations, or trusts, be published in the annual report of this 
Institution, together with a letter from Professor Tyndall to Professor 
Henry.t 

The Secretary stated that he had transmitted to Congress the annual 
report of Professor J. W. Powell, relative to his geological and trigono- 
metrical survey of the Colorado of the West and its tributaries. 

The Secretary presented his annual report for the year 1872, which 
was read in part, when, on motion of Dr. Parker, it was 

Resolved, That the further reading of the report of Professor Henry be 
dispensed with, and that it be submitted by the Secretary to Congress. 

On motion, the Board then adjourned sine die. 


* This bill did not pass the House of Representatives. 
tSee Appendix “B,” “D,” “E” to the Proceedings of the Board. 


APPENDIX TO THE JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD 
OF REGENTS. 


A. 
PROFESSOR AGASSIZ’S NARRATIVE. 


“J was invited by Professor Peirce to take passage in the Hassler, 
while she was going to the field of her duty on the coast of California, as 
surveying vessel, provided that my expenses were borne by other par- 
ties so that the Coast Survey should not be put to any additional outlay. 
In consideration of this proposition, my friends in Boston liberally sub- 
scribed $20,000 to enable me to make as thorough a series of investiga- 
tions of animal life and other physical objects as possible, and a little 
more than this sum was expended. 

“We left Boston on the 4th of December, 1871. Our first observations 
of much interest were upon the Gulf weed, with its well-marked varieties 
distinguished by differences of stem and leaves. We made large col- 
lections of the hydroid communities inhabiting the sargossum, and 
also of the small fishes, crustacea and other animals finding shelter 
within its branches. I saw no reason to suppose that the sargossum 
originates as a floating-plant. On the contrary, all the masses we found, 
however large, bore marks of having been torn from some attachment. 
I have already given an account of the nest of the chironectes built of 
gulf weed, and picked up by us. | 

‘Our first port was Saint Thomas, where we anchored on the 15th 
of December. Here we made very large collections both of marine and 
land animals, fish, corals, sea-urchins, star-fishes, and ophiurans, crus- 
tacea, shells, lizards, snakes, toads, and frogs, insects and birds. We 
shipped from Saint Thomas alone eleven barrels and boxes of speci- 
mens. Barbadoes was our next collecting-ground. There we made our 
first cast of the dredge and with remarkable success. The collections 
forwarded from this port were not so large, but were perhaps more in- 
teresting than those of Saint Thomas. The fauna upon the shoals off 
the Island of Barbadoes strangely resembles that of a past geological 
time. The comatule, pedunculated crinoids, pleurotomaria, sipho. 
nig, and cnemidia found upon these shoals recall forms which belonged 
especially to the Mezozoic ages. This dredging was also rich in corals, 
sea-urchins, starfish, and ophiurans, and in a great variety of beautiful 
andrare shells. In some notes handed to me by Count Pourtalés, hesays of 
this same dredging, December 29th and 30th off Barbadoes, aboutsix miles 
north of Bridgetown, numerous casts of the dredge were taken in depths 
varying from 17 to 120 fathoms with very rich returns in mollusca, crusta- 

394 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL 895 


cea, echinoderms, polyps, and sponges; many of them were new to science, 
others either very rare or of much interest on account of their geograph- 
ical distribution. Pleurotomaria is an example of the former; asthen- 
soma, ceraiophozus, rhizocrinus, and other echinoderms, of the latter. 
Deep sea-corals were obtained in considerable quantity, but none appear 
to be identical with those of the North Atlantic; they also seem to differ 
more from those of Florida than would have been expected. 

‘‘ Between Barbadoes and Brazil we had little opportunity for observa- 
tion, except upon the motions of the flying-fish, the habits and appear- 
ance of the physalia, &c. But we had an interesting dredging about a 
day’s sail south of Pernambuco in 500 fathoms, from which we obtained, 
besides other specimens, a living shell, closely allied to the Pecten para- 
doxus, as described by Goldfuss. Another cast, about 40 miles east of 
Cape Frio, in 45 fathoms, gave us a new crustacean, singularly like the 
ancient trilobites. With reference to temperature off the coast of 
Brazil, Count Pourtalés’ notes give the following details: ‘ Off Maceio, 
Brazil, January 17, in latitude 99 45’8., longitude 35° 0’ west, the surface- 
temperature was 80°.5. At 100 fathoms it was 67°; at 485 fathoms, 
449.5; at 556 fathoms, (a few miles farther west,) 429.5; in latitude 
11° 49/ south, longitude 37° 10’ west, surface, 80°.3; at 613 fathoms, 39°. 
A number of dredgings were taken on the same parallel, but nearer 
shore, with moderate success” He adds that subsequent casts of the 
dredge were taken at various points along the east coast of South 
America, and in the Strait of Magellan, but almost always in depths 
less than 50 fathoms where temperature presented no particular interest. 

‘A delay of three weeks at Rio de Janeiro interrupted our work at 
sea, but I made use of it to collect largely in the market of Rio de 
Janeiro and in the neighboring rivers and brooks. The most valuable 
contribution to science made there, however, consisted in preparations 
of large numbers of fish-brains, both marine and fresh-water. 

“Our next port was Montevideo. Here, however, the quarantine pre- 
vented us from entering the city, but 1 had an opportunity of studying 
glacial phenomena on a hill in the harbor, where I was allowed to land 
and where I found erratic material of an unquestionably glacial char- 
acter, and other evidences of glacial action. Indeed, the most striking 
fact of all is that the hill itself is a true ‘roche moutonnée.” On leaving 
Rio de la Plate, February 22, we dropped the dredge in some seven 
fathoms, and it came up laden with valuable specimens. Among other 
things this cast gave us a large voluta and the egg of a voluta, (of which 
we found many afterward belonging to different kinds of volutas,) many 
olivas, serulas, renillas, crustaceans and echinoderms. It is not worth 
while to record all our dredgings; they were frequent, sometimes very 
remunerative, and sometimes not at all so. One dredging, of especial 
value for its rare mollusks and echinoderms, was taken off the mouth 
of the Rio Negro. 

“The next point of great interest was the gulf of San Mathias, at the 


396 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


head of which is the socalled Port San Antonio. In this region our 
collections were very large and various. Among our treasures was a 
very interesting collection of tertiary fossils in this bay. The cliffs 
were largely composed of them. My original programme had included 
a reconnoissance of the rivers Negro and Santa Cruz, and a visit to 
the Falkland Islands, where I was especially anxious to have a look at 
the so-called “rivers of stone,” believing, as I do, that they are of 
glacial origin. But the circumstances of the vessel and the lateness of 
the season made it important to hurry on, and I reluctantly relin- 
quished this part of my scheme. We touched, therefore, at no other 
point between the gulf of San Mathias and the strait of Magellan, 
though we paused for a cast of the dredge off the gulf of St. Georges, 
and were rewarded by some superb star-fishes of immense size, (astro- 
phyton or basket-fish,) besides other valuable specimens. 

‘¢ We rounded Cape Virgins on the 13th of March, and made our first 
anchorage at Possession Bay. My published reports have already given 
some account of our work in this region. The most important results 
obtained in this locality were Count Pourtalés’ discovery that Mount 
Aymon is an extinct volcano, with a very perfect crater, and forming 
the nucleus, as it were, of a cluster of smaller volcanoes; beside some less 
striking geological observations of my own. In the strait of Magellan, 
and in Smythe’s Channel, we passed three weeks, anchoring every night. 
The zoological results throughout this region were very satisfactory. 
We made large collections; chiefly marine, of course. But the glacial 
phenomena here interested me more deeply than the fauna. From the 
character of the drift, aud the constant presence of erratic materials, 
evidently quite foreign to the soil, and recurring along the Patagonian 
coast throughout the strait of Magellan, and, as I afterward found, 
high up on the Chilian coast; from the glacier-worn surfaces on the 
two sides of the strait, as compared with each other, and on the walls 
of Smythe’s Channel, I satisfied myself that there has been a move- 
ment of ice from south northward, preceding all local glacial phenom- 
ena, the latter being indeed only the remnant of the former. 

‘Leaving Smythe’s Channel we kept along the coast to the southern 
end of Chiloe Island, making a run up the gulf of Corcovado in the 
hope of passing through the archipelago of Chiloe. As we had no 
charts, however, the captain feared to attempt the inside passage, and 
after making some collections in Port San Pedro we returned to the 
open sea, and reached San Carlos de Ancud, at the northern end of the 
island, on the 8th of March. Here I found again the erratic of the 
straits and of the Patagonian coast resting upon the breccia of Ancud, 
showing the chronological relation of the volcanic formations of this 
region to the glacial phenomena. From San Carlos we proceeded with 
no pause (except at Lota for coal) to the bay of Concepcion. Here we 
remained a fortnight, and at no point did I make more full and valuable 
collections. From Concepcion Bay the Hassler went to Juan Fernandez, 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 397 


but as I wished to see something of the geology between the coast and 
the Andes, I proceeded by land to Santiago. My observations here con- 
firmed my previous impressions as to the glacial phenomena. There is 
very little evidence of local action proceeding from the Andes, but the 
whole Chilian valley lying between the coast-range and the Andes 
proper has been modeled in a south-northerly direction by ice. The 
valley is, in short, a glacier bottom. 

“At Valparaiso we joined the vessel again, andI add some notes from 
Count Pourtalés concerning temperatures based upon soundings, &c., 
taken on their voyage to and from Juan Fernandez: ‘In the Pacific 
Ocean soundings were taken between Talcahuana, Chili, and Juan Fer- 
nandez. The hundred-fathoms line was found to be about 35 miles off 
shore. At a distance of 52 miles the depth was 1,006 fathoms. In lati- 
tude 35° 30’ south and longitude 75° 11’ west the depth was 2,410 fath- 
oms, temperature 35°. Mud and fragments of a delicate sponge were 
obtained by the lead; but the dredge-line having been damaged by 
dampness, parted when hauling up. About two miles north of Juan 
Fernandez, surface temperature 619; at 377 fathoms, 419.5; at 656 
fathoms, bottom temperature 61°. The dredge brought up only a few 
small stones. About three miles off the northwest corner of the same 
island the depth was‘1,144 fathoms, bottom temperature 36°. The 
dredge brought up nodules of clay, pebbles, worm-tubes, and a small 
isis. About 25 miles north of the island a depth of 2,214 fathoms was 
found, with a bottom temperature of 36°; bottom of reddish mud. The 
dredge was lost again, with a large quantity of line. On the way from 
Juan Fernandez to Valparaiso a cast of the lead was taken in latitude 
33° 33/ south, longitude 77° 2’ west; depth, 1,585 fathoms, bottom tem- 
perature 36°; fine white globigerina mud. The hauling up of the line 
took more than six hours, on account of the constant precautions needed 
to prevent it from parting. Further attempts were thereafter given 
up, 

“From Valparaiso we proceeded up the coast, touching at all the prin- 
cipal points, and collecting everywhere. One of our richest collecting- 
grounds was Parraca Bay, where the fauna was of astonishing richness 
and variety. The geology was also exceedingly interesting, and I was 
indebted to Lieutenant Murray Day for avery detailed map of the drift- 
formation in that region. 

“From Payta we struck off to the Galapagos, where we arrived on the 
10th of June, and remained till the 19th, touching at Charles Island, Albe- 
marie, Saint James, Jarvis, and Indefatigable Islands. The zoology of 
these islands is intensely interesting, not only from the peculiar character 
of the fauna, but also from the physical conditions in which it occurs, all 
these islands being of such recent volcanic formation as to preclude the 
idea of a migration of animals from the mainland, and their subsequent 
adaptation to new circumstances. Our collections in the Galapagos 
were exceptionally large. Iguanas, both marine and terrestrial, (the 


398 : APPENDIX ~TO- JOURNAL. 


two species of amblyrhynchus, first made known by Darwin,) lizards, 
birds, seals, turtles, besides a great variety of fishes, crustacea, mol- 
lusks, and radiates. 

‘From the Galapagos we proceeded to Panama, where we arrived on 
the 25th of June. We were detained here for three weeks, but they 
were very profitable weeks for the collections. The loss of the greater 
part of our dredging-apparatus between Juan Fernandez and Valparaiso 
had indeed made dredging in deep waters impossible, but we were the 
more industrious in collecting in shoal waters along shore and on land. 
Our next port was Acapulco, where we arrived on the 4th of August, 
and remained for some days. ‘There, also, we were successful in col- 
lecting, and not less so in Magdalena Bay, where we passed two days 
in drawing the seine. We made no pause between Magdalena Bay and. 
San Diego, where we arrived on the 18th of August. In the Bay of San 
Diego we added very considerably to our collections, Here, and in- 
deed all along the coast from Valparaiso northward, we found many 
specimens of cetaceans and selachians. We gathered a large number 
of cestracions alone. 

“ Leaving San Diego on the 28th of August, we reached San Francisco 
on the 31st. Here our voyage ended, but I remained in San Francisco 
for some weeks for the sake of completing collections formerly made for 
me in this region. Both there and in Sacramento, with the aid of 
friends, I succeeded completely in my object. 

“Tt would be impossible for me now to give you more than a very vague 
and imperfect idea of the extent and value of the collections derived from 
this voyage. Indeed, [ do not fully know it as yet myself, the unpack- 
ing being but just begun. The number of barrels and cases, however,. 
forwarded to Cambridge during the ten months of our absence was 
265—almost a barrel a day. It would have been simply impossible for 
me to collect on this scale, but for the cordial assistance I received from 
the captain and oflicers of our ship, and, under their direction, from the 
men, who were always cheerfully ready for the work of the seine and 
dredge. I was also greatly indebted to Dr. Hill and Dr. White, the 
physicists of the expedition, who, whenever not engaged in their own 
duties, were ready to aid me in every way. I should not forget to men- 
tion that Dr. Hill made, also, a most valuable and admirably preserved 
collection of marine plants, gathered at every anchorage where time was 
allowed for landing. As to the special work of the chemical and phys- 
ical departments, under the.charge of Dr. Hill, ex-president of Harvard, 
and Dr. White, of Philadelphia, I can give you little information. You 
could, no doubt, learn all details respecting this part of the work by 
application to these gentlemen, or to the Superintendent of the Coast 
Survey. 

“‘ My own special party for zoological work consisted of Count Pourtalés, 
Dr. Steindachner, and Mr. Blake. Count Pourtalés, while sharing in all 
the general work of the expedition, had special charge of the dredging 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 3899 


operations. Dr. Steindachner, although an admirable collector in alk 
departments, was especially engaged in the care of the ichthyological 
collections. His great knowledge and untiring industry made his 
assistance invaluable. Indeed, without him I could not have carried out 
the comprehensive scheme for collecting which I had laid out. Mr. 
Blake had special charge of the mollusks, and his time was chiefly em- 
ployed in the drawing of perishable specimens. As I cannot give you 
an accurate summary of the zoological collections, I will give you a 
slight sketch of my general scheme, ailuded to above, that you may 
anderstand their significance as a whole. 

“T have endeavored, in the first place, to collect as many specimens of 
the same species as possible, in every stage of growth and every con- 
dition of development, in order to ascertain the range of variation in 
each species. My second object was to learn the boundaries of the dif- 
ferent faune, especially along the Pacific coast from the strait of 
Magellan to California. In this I have included, wherever it was pos- 
sible. the fishes from the rivers on the western slope of the continent, 
‘for comparison with those on the eastern; but this part of my plan was 
difficult of execution, because I had not the means of collecting in land. 

‘‘ During our whole journey I was careful to make, or to have made, 
large numbers of anatomical preparations of such parts of marine ani- 
mals as can rarely be well studied from alcoholic specimens. The most 
valuable of these preparations are those of fish brains. 

“JT need hardly add that we owed the great opportunity for scientific 
investigation afforded by the voyage of the Hassler to the liberal policy 
of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, who is ever ready to com- 
bine the larger interests of science with the special work of the survey, 
when it can be done without detriment to the latter. I should add, 
however, that the means for making the zoological collections were con- 
tributed by gentlemen of Boston, who raised nearly $20,000 for the pur- 
chase of alcohol, jars, and other apparatus for collecting on a large scale, 
and for charges of freight in forwarding the specimens from foreign 
ports. The latter charges were, however, comparatively small, owing 
to the liberality of both railroad and steamship companies, of the com- 
manders of our naval forces in various ports, to whom I had special 
recommendations from the Secretary of the Navy, and of the captains of 
vessels employed upon whaling voyages or in private mercantile enter- 
prises.” 


400 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 
B. 
BACHE FUND. 
Extracts from the will of Alexander Dallas Bache. Dated March 18, 1862. 


Item. As to all the rest and residue of my estate, including the sum 
of five thousand dollars placed at the disposal of my wife, in case she 
should not desire to make any disposition of the same, I direct my ex- 
ecutors, hereinafter named, to apply the income thereof, after the death 
of my wife, according to and under the directions of Joseph Henry, of 
Washington, Louis Agassiz and Benjamin Peirce, of Harvard College, 
Massachusetts, to the prosecution of researches in physical and natural 
science, by assisting experimentalists and observers in such manner and 
in such sums as shall be agreed upon by the three above-named gen- 
tlemen, or any two of them, whom I constitute a board of direction for 
the application of the income of my residuary estate, for the above ob- 
jects, after the death of my said wife. The class of subjects to be se- 
lected by this board, and the results of such observations and experi- 
ments, to be published at the expense of my trust estate, under their 
directions, out of the income thereof, but without encroaching on the 
principal. 

In case of the death or inability to act of all or any of the three gen- 
tlemen I have named, in my wife’s lifetime, my will is that she shall 
supply their places in the board of direction by an instrument of writ- 
ing, either testamentary or otherwise, desiring that in the selection of 
the persons to administer the income of the trust funds hereby created, 
she will have regard to the selection of persons whose attention has been 
directed to the same branches of science as those I have named, and so 
that each of the departments of physics, mathematics, and natural his- 
tory shall be represented in the board. In case of any vacancy occur- 
ring in the board of direction after its organization, and after the death 
of my wife, by reason of the death, inability, or refusal to act, or resig- 
nation of any of the members, my will is that the surviving er remain- 
ing member or members for the time being shall have power to fill va- 
cancies so occurring in the board by the selection of other person or 
persons to fill such vacancies, and so on, from time to time, as vacancies 
shall occur. 

My intention being that the board of direction shall have power to 
continue its existence, and to filling all vacancies occurring in their 
body from time to time. ; 

I direct that a minute of their proceedings be kept, and that the ap- 
pointment of any member by the board shall be notified in writing to 
the trustees for the time being of my residuary estate. 

In the event of any failure of the board for the time being to direct 
the application of the income of my said residuary estate, or to continue 
its existence by filling vacancies occurring in their body, my will is that 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 401 


the application of the income thereof, for the purposes and objects de- 
clared in this clause of my will shall be made by the trustees, under the 
direction of the Amevican Philosophical Society, of Philadelphia. 


Extract from the codicil to the will of Alexander Dallas Bache, dated July 
15, 1863. 


Item. My will is that upon the death of my wife all the rest and resi- 
due of my estate shall be paid over to and rest in the corporation of 
** The National Academy of Sciences,” incorporated by act of Congress 
passed the third day of March, A. D. 1863, whom I hereby appoint 
trustees in the place of my said executors, under the fourth clause of 
my said will, to apply the income according to the directions in the 
said clause contained, to the prosecution of researches in physical and 
natural science by assisting experimentalists and observers in such 
manner and in such sums as shall be agreed upon by the board of di- 
rection in the said clause named. 

My will further is that in case of any failure of the board for the time 
being to direct the application of the income of my residuary estate, or 
to continue its existence by filling vacancies occurring in,their body, 
the application of the income thereof for the purposes and objects de- 
clared in the said clause shall be made under the directions of the Na- 
tional Academy of Sciences, instead of the American Philosophical So- 
ciety, of Philadelphia. In all other respects the said application of the 
income to the purposes aforesaid to be made by the same persons, and 
under the same rules as I have prescribed in the said clause of ny will. 


C. 
CORCORAN ART GALLERY. 
Letter from Mr. Corcoran to the Trustees. 


WASHINGTON, May 10, 1869. 

GENTLEMEN: It is known to you that the building at the northeast 
corner of Pennsylvania A venue and Seventeenth street was designed by 
me for the encouragement of the fine arts, as is indicated by the dedi- 
cation upon its front. 

The work was begun in the year 1859, and was prosecuted with the 
heartiness naturally incident to such an undertaking, until it was inter- 
rupted by the breaking out of the late civil war, when the public exi- 
gencies led to the immediate occupation of the building for military 
purposes; and to these uses it has been devoted ever since, until, being 
no longer required by the War Department, it is about to be restored to 
my possession. 


It was my cherished hope to have placed the proposed establishment, 
26 


402 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


complete in allits appointments, in successful operation before divesting 
myself of the title by any formal instrument, but the years which have 
thus passed away, and the accumulation of other cares and duties, warn 
me no longer to indulge the pleasing anticipation. 

I have, therefore, not doubting your general interest in the subject, 
taken the liberty of executing to you, as trustees, a deed, which I here- 
with deliver, sufficiently defining the trusts which I ask you to accept. 

In addition to the title to the property itself, you will observe that 
the instrument vests in you, for the purposes of the trust, the right to 
receive the rents, wholly unpaid, for the period during which it has 
been occupied by the Government, now nearly eight years, which will 
doubtless be adjusted with you, in the absence of any special agreement, 
upon fair and, perhaps, liberal terms. 

As soon as the interior of the building shall have been completed ac- 
cording to the original plans, (which will be placed at your disposal,) 
for which the rents in arrears will more than suffice, I shall ask you to 
receive as anucleus my own gallery of art, which has been collected at 
no inconsiderable pains, and I have assurances from friends in other 
cities, whose tastes and liberality have taken this direction, that they 
will contribtite fine works of art from their respective collections. 

I may add, that it is my intention to provide further endowment of 
the institution in such manner and to such extent as may consist with 
other objects which claim my attention; and I venture to hope that, 
with your kind co-operation and judicious management, we shall have 
provided, at no distant day, not only a pure and refined pleasure for res- 
idents and visitors at the national metropolis, but have accomplished 
something useful in the development of American genius. 

Iam, gentlemen, with great respect and regard, your obedient  ser- 
vant, 

W. W. CORCORAN. 
To JAMES M. CARLISLE, JAMES C. HALL, GEORGE W. RiGGs, AN. 
THONY HYDE, JAMES G. BERRET, JAMES C. KENNEDY, HENRY D 
Cook®, JAMES C. MCGUIRE, WILLIAM T. WALTERS. 


Reply of the Trustees. 


WASHINGTON, May 10, 1869. 

DEAR Sir: We have accepted the trusts confided to us by ydur deed 
of this date, in the formal manuer indicated by the deed itself. 

But we desire, individually and collectively, to add the expression of 
our personal appreciation of the privilege of endeavoring efficiently to 
administer such an institution, projected spontaneously by your liberal 
mind and securely founded by your sole munificence. 

While we cannot doubt that, at least in the time of our successors, all 
your anticipations will be realized, we sincerely hope that you may 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 403 


yourself live to enjoy the high and pure gratification of witnessing the 
complete success of your generous intentions. 
With great respect and warm regard, we remain, very truly, yours, 
J. M. CARLISLE. 
J.C. HALL. 
Gzo. W. RIGGS. 
A. HYDE. 
JAMES G. BERRET.* 
JAMES C. KENNEDY.t 
Henry D. Cookn. 
J. C. MCGUIRE. 
W. T. WALTERS. 
WILLIAM W. CoRcoRAN, sq. 


Deed of gift and trust of the Corcoran Art Gallery. 


This indenture, made this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lora 
eighteen hundred and sixty-nine, by and between William W. Corcoran, 
of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, of the first part, and 
James M. Carlisle, James C. Hall, George W. Riggs, Anthony Hyde, 
James G. Berret, James C. Kennedy, Henry D. Cooke, and James C. Me- 
Guire, of the city of Washington, and William T. Walters, of the city 
of Baltimore, State of Maryland, of the second part, witnesseth: 

Whereas the said William W. Corcoran, in the execution of a long- 
cherished desire to establish an institution in Washington City to be 
‘“‘ dedicated to art,” and used solely for the purpose of encouraging 
American genius, in the production and preservation of works pertain- 
ing to the “ fine arts,” and kindred objects, has determined to convey to 
a board of trustees the property hereinafter described, to which he may 
hereafter make other gifts and donations, to be held by said board, and 
used for the purposes aforesaid: Now, therefore, the said William W. 
Corcoran, in consideration of the premises, and of the sum of $1, 
current money of the United States, to him in hand paid by the said 
parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, 
hath granted, bargained, and sold, aliened, enfoeffed, and conveyed, 
and by these presents doth grant, bargain, and sell, alien, enfeoff, and 
convey unto the said parties of the second part, and the survivors of 
them, and the heirs and assignees of such survivor— 

Lots numbered 5, (five,) 6, (six,) 7, (seven,) and 8, (eight,) in square 
numbered 167, (one hundred and sixty-seven.) in the city of Washington, 
and District of Columbia, as the same is laid down and distinguished 
upon the public plat of said city, fronting 196 feet 9 inches, more or less, 
on President’s Square, and 160.17 feet, more or less, on Seventeenth 
Street west, together with, all and singular, the buildings, improvements, 


*H. C. Matthews has been elected a trustee vice J. G. Berret. 
t Prof. Joseph Henry has been elected a trustee vice J. C. Kennedy. 


404. APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


hereditaments, and appurtenances thereto appertaining, or in any wise 
belonging, and all the estate, right, title, and interest of the said party 
of the first part in and to the same: 

To have and to hold, all and singular, the lots and parcels of ground, 
and premises aforesaid, with the appurtenances, unto and to the use of 
them, the said parties of the second part, and the survivors and sur- 
vivor of them, and the heirs and assigns of such survivor, in trust, 
nevertheless, and to and for the intents and purposes hereinafter ex- 
pressed and described, that is to say: 

First. That the said parties of the second part shall, without unnec- 
essary delay, after their acceptance of this trust, to be signified by their 
signing and sealing the memorandum to that effect hereunder written, 
organize themselves into a permanent board of trustees, with such 
officers to be selected from their own number as to them may seem nec- 
essary or convenient for the orderly management of this trust, and the 
more efficient attainment of the ends and objects designed by the said 
party of the first part, as indicated by his general intent, to be gathered 
from this instrument in all its parts and provisions, and with the same in- 
tent and for the same ends and objects, shall make, and as often as may be 
necessary from time to time, make, alter, amend, repeal, and re-enact, 
in whole or in part, all necessary by-laws, rules, and regulations in the 
premises, in execution of, and not inconsistent with the provisions and 
true intent of this instrument; in all which they shall act by the con- 
currence of a majority of the whole number of trustees. 

Secondly. That when the number of the said original board of trus- 
tees, being the said parties of the second part, shall, by death, resigna- 
tion, or inability, to be ascertained by a resolution of the said board 
acting by a majority of the whole number, shall have been reduced 
below the number of nine members, the remaining members shall elect 
suitable persons, in their discretion, from time to time, as often as may 
be necessary, so that the board shall always be composed of nine mem- 
bers. 

Thirdly. That all the property, real, personal, and mixed, rights, 
credits, choses in action, or other valuable thing whatsoever hereby 
conveyed or intended to be conveyed, or which may hereafter be von- 
veyed, given, or transferred and assigned and delivered to the said 
board of trustees, whether composed of the said parties of the second 
part or of their successors, chosen and elected as hereinbefore provided, 
whether in whole or in part, shall be held, managed, limited, used, and 
devoted to executing the trusts, and giving effect, according to the best 
judgment of the said board of trustees, from time to time; and all legal 
rights and titles in the premises shall be taken and held in such manner, 
and with such legal forms, as shall serve the trusts, intents, uses, and 
purposes declared or plainly indicated or implied in and by the terms of 
this instrument. 

Fourthly. The property as received and held, or which may be received 
and held by the said board of trustees, shall be held, used, managed, 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 405 


and disposed of by them and their successors and assigns, whether 
under this instrument alone or under any act of incorporation hereafter 
to be procured, for the perpetual establishment and maintenance of a 
public gallery and museum for the promotion and encouragement of the 
arts of painting and sculpture, and the fine arts generally, upon such 
system and with such regulations and limitations as the board of trustees 
may, from time to time, whether corporate or incorporate, prescribe, 
limit, and ordain: Provided always, That the gallery and museum shall 
be open to visitors, without any pecuniary charge whatever, at least two 
days in each week, for such convenient and customary hours as shall be, 
from time to time, prescribed and made public, and at such other times, 
not being such public days as aforesaid, such moderate and reasonable 
fees for admission may be prescribed and received, to be applied to the 
current expenses of preserving and keeping in proper order the building 
and its contents. 

Fifthly. While the officers necessary or appropriate to the organization 
of the board of trustees shall be elected from their own number, it is 
understood that the board shall and may, at its discretion, at all times, 
employ other persons to be the officers, agents, and servants of the 
board, for the orderly and efficient management and conduct of the 
institution. rai 

Sixthly. The system and the appropriate measures for increasing the 
collection of paintings, statues, and kindred works of art, of which the 
private gallery of the party of the first part will form the nucleus, and 
such ether voluntary donations as the trustees may from time to time 
receive, are confided to the direction and judgment of the trustees, as 
is also the management generally of the institution. 

Seventhly. The general intent of the said party of the first part be- 
ing expressed in general terms in the premises and recitals of this in- 
strument, and further indicated, with certain specifications, in the afore- 
going articles, numbered from one to six, inclusive, it is hereby declared 
that, all and singular, the gifts, grants, conveyances, and assignments 
herein expressed and set forth are, to and for the trusts, intents, and 
purposes so as aforesaid expressed, implied, set forth, or indicated, 
and to none other whatsoever; and that, while it is the intention 
of the grantor and donor herein that no unruly, technical, or 
formal breach of, or departure from, the terms and conditions of this 
trust shall operate as any forfeiture or defeasance in favor of his heirs, 
or of any claiming in his right, it is hereby declared, and these presents 
are upon the express and strict condition, that these presents, and 
every matter and thing hereinbefore contained, and every estate, 
right, title, interest, and power thereby given, granted, conveyed, 
and limited, shall cease and determine, and become utterly void and of 
no effect,whensoever it shall be decreed, adjudged, or declared, by the 
highest judicial authority having jurisdiction, upon a proper proceed- 
ing, in law or in equity, tobe instituted by the heirs, devisees, or assigns, 


406 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


of the said party of the first part, that the real estate hereinbefore con- 
veyed shall have been diverted from the purposes of this trust, to be 
gathered from this instrument in all its parts and provisions, so as 
substantially to defeat or plainly to be inconsistent with and repugnant 
to this trust, construed and interpreted in a liberal and sensible spirit; 
and thereupon, as in case of a breach of a strict condition-subsequent, 
the heirs, devisees, assigns, or other proper legal representatives in the 
premises of the said William W. Corcoran, shall be entitled to re-enter 
upon the said real estate as of his, the said Willim W. Corcoran’s, right 
and title prior to the execution of these presents, and as if the same 
had never been executed ; and in like manner all and every other estate, 
property, chattel, or valuable thing, the title to which shall have pro- 
ceeded in the premises from the said William W. Corcoran to the said 
trustees or their successors and assigns, shall, as far as may be consist- 
ent with the rules and principles of law and equity, revert and be re- 
vested in right of the said Corcoran or his proper legal representatives 
therein. 

HKighthly. That the said board of trustees may at any time hereafter, 
in its discretion, apply for and accept an act of Congress incorporating 
them and their successors, so as to facilitate the execution of this trust, 
by vesting the same in a perpetual body-corporate, with the like pow- 
ers and for the same trusts, intents, and purposes herein declared, ex- 
pressed, or indicated, but for no other trusts, intents, or purposes what- 
soever; such act of incorporation to refer to this deed, and to be expressed 
to be in execution of the trusts thereof; and thereupon the said parties 
of the second part, and the survivors and survivor of them, or the heirs 
and assigns of such survivor, shall execute such conveyances as may be 
necessary to transfer the whole property of this trust to such corpora- 
tion, upon the trusts of this deed. 

And whereas the lots of ground:and improvements hereinbefore de- 
scribed and referred to have, by reason of the exigencies of the public 
service of the United States, been rented and occupied for the public 
use, without any special contract, but subject to the constitutional pro- 
vision that ‘private property shall not be taken for public use without 
just compensation,” which just compensation for the whole period of 
such occupation by the United States now remains to be paid; and 
considering the same properly to belong to this trust, as being of the 
rents, issues, and profits of the ground and buildings which he had here- 
tofore, and as early as the year 1859, devoted and dedicated to the trusts 
and purposes hereinbefore formally declared : Now, therefore, in consid- 
eration of the premises, and of the sum of $1 by the said parties of 
the second part to him in hand paid, he, the said party of the first part, 
hath assigned, transferred, and set over, and by these presents doth assign, 
transfer, and set over unto the said parties of the second part and the sur- 
vivors and survivor of them, and the executors, administrators, and 
assigns of such survivor, all and singular the rents, issues, and profits 
of the lots of ground and improvements hereinbefore described, for and 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 407 


during the whole period of the occupation and possession of the same 
by the Government of the United States, and all the just compensation 
which may be due from the United States for the public use of the same, 
hereby authorizing and empowering the said parties of the second part, 
or a majority of them, either by themselves or by any substituted 
attorney or attorneys, to be named and appointed by them, or a majority 
of them, to acquit and release and receipt tor the same in any sufficient 
legal form of acquittance which may be according to law, as fully as he, 
the said party of the first part, could personally release and acquit the 
same. 

Which rents, issues, and profits, and just compensation for the public 
use of the said property shall be received and held by the said parties 
ofthe second part for the same uses, intents, and purposes hereinbefore 
declared; but shall, as far as may be necessary, be applied, before all 
other objects, to the completion of the interior of said building, and to 
putting it in a condition to be immediately applied to the primary in- 
tents and purposes of this trust, as expressed in the recital in the 
premises of this deed. 

In testimony whereof the said party of the first part hath hereunto set 
his hand and affixed:his seal, the day and year first hereinbefore 


written. 
W. W. CORCORAN. 


Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of— 
JOHN HUNTER. 
A. T. BRICE. 
We jointly and severally accept the trusts of the aforegoing deed. 
Wituess our handsand seals the said tenth day of May, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-nine. 


JAMES M. CARLISLE. Gro. -W. RIGGS. 
JAMES G. BERRET. HENRY D. COOKE. 
W. T. WALTERS. J. ©. HALL. 
ANTHONY HYDE. JAs. C. KENNEDY.. 


JAS. C. MCGUIRE. 


District of Columbia, County of Washington : 

I, Whitman C. Bestor, a notary publicin and for Washington County 
aforesaid, do hereby certify that William W. Corcoran, the party of the 
first part to a certain deed, bearing date the tenth day of May, A. D. 
eighteen hundred and sixty-nine, and hereto annexed, personally 
appeared before me, in the county aforesaid, on the day of the date 
hereof, the said William W. Corcoran being personally well known te 
me to be the person who executed the said deed, and acknowledged the 
same to be his act. 

Given under my hand and notarial seal this tenth day of May, eighteen 


hundred and sixty-nine. 
WHITMAN .C. BESTOR, 
Notary Public. 


408 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


D. 
TONER LECTURES. 


Deed of conveyance from Dr. J. M. Toner to five trustees, instituting the 
Toner lectures at the city of Washington, and establishing a permanent 
and increasing fund for their support and continuance annually. 


This indenture, made this thirteenth day of April, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, between Dr. Joseph 
M. Toner, of the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, of the 
first part, and the Secretary or chief scientific ofiicer of the Smithsonian 
Institution, (for the time being Professor Joseph Henry;) the Surgeon- 
General of the United States Army, (for the time being J. K. Barnes, 
M. D.;) the Surgeon-General of the United States Navy, (for the time 
being J. M. Foltz, M. D.;) the president of the Medical Society of the 
District of Columbia, (for the time being Grafton Tyler, M. D.;) of the 
second part, all at present residing in said District of Columbia: 

Whereas the said party of the first part, believing that the advancement 
of science—that is, a knowledge of the laws of nature in any part of 
her domain, and particularly such discoveries as contribute to the ad- 
vancement of medicine—tends to ameliorate the condition of mankind, 
hath determined to convey and transfer to the said parties of the sec- 
ond part, and their successors forever, in their several oificial positions 
as aforesaid, the hereinafter described real and personal property, 
amounting in value to about $3,000, ninety per cent. of the interest of which 
is to be applied for at least two annual memoirs or essays by different 
individuals, and, as the fund increases, as many more as the interest of 
the trust and revenue will in the judgment of the trustees justify, rela- 
tive to some branch of medical science, to be read at the city of Wash- 
ington at such time and place as the said parties of the second part and 
their successors as trustees may designate, under the name of “The 
Toner Lectures ;” each of these memoirs or lectures to contain some new 
truth fully established by experiment or observation, and no such 
memoir or lecture to be given to the world under the name of “The 
Toner Lectures” without having first been critically examined and ap- 
proved by competent persons selected by said trustees for that purpose. 

It is further provided, that such of the said memoirs or lectures as 
may be approved shall be published in such manner and through such 
channels as said trustees may determine. 

And, in order to carry out the intentions hereinbefore expressed, the 
said party of the first part hath associated with himself the said other 
parties of the second part, each in his official character as hereinbefore 
named, with this provision: that upon removal from official position of 
any one of said parties of the second part, by death or otherwise, his 
successor in said position shall succeed him as one of the trustees of 
“The Toner Lectures ;” and that upon the death, resignation, or removal 
of said party of the first part, or his successors, the other trustees. 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 409 


surviving shall, within a reasonable time thereafter, elect to succeed 
him an active and energetic member of the regular medical profession 
in good standing and practice in the city of Washington, who shall 
upon his acceptance thereof be and become one of the trustees of “The 
Toner Lectures.” And if the Medical Society of the District of Colum- 
pia shall at any time hereafter be dissolved, so that there would no 
longer be a president thereof, then and within a reasonable time there- 
after the other trustees shall elect to succeed the said president, as trus- 
tee in this behalf, an active and energetic member of the regular medi- 
cal profession in this District, in good practice and standing, who shall 
upon acceptance thereof be and become one of the trustees of ‘The 
Toner Lectures ;” and so on from time to time, soas to continue to have 
five trustees, who shall serve without compensation. And to carry out 
the hereinbefore-expressed intentions these presents are made. 

Now, therefore, this indenture witnesseth that the said party of the 
first part, for and in consideration of the premises aforesaid, and, fur- 
ther, the sum of one dollar, lawful money of the United States, to him 
in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, at and before the 
sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby 
acknowledged, hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, and 
conveyed, and doth by these presents grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, 
and convey unto the said parties of the second part, the survivor or 
survivors of them, (and their associates duly elected,) and to their heirs, 
executors, administrators, and assigns, according to the quality of the 
estate granted, the following described real estate in the said city of 
Washington, known and described as being lots numbered six (6) and 
seven (7) in Clark’s recorded subdivision of square north of square num- 
bered three hundred and thirty-four, (334,) and also money and private 
securities amounting to the sum of $1,100; together with all] the im- 
provements, ways, easements, rights, privileges. and appurtenances to 
the said real estate belonging, or in any wise appertaining, and all the 
remainders, reversions, rents, issues, and profits thereof: 

To have and to hold the said real and personal estate or private securi- 
ties unto and to the use of the said parties of the second part, together 
with the said party of the first part, their heirs, executors, administra- 
tors, and assigns, in and upon the trusts, nevertheless, hereinafter men- 
tioned and declared—that is, whenever it seems to them that the pro- 
ductiveness of the fund will be increased thereby, to sell the said real 
estate, and the same to convey in fee simple to the purchaser thereof; 
and to convert the said personal estate or private securities into money, 
and the proceeds of said sale and conversion to invest, re-invest, from 
time to time, and to keep invested in some safe public or private securi- 
tiesin the name and for the use of the trustees of “The Toner Lectures,” 
who shall apply ninety per cent. of the interest thereof annually to de- 
fraying the expenses of said ‘‘ Toner Lectures,” and the publication thereof 
whenever the publication thereof is deemed advisable. The remaining 


410 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


ten per cent. of the said annual interest from the whole fund, as well as 
any additional gift or unexpended balance at the end of each year, they 
shall from time to time invest, and the same shall be and become a part 
of the principal, for the steady increase of the permanent and producing 
fund of said ‘Toner Lectures.” It is hereby provided that the said 
trustees shall hold at least one regular meeting annually ; keep a cor- 
rect record, in a book for the purpose, of all proceedings and actions as 
trustees, with a statement of the expenditures of the revenue, and the 
condition of the fund, where and how invested ; all of which they may, 
from time to time, at their pleasure make public, and be governed in all 
matters relating to the general execution of the trusts and intentions 
herein expressed and declared, and in the investing and disbursing of 
all trust-moneys, by such rulesand regulations as may from time to time 
be adopted by them for their own government, with this express con- 
dition, however: that for the election of any new trustee to fill a va- 
cancy, for the sale of any property or stocks or securities, or the invest- 
ment of any funds, the approval of a majority of said trustees, in writing 
or by their votes at a meeting of the trustees, shall be absolutely neces- 
sary. : 

And it is further provided, that in case of the failure at any time of 
the purposes for which this trust is created, or in case of the failure of 
the trustees to act for three successive years, or in case of the total fail- 
ure of the trustees to give effect to this trust, then, and in any such 
contingency, the fund hereby provided for and created shall revert to 
the said party of the first part and his heirs or personal representatives. 

In testimony whereof, the said party of the first part hath hereunto 
set his hand and seal on the day and year first hereinbefore written. 

J. M. TONER. 


Signed, sealed and delivered before Edward Clark, justice of the 
veace, in the presence of— 
S. H. KAUFFMAN, 
G. B. Gorr. 


We hereby accept the foregoing trust. 
JOSEPH HENRY, 


Secretary Smithsonian Institution. 
J. K. BARNES, 
Surgeon-General United States Army. 
J. M. FOLTZ, 
Surgeon-General United States Navy. 
GRAFTON TYLER, J. D., 
President Medical Society of the District of Columbia. 


JOSEPH MEREDITH TONER, M1. D. 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 411 


E. 


THE TYNDALL TRUST FOR THE PROMOTION OF SCIENCE 
IN THE UNITED STATES. 


Letter from Professor Tyndall to Professor Henry. 


NEw York, February 7, 1873. 


My DEAR PROFESSOR HENRY: I have made my “will” in due form, 
and signed it in the presence of witnesses. 

My desire and intention in accepting the invitation of my friends 
were, as you know, to hand over the proceeds to Chicago. But the re- 
covery from calamity is quick in this country, so that Chicago not only 
does not need my feeble aid, but would be willing of her abundance to 
add to my wealth. 

My disbursements, as I told you, are heavy. Living I have found to 
be exceedingly expensive in the United States; hence the balance which 
[ am able to hand over to the board of trustees is not so large as I 
could wish it to be. It, however, amounts to a little more than thirteen 
thousand dollars. 

I have bestowed some care on the accounts, and do not think I carry 
home with me a single cent of American money. But I carry home 
what is to me incomparably more precious, and that is the assured good- 
will of the American people. 

The instruments that I take home with me I intend to present to the 
Royal Institution, where they will be turned to good account. My 
hands will be then entirely clean, and no foreign element will mingle 
with the bright memory of the time I spent here. 

* * * * * * * 
Ever yours, faithfully, 
JOHN TYNDALL. 
Professor JOSEPH HENRY, 
Secretary Smithsonian Instiiution, Washington, D. C. 


THE TRUST. 


I, John Tyndall, professor of natural philosophy in the Royal Institu 
tion of Great Britain, having, at the solicitation of my friends, lectured 
in various cities of the United States, find the receipts and disburse- 
ments on account of these lectures to be as follows: 


I.—Feceipts. 


From Boston, for six lectures ...... 1 RAE Sikes atari $1, 500 00 
Brom EMladelphia; for six leetures..//..52. 025.85. .3..-- 3, 000 00 
#¥rom Baltimore, for three lectures..........-.------.....- 1,000 00 


412 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


From Washington, for six lectures... ...... 5. ..222.4- 52.2 $2,000 00 
From New York, for six lectures -..2-.-.-----..2-s2-<--=< 8, 500 00 
From !Brooklyn,/for/six Jectnresi tea. '.)-'2/-ine 4s ee 6,100 00 
From New Haven, for two lectures .......-.-....-.-.----. 1,000 00 

Total receipts 2.) 2 oie pra eet eee ee ere 23,100 00 


Il.— Disbursements. 


Before leaving England: Wages of assistants during the 
preparation of the lectures; work of philosophical instru- 
ment maker; new apparatus; sundry items for outfit; 
traveling expenses of myself and two assistants from 
London to New York, make a total of £671 6s. 8d., which, 
at the rate of $5.50 per pound, amounts to........-..-.. $3, 692 31 

In the United States: Hotel and traveling expenses for myself 
and two assistants; other expenses incidental to lectures in 
Boston, Philadelphia,* Baltimore, Washington, New York, 
Brooklyn, and New Haven, covering a period of four 
months, plus traveling expenses of myself and my assist- 


ant from New York to London, make a total of......-.-. 4,749 35 
Presentito Y ale’s ScientifieiClabin6 54)... 45. eee eee 250 00: 
Salaries to assistants for four months, £250, which, at $5.50 

per pound; amounts 0 2.2.25. ace oven on eee eee 1,375 00 

Making the total disbursements.... ........-...-.. 10, 066 66 

ITI. 
The total receipts sare icc 6. 52 Saco. see sa eee ee $23, 100 00 
The total disbursements e222... 25.\. 22 oe eee eee 10, 066 66 
Making the net proceeds of lectures ........-....-- 13, 033 34 


As an evidence of my good-will toward the people of the United 
States, I desire to devote this sum of thirteen thousand and thirty-three 
dollars to the advancement of theoretic science and the promotion of 
original research, especially in the department of physics, in the United 
States. 

To accomplish this object I hereby appoint Professor Joseph Henry, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington City, D. C., Dr. 
E. L. Youmans, of New York, and General Hector Tyndale, of Philadel- 
phia, to act as a buard of trustees to take charge of the above sum—to 
carefully invest it in permanent securities; and I further direct that the 
said board shall, for the present, appropriate the interest of the fund 


*At Philadelphia I had no hotel expenses, but was most comfortably lodged at the 
house of my kinsman, General Hector Tyndale. He, I may add, paid his own hotel 
expenses wherever he accompanied me. 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 413 


in supporting, or in assisting to support, at such European universities 
as they may consider most desirable, two American pupils, who may 
evince decided talents in physics, and who may express a determination 
to devote their lives to this work. My desire would be that each pupil 
should spend four years at a German university—three of those years to 
be devoted to the acquisition of knowledge, and the fourth to original 
investigation. 

If, however, in the progress of science in the United States, it should 
at any time appear to the said board that the end herein proposed 
would be better subserved by granting aid to students, or for some 
special researches in this country, the board is authorized to make the 
appropriations from the income of the fund for such purposes. 

I further direct that vacancies which may occur in said board of 
trustees, by death or otherwise, shall be filled by the president of the 
National Academy of Sciences. 

If in the course of any year the whole amount of the interest which 
accrues from the fund be not expended in the manner before mentioned, 
the surplus may be added to the principal, or may be expended in adds 
tion to the annual interest of another year. 

If at any time any organization shall be established, and money pro- 
vided by other persons for the promotion of such original research as ] 
have in view, I authorize the said board of trustees to exercise their 
discretion as to co operating in such work from the income of this fund. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th of 
February, 1873, in the city of New York. 

JOHN TYNDALL. [SEAL.| 
In presence of— 
C. BURRITT WAITE. 
L. E. FULLER. 


F. 
BEQUEST OF JAMES HAMILTON. 
Letter from the executors. 


CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA, April 17, 1873. 

DEAR Sie: Inclosed please find printed copy of the last will and tes- 
tament, and codicil thereto, of James Hamilton, esq., late of this place, 
deceased, by which we notify you of the bequest made to your board by 
said last will and testament. 

As certain legal questions will have to be decided by the courts before 
we will feel justified in paying over eleemosynary bequests, it would be 
well for your board to be represented by counsel. 

One of the religious associations have employed Henderson and Hays, 
who, we understand, are making preparations for a case. 


414 APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 


We give you early notice that you may act accordingly, and all legal 
difficulties be removed at as early a day as practicable. 
Our post-office address is Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 


Yours, respectfully, 
JOSEPH H. STUART, 


ABRAM BOSLER, 
Executors of James Hamilton, deceased. 
Professor JOSEPH HENRY, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


Extract from the will of James Hamilton, dated November 20, 1871. 


“In the name of God, amen. I, James Hamilton, declare this to be 
my last will and testament, with respect to my personal property : 


* * * * * * * 


8. I give one thousand dollars to the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, located at Washington, D. C., to be invested by said 
regents in some safe fund, and the interest to be appropriated bienni- 
ally by the secretaries, either in money or a medal, for such contribu- 
tion, paper, or lecture on any scientific or useful subject as said secre- 
taries may approve.” 


G. 


CIRCULAR SENT WITH SPECIMENS PRESENTED TO INSTI- 
TUTIONS. 


The following is a copy of the circular sent to foreign museums on. 
the presentation to them of specimens from the collections of the insti- 
tution; which was alluded to by the secretary in his remarks at the 
meeting of the Board on the 20th January, 1873: 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 
Washington, D. C., , 187-. 

DEAR Sir: In behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, we have this. 
day forwarded by the specimens mentioned in the accompanying 
receipt—a present from the Institution, upon the following conditions: 

1. That an acknowledgment be made to the Secretary of the Institu- 
tion immediately on receipt of the specimens, by signing and returning 
the accompanying blank. | 

2. That full credit be given the Institution for the donation, on the 
labels of the specimens, in published reports, and under all other cir- 
cumstances. 

3. That free access to and use of these specimens be allowed, under 
the proper restrictions, to all persons engaged in original investigations: 
requiring such material. 


APPENDIX TO JOURNAL. 415 


4, That suitable returns be made from the duplicates in the collec- 
tions under your charge, whenever the Institution may desire and call 
for them. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JOSEPH HENRY, 
Secretary S. I. 


[To be signed and returned prepaid to the “ Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 
Washington.” ] 


187-. 
? ’ 

I have received from the Smithsonian Institution, through 
,in behalf of , the following collections, subject to 
the conditions mentioned in the accompanying circular-letter. 


oa 
'e 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 


OF 


THEH BOARD OF REGEN ae 


OF THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.® 


WASHINGTON, December 19, 1873. 

A special meeting of the Board of Regents was held at 7 p. m. at the 
institution. Present, Mr. Justice Nathan Clifford, acting Chief Justice 
of the United States, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. J. A. Garfield, Hon. L. P. 
Poland, Hon. Peter Parker, General Sherman, and the Secretary, Pro- 
fessor Henry. 

The Secretary stated that the meeting had been called for the pur- 
pose of electing a chancellor in place of Chief Justice Chase, who had 
deceased, and that this was a case of emergency, as the semi-annual 
interest, due on the first of next month, necessary to carry on the opera- 
tions of the Institution, could only be drawn according to law on the 
requisition of the chancellor and secretary of the Institution. 

On motion of General Garfield, Mr. Justice Nathan Clifford was 
elected chancellor. 

The Secretary announced that since the last meeting of the board 
two of its most prominent and valuable members had deceased, Chief 
Justice Chase and Professor Agassiz. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, a committee was appointed to prepare reso- 
lutions expressing the sentiments of the board in regard to the death 
of Mr. Chase and Professor Agassiz. 

The chancellor appointed Messrs. Hamlin, Sherman, Parker, and 
the Secretary as the committee. 


General Garfield made the following remarks: 

Mr. CHANCELLOR: I rise to second the motion for the appointment 
of a committee to draught resolutions in reference to the death of our 
distinguished brother regents Chief Justice Chase and Professor 
Agassiz. 

Never before in a single year has the Board of Regents sufiered so 
severe a loss. It would be difficult to find, in any organization, two 
men more eminent, and representing a wider range of culture, than the 
two regents who have fallen since the last mecting of this board. 


416 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 417 


This is not the occasion to speak at length on the subject; but as my 
term of service will expire before the next meeting, I ask the indulgence 
of the board while I refer briefly to some of the marked characteristics 
of our late distinguished associates. 

Few Americans have filled so many high places of trust and honor as 
Salmon P. Chase; and few have brought to the discharge of the duties 
of their high station such masterly ability and such rare and varied 
accomplishments. His career adds another to the many illustrations of 
the truth, that he who loses his life for the truth’s sake shall find it. 

In his early manhood, following his own conviction of duty, he com- 
mitted himself, without reserve, to a cause which seemed, at the time, to 
shut him out from all hope of public preferment. He stood by his con- 
victions, and lived, not only to see his doctrines prevail, but to be one 
of the honored leaders in the cause he had espoused. 

Whether at the bar, in the practice of his profession ; in the executive 
chair of his own State; in the National Senate; as the great finance 
minister of the republic in the stormy days of war; or as Chief-Justice 
of the United States, there ran through his whole life a depth of con- 
viction, a clearness of comprehension, and a force of utterance that made 
his power felt, and marked him as a man who filled and overfilled, hon- 
ored and adorned, the great stations to which he was called. If, in the 
course of his high career, he felt fhe promptings of that ambition which 
has been called “ the last infirmity of noble minds,” it must be acknowl- 
edged that he aspired to no place beyond his capacity to honor. 

Throughout his long and honored life the cares and demands of pub- 
lic place did not diminish his ardent love for the pursuits of science 
and the keen enjoyment of literature and art. The great masters of 
song were his daily companions. I was his guest for many weeks, dur- 
ing the stormy and troublous winter of 1862-63, when to the deep anxie- 
ties of the war were added the gravest financial problems that have 
ever confronted an American Secretary of the Treasury. And many a 
time, at the close of a weary day of anxious care and exhausting labor, I 
have seen him lay aside the heavy load, and, in the quiet of his study, 
read aloud, or repeat from memory, the rich verse of Tennyson, or of 
some other great master of song. 

It was this life of art and sentiment, within the stormy life of public 
duty, that fed and refreshed his spirit, and kept his heart young, while 
his outer life grew venerable with years and honors. 

As the Chancellor of this Institution, we saw in happy and harmoni- 
ous action his.ample knowledge of our institutions, his wide experience 
of finance, his reverential love for science and art, and his unshaken 
faith in the future of his country as the grand theater for the highest 
development of all that is best and greatest in human nature. No con- 
tribution to science offered to this board escaped his attention. Noth- 
ing that was high or worthy in human pursuits failed to elicit bis ap- 
preciative and powerful support. 

27 


418 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


In Professor Agassiz we have lost a man of kindred powers, whose 
life was spent in a different though hardly less conspicuous field of 
action. 

Few lives were ever so sincerely and entirely devoted to the highest 
and best aims of science. I was led to appreciate this by a remark 
which Professor Agassiz made to me several years ago, which is, I 
believe, the key to his own career, and deserves to be remembered by 
all who would follow in his footsteps. His remark was that he had 
made it the rule of his life to abandon any intellectual pursuit the moment 
ait became convmercially valuable. 

He knew that others would utilize what he discovered ; that when he 
brought down the great truths of science to the level of commercial 
values, a thousand hands would be ready to take them and make them 
valuable in the markets of the world. Since then I have thought of 
him as one of that small but elect company of men who dwell on the 
upper heights, above the plane of commercial values, and who love and 
seek truth for its own sake. Such men are indeed the prophets, the 
priests, the interpreters of nature. Few of their number have learned 
more, at first hands, than Professor Agassiz; and few,if any, have sub- 
mitted their theories to severer tests. 

It was a great risk for the astronomer to announce that the perturba- 
tions of the solar system could only be accounted for by a planet as yet 
unknown, and to predict its size and place in the solar system, trusting 
to the telescope to confirm or explode his theory. But perhaps Profes- 
sor Agassiz took even a greater risk than this. Who does not remem- 
ber the letter he addressed to Professor Peirce, of the Coast Survey, 
just before he set out on the Hassler expedition, predicting in detail 
what evidences of glacial action he expected to find on the continent of 
South America, and what species of marine animals he expected to dis- 
cover in the deep-sea soundings along that coast? He risked his own 
reputation as a scientific man on the predictions then committed to 
writing. 

What member of this board will forget the lecture he delivered here 
after his return, detailing the discoveries he had made, and showing 
how completely his predictions had been verified ? 

While he was the prince of scholars, and a recognized teacher of man- 
kind, yet he always preserved that childlike spirit which made him the 
most amiable of men. He studied nature with a reverence born of his 
undoubting faith. He believed that the universe was a cosmos, not a 
chaos; and that throughout all its vast domains there were indubitable- 
evidences of creative power and supreme wisdom. 

We have special cause for regret that his early death has deprived 
this community aud the world of a series of lectures which were to 
have been delivered here this winter, on subjects of the deepest interest. 
to science. His death will be deplored in whatever quarter of the globe 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 419 


genius is admired and science is cherished. He has left behind him as 
a legacy to mankind a name and a fame which will abide as an everlast- 
ing possession. 


The Secretary stated that prior to February 22, 1867, the money re- 
ceived from the United States, as semi-annual interest on the bequest 
of Smithson, was deposited with the bankers Corcoran & Riggs, and 
subsequently with Riggs & Co., but on that date the regents had adopted 
a resolution directing that all money received by the Institution “ be 
deposited in a national bank, which is also an authorized Government 
depository,” (Report for 1866, page 78.) In accordance with this instruc- 
tion and the direction of the chancellor, Chief Justice Chase, the 
income was deposited in the First National Bank of Washington. 
Unfortunately, on the 19th of September, 1873, that bank suspended 
payment, having $8,224.87 to the credit of the Institution. Since that 
time, however, a dividend of 30 per cent. ($2,467.46) has been received 
on this balance, leaving $5,757.41 still due the Institution. 

On motion of General Garfield, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Institution make arrangements, if 
possible, with the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit the income here- 
after received in the United States Treasury, to be drawn out on checks 
signed by Professor Henry; and that if this course could not be adopted, 
that Congress be requested to pass a law to this effect. 


The board then adjourned sine die. 


WASHINGTON, January, 21, 1874. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their annual 
meeting on the third Wednesday in January of each year, the board 
met to-day at 7 o’clock p.m. Present: Mr. Associate Justice Clif- 
ford, chancellor, Hon. H. Hamlin, Hon. J. W. Stevenson, Hon. A. A. 
Sargent, Hon. 8. S. Cox, Rev. Dr. Maclean, Hon. Peter Parker, Gen- 
eral Sherman, Governor Shepherd, Prof. H. Coppée, and Professor 
Henry, Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 


The Secretary announced the following appointments as regents: 

By joint resolution of Congress (approved January 19, 1874) Prof. Asa 
Gray, of Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, vice Prof. L. 
Agassiz, deceased; Prof. J. D. Dana, of Yale College, New Haven, 
Conn., vice Professor Woolsey, declined re-election; Prof. Henry 
Coppée, of Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., vice William B. Astor, 
declined re-election; Rev. Dr. John Maclean, of Princeton, N. J., and 
Hon. Peter Parker, of Washington, D. C.. re-elected for the term of six 
years. 


420 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


By the President of the Senate Hon. A. A. Sargent, of California, 
as regent for the term of his service as Senator, (1879,) vice Mr. 
Trumbull. 

By the Speaker of the House, Hon. 8. 8S. Cox, of New York, re-ap- 
pointed, and Hon. E. Rockwood Hoar, of Massachusetts, vice Hon. J. 
A. Garfield, and Hon. G. W. Hazelton, of Wisconsin, vice Hon. L. P. 
Poland; for two years from the fourth Wednesday of December, 1873. 


Mr. Hamlin, from the special committee appointed at the last meet- 
ing, reported the following resolutions: 

Resolved, That in the death of Chief Justice Chase, the Smithsonian 
Institution has lost a wise counsellor, an efficient friend, and a zealous 
advocate of its policy and operations. 

Resolved, Thatin his death, the country has lost an elevated statesman, 
a wise, a just, and an upright judge. 

Resolved, That the cause of civil liberty, of pure Christianity, and the 
advance of higher civilization have lost in the death of Chief Justice 
Chase the co-operation of one of the most prominent and influential minds 
of the day. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the 
family of the deceased. 


Mr. Hamlin made the following remarks: 


I did not expect to utter a word on this occasion. I have, however, 
at the solicitation of the Secretary, been induced to make some brie 
remarks upon the subject of the resolutions reported by the committee. 
I first met Mr. Chase at the time when he entered upon his official 
duties as a Senator of the United States, and from that time to the 
close of his life I knew him well and intimately. This Institution has 
lost an earnest, able, and devoted friend, and that we shall miss him in 
our counsels we well know, much better than the world, for we always 
found him at the post of duty, uniting with a broad and capacious intel- 
lect, good, common, practical sense, and always ready to counsel well and 
wisely. We shall miss him here. In the counsels of the nation he did 
his duty well and nobly. He had what at the time were called his pecu- 
liar opinions, and he avowed and maintained them at a time when it 
required moral courage to do so; but, however others disagreed with him, 
none would say that he did not advocate his views with courtesy and em- 
inent ability. In the heat of debate he might sometimes make a quick 
retort, but his bearing was always that of a gentleman, and his position 
that of anelevated statesman. On these occasions he did what he believed 
would subserve the best interests of man and elevate him to a higher and 
nobler civilization. Asan executive officer during the war, he administered 
the Treasury Department with great ability, and his name and fame will 
be connected with those times in the history of the country. To him, 
more than any other man, are we indebted for the means by which the 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 491 


lite of the nation was saved. I knew less personally of him in judicial 
life, but I think it is known and well understood through all the land 
that he wore the judicial ermine with honor and untarnished ; that he 
commanded the respect due to his judicial and legal learning, and that 
his decisions comported well with those of the eminent men who had 
occupied the same exalted position, and was a worthy successor of those 
who preceded him. 

On motion of General Sherman, the resolutions were unanimously 
adopted. 


Mr. Hamlin, from the same committee, also reported the following 
resolutions : 

Resolved, That the Board of Kegents of the Smithsonian Institution 
record on the minutes of their proceedings their high appreciation of 
the character and labors of their lamented associate, Louis Agassiz, and 
the expression of their profound sorrow on account of his unexpected 
death, in the full exercise of his power, and amidst his unparalleled use- 
fulness. 

Resolved, That Professor Agassiz, by the attraction which he exerted 
on all who came under the magical influence of his genial temperament 
and generous sympathies, nobly advocated the claims of science to high 
popular estimation, private endowments, and liberal public patronage. 

Resolved, That as an instructor in his adopted country, he introduced 
methods of study and directed attention to fields of research in nataral 
history far more elevated than those which had been previously in use; 
that as an original investigator he made additions to human knowledge 
which do honor to the science of the nineteenth century, and associate 
his name with those of the prominent benefactors of his race. 

Resolved, That in the death of Professor Agassiz, the Smithsonian 
Institution has lost a wise adviser in its scientific operations, a power- 
ful supporter of its policy in regard to original research, and an influ- 
ential friend, ready at all times to advocate its claims on Congress for 
the independent support of a national museum. 

esolved, That the Board of Regents deeply sympathize with the 
family of the deceased, on account of their sad bereavement, and that a 
copy of these resolutions be transmitted to them. 


Dr. Parker spoke as follows : 


Mr. CHANCELLOR: It may seem presumptuous in me to rise to move 
the adoption of the resolutions submitted. 

To calculate the distance and magnitude of the sun, requires an as- 
tronomer, and to analyze its chemical properties is the province of the 
spectroscopist, but multitudes who are neither astronomers nor spectro- 
Scopists can delight in the revelations which are made in regard to 
that luminary. 

Iam notascientist; still, [can appreciate, in some degree, the labors 
of one who shone astar of the first magnitude in the firmament of science ! 


422 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


It is sixteen years since I first met Professor Agassiz, whose death the 
Board of Regents so deeply lament. It was at commencement at Har- 
vard University, in 1858, the first year after my return from a long 
residence in China. The Emperor Napoleon had made tempting offers 
in the way of high position to Professor Agassiz to goto Paris. In 
tense solicitude on the part of his friends in Cambridge and tbe coun- 
try generally, was felt as to his decision. It was on this occasion that 
their anxious suspense was relieved, as Professor Agassiz, after dinner, 
rose and announced his determination henceforth to be an American 
citizen. This declaration was received with most enthusiastic demon- 
strations of rejoicing. 

I am happy the resolutions now submitted recognize his adopted citi- 
zenship. An incident that has come to my knowledge within thelast hour 
has given me great pleasure, as illustrating the patriotism of theman. A 
mutual friend said, ‘“‘ Professor Agassiz, it fills me with gratitude 
every time I think of your declining the very flattering proposition that 
was made to you from the court of France.” To which he replied: “ Yes, 
and do you know that proposition was renewed to me after the war be- 
gan, and [replied with more earnestness than before, if I loved my adopted 
country too much to leave it when all was peace, I certainly shall not 
leave it now, when a shadow has come over its prospects.” 

In the resolutions adopted by different scientific and literary institu- 
tions throughout the country, much prominence is given, and rightly, 
too, to the irreparable loss sustained by the decease of this pre-eminent 
man of science. 

While we sympathize most fully with that sentiment, there is another 
consideration that should not be overlooked. I refer to the kind Provi- 
dence that has given to the world such a man, preserved his life to ma- 
ture years, and enabled him to accomplish so much as he has done for 
the science, not only of the day and of this country, but of the age and 
world. 

To Louis Agassiz belongs the distinction of having awakened, in a 
remarkable degree, a spirit of scientific inquiry, and of having discovered 
changes our planet has undergone, through the influence of laws he 
was the first to demonstrate, arriving at such a knowledge of their 
operations that it may be truly said of him that the remote consequences 
of these laws, first predicted by his theory, were, in repeated instances, 
most signally verified upon two continents by his observations. 

In the circumstances of his departure from this life, there were pecu- 
liar mercies that call for grateful recognition. Fears were at one time 
entertained, and not without cause, lest he might linger through years 
of suffering, deprived of reason; but he and his loving family have been 
spared that affliction, and he has been,as it were, translated, to resume, 
or rather to continue, on a higher plane, his advance in the knowledge of 
the works of the Creator, with devout and endlessly increasing adora- 
tion of their Divine Author. 

On motion of Dr. Parker, the resolutions were unanimously adopted. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 423 


The Secretary presented a general statement of the condition of the 
fund, and the receipts and expenditures for the year 1873, which was 
referred to the executive committee. 


The Secretary called attention to the liberality of Mr. George W. Riggs, 
the banker, who, after the suspension of the First National Bank, in Sep- 
tember last, had advanced the funds necessary to carry on the operations 
of the Institution, amounting to upward of $10,000, on which he had 
declined to charge any interest. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was 

Resolved. That the cordial thanks of the Board of Regents be tendered 
to Mr. Riggs, for his generosity in his financial services to the Institu- 
tion. 


The Secretary stated that,in accordance with the resolution of the 
Board, he had applied to the Treasury Department to take charge of 
the Smithsonian funds for current operations, and that arrangements 
had been made with General Spinner, United States Treasurer, to re- 
ceive deposits from the Institution, and make payments on checks of 
the Secretary, in the same manner as had been done in the First National 
Bank. 

The Institution is indebted to General Spinner for nis prompt acqui- 
escence in the proposition, and his authority for carrying it out in all 
the details necessary to facilitate its operation. 


The Secretary gave an account of the history and operations of the 
Institution, particularly for the information of the new members of the 
board. 

The board adjourned at 9 p. m., to meet on Monday, 26th January, 
at 7 o’clock p. m. 


JANUARY 26, 1874. 
A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day at 7 o’clock p. 
m. Present Mr. Justice Clifford, chancellor of the Institution, Hon. H. 
Hamlin, Hon. J. W. Stevenson, Hon. A. A. Sargent, Hon. BE. R. Hoar, 
Hon. G. W. Hazelton, Hou. P. Parker and the Secretary, Professor 
Henry. 
The minutes of the last meeting were approved. 


Dr. Parker presented the annual report of the executive committee, 
which was read and, on motion of Mr. Stevenson, adopted. 


The Secretary called attention to the bequest of James Hamilton, 
and presented the following letter from one of the executors: 


CARLISLE, PA., January 23, 1874. 
DeAR Sie: Yours of 20th instant received and contents noted. 
‘The executors will be ready to pay over the legacy (bequeathed by Mr. 


494. JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


Hamilton) to the Smithsonian Institution about the first week in Feb- 
ruary. Please inform us who is authorized by the Board of Regents of 
the Smithsonian Institution to receive the legacy and release the exe- 
cutors, and we will send the release next week to you to be executed by 
the proper officers of said board, and one of the executors or a repre- 
sentative will be in Washington in the early part of next month to pay 
over the money and get the release. 
Yours, respectfully, 
JOSEPH A. STUART, 
One of the executors of Jas. Hamilton, deceased. 
Prof. JOSEPH HENRY. 


N. B.—Below you will notice a copy of the section of the will contain- 
ing said legacy to the Institution. 

SECTION 8. “I giveone thousand dollars to the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, located at Washington, D. C., to be invested 
by said regents in some safe fund, and the interest to be appropriated 
biennially by the secretaries, either in money or a medal, for such con- 
tribution, paper, or lecture, on any scientific or useful subject, as said 
secretaries may approve.” 


On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was 

Resolved, That the bequest of the late James Hamilton, of Carlisle, 
Pa., be accepted; that the chancellor and Secretary of the Institution 
be authorized to receipt for the money and that it be deposited with the 
Secretary of the Treasury, on the same terms as the original bequest. 
of Smithson, in accordance with the act of Congress approved 8th Feb- 
ruary, 1867.* 


The Secretary gave an account of the correspondence of the Institu- 
tion and spoke of the immense mental activity which existed in this. 
country in regard to scientific speculations. In connection with these 
remarks he laid before the Board, at the request of the author, a series. 
of manuscripts entitled ‘ Disclosures in Science, ete,” by Henry Kor- 
ner, of Powhatan, Ohio, which had been urged upon the Institution for 
publication. In these manuscripts the author states that he has dem- 
onstrated the insufficiency of the theory of gravitation, as propounded 
by Newton, to explain the mechanical phenomena of astronomy, and 
also the inadequacy of the received principles of molecular action to 
account for the phenomena of physics and chemistry, and that he has. 
himself discovered principles to which all these may be referred. 

The Secretary stated that after examining these manuscripts he had 
informed the author that they could not be published by the Institution, 
since nothing could be accepted for that purpose unless it had previ- 
ously been submitted to a commission for critical examination, and a 
favorable report had been obtained; that these speculations were 


*Statues at Large, vol. 14, page 391. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 495 


either so far in advance of the received scientific principles of the day 
or so far behind them that the two were out of all harmony with each 
other ; that it would be impossible to obtain a favorable report in regard 
to them from any commission c»xmposed of men of scientific reputation ; 
that he would, however, suggest that the mauscripts be deposited in 
the archives of the Institution, free of access to any who might wish 
to consult them with the proviso that no extracts be taken from them 
without full credit being given to the name of the author. This sug- 
gestion was favorably received by the author. 

On motion of Mr. Stevenson, it was 

Resolved, That the action of the Secretary in relation to the Korner 
manuscripts be approved. 


The Secretary stated that, in accordance with the policy of the Insti- 
tution to enter into harmonious relations with other establishments in 
this city, as had already been done by depositing the plants and insects 
in the Department of Agriculture, the skulls in the Army Medical Mu- 
seum, &c., he desired to enter into friendly relations with the Corcoran 
Art-Gallery, of which he had recently been elected a trustee. He 
thought that, inasmuch as this gallery had been opened to the public, 
and had been established with a permanent endowment, larger even than 
that of the Smithsonian Institution, it was proper that some of the ar- 
ticles of art now in the building should be deposited in the Corcoran 
Gallery, subject, of course, to the order of the regents. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to deposit in the Corcoran 
Art-Gallery, to be reclaimed at any time, such works of art belonging to 
the Institution as may be approved by the executive committee. 


The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of the In- 
stitution for the year 1873, which was read; and 

On motion of Mr. Hazelton, 

Resolved, That the report of the Secretary be accepted and transmit- 
ted to Congress as usual. 


The Secretary stated that during the past year Mr. P. T. Barnum had 
presented the National Museum with the following valuable specimens 
of natural history, viz: A Malayan tapir, a Bactrian camel, a dromedary, 
an African panther, a Florida manatee, an Indian rhinoceros, a man- 
drill, and others, furnishing the means of preparing both their skeletons 
and mounted skins. He had also promised to give the Institution the 
bodies of all the animals that die in his menagerie. 

On motion of Dr. Parker, it was 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Board of Regents be tendered to P. 
T. Barnum, esquire, for his liberal donation of the bodies of animals to 
the National Museum, which form a very important addition to the col- 
lection of specimens necessary to illustrate the science of zoology. 


426 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


Dr. Parker stated that prior to 1873 all accounts for the museum had 
been paid in the first instance by the Institution and audited with the 
Smithsonian vouchers by the executive committee. Last year, however, 
an arrangement had been made by which bills for the National Museum, 
after approval by Professor Henry, were presented to the disbursing 
agent of the Department of the Interior, who paid the parties directly. 
The accounts were audited by the disbursing officer of the Interior De- 
partment, and afterward by the Treasury Department. Inasmuch as 
the regents of the Institution, however, are responsible for all expend- 
itures connected with its operations, he would ask the opinion of the 
board as to the propriety of examining all the vouchers for payments 
made for the-National Museum from the Government appropriations, 
Professor Henry had retained a duplicate set of vouchers for these pay- 
ments, and had the books carefully kept, and had offered them to the 


committee for examination. 
On motion of Mr. Hoar, it was 


Resolved, That the board approve of the examination by the execu- 
tive committee of the vouchers for the expenditures of the National 
Museum, as requested by the committee and desired by the Secretary. 


The Secretary stated that the system of international literary and sci- 
entific exchanges had now become so extensive that he feared the cost 
would be too great for the means of the Institution, and it had been 
suggested that the larger societies and establishments which received 
so much benefit from the system might contribute something annually 
for its support. After some discussion, 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to receive aid from socie- 
ties and individuals in defraying the heavy expense of the exchange 
system. 


The board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


APRIL 27, 1874. 

A meeting of Board of Regents was held at 10 o’clock a. m. 

Present: The Chief Justice of the United States, Hon. M. R. Waite, 
Hon. Peter Parker, Hon. E. R. Hoar, Hon. G. W. Hazelton, Professor 
Asa Gray, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Serretary stated that the object of the meeting was the election 
of a chancellor. 

On motion of Mr. Hoar, Chief Justice Waite was unanimously elected 
chancellor. 

Dr. Parker, from the executive committee, presented a report on the 
examination of the accounts of the National Museum for 1873, and a 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 427 


statement relative to the accounts of the Institution and of the National 
Museum for the first quarter of 1874; which were accepted. 

The Secretary stated that, on the 24th of February, 1874, Mr. Joseph 
A. Stuart, one of the executors of the estate of the late James Hamil- 
ton, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, had paid the legacy of said Hamilton, 
viz, one thousand dollars, into the Treasury of the United States, in ac- 
cordance with the resolution of the Board of Regents adopted January 
26, 1874. 

The following is a copy of the receipt: 


No. 10,564. ] TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES, 
Washington, D. C., February 24, 1874. 

I certify that Prof. Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, has this day deposited to the credit of the United States one 
thousand dollars, on account of amount received by bequest of the late 
James Hamilton, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, accepted by the Board of 
Regents by resolution of January 26, 1874, providing that the amount 
be deposited with the Secretary of the Treasury on same terms as the 
original bequest of Smithson, in accordance with act of February 8, 
1867,* for which I have signed duplicate receipts. 

$1,000. L. R. TUTTLE, 
Assistant Treasurer United States. 


The Secretary gave an account of the operations of the Institution ; 
and after inspecting the building, the board adjourned sine die. 


“ Statutes at Large, vol. 14, page 391. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS 
OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., January 20, 1875. 

In accoraance with a resolution of the Board of Regents, fixing the 
third Wednesday of January as the time for the commencement of the 
annual session, a meeting of the Board of Regents was held on Wednes- 
day, 20th of January, 1875, at 7 o’clock p. m., at the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution. 

Present, the Chancellor, Chief-Justice Waite; Hon. Henry Wilson, 
Vice-President of the United States; Senators H. Hamlin and A. A. 
Sargent; Representive Hon. E. R. Hoar; Hon. Peter Parker, Prof. 
Asa Gray, L. L. D., Prof. H. Coppée, L. L. D., Hon. George Bancroft, 
and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Excuses for non-attendance were received from Prof. Dana, Doctor 
Maclean, Hon. Mr. Stevenson, and Hon. Mr. Cox. 

, The Secretary presented the following letter from General Sherman, 
which was read: 


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, 
Saint Louis, Mo., November 12, 1874. 

My DEAR PROFESSOR: Having removed my headquarters and resi- 
dence trom Washington to Saint Louis, it is proper that I should resign 
the post I have held for a few years as a Regent of your most honored 
Institution. I beg, therefore, that you will construe this letter as a 
tender of my resignation to the Board of Regents, or to such official as. 
can accept the same. 

In thus severing my official connection with the Smithsonian, I beg 
leave to express to you and your associates my sense of the noble task in 
which you are engaged, and of my earnest prayer that the Institution 
under your management will continue to fulfil its magnificent design. 

A knowledge of science, that is of the laws of nature, is so intimately 
connected with the advance of higher civilization, that Mr. Smithson 
displayed unusual wisdom in so endowing his institution that it should 
give its principal labor to the increase of knowledge, to accumulating 
and securing new knowledge to be added to the old, which should be 
a special province of the universities of the whole earth. I therefore 
coincide with you perfectly in your special construction of the will, and 
hope that the Regents will continue to construe it literally, as a legacy 
sacred in its nature and beneficial in the highest degree. 

I beg you will assure your associates that among the many causes of 

428 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 429 


cegret at leaving Washington, none impresses me more than that which 
forces me to sever my relations with the Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution. 
With great respect, your friend and servant, 
W. T. SHERMAN, 


General. 
Prof. JOSEPH HENRY, 


Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. 


On motion of Dr. Parker, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Institution acknowledge the 
receipt of the letter from General Sherman, and express to him the 
high appreciation of the members of the board of his services asa 
Regent, and their regret at the termination of his official connection 
with the Institution. 

The Secretary stated that Congress had passed a joint resolution 
electing Hon. George Bancroft, who had recently become a permanent 
resident of Washington, as Regent to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of General Sherman. 

On motion of Mr. Wilson, it was 

Resolved, That the vacancy in the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, occasiuned 
by the resignation of General Sherman, be filled by the appointment of 
Hon. GEORGE BANCROFT. 

The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations and con- 
dition of the Institution, which was read in part. He also presented 
exhibits of the finances, which were referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

’ The Secretary stated shat the annual accounts had been made up to 
the 15th of January, the date at which the semi-annual interest was 
received from the Treasury Department. 

Dr. Parker, from the Executive Committee, presented a preliminary 
report on the condition of the Smithson fund, and the receipts and 
expenditures for the past year, and stated that all the vouchers for pay- 
ments had been carefully examined by the committee, who would sub- 
mit a full report at the next meeting. 

The Secretary explained several features of the appropriations and 
expenditures of the year, the deposits made with the Corcoran Art 
Gallery, Army Museum, Department of Agriculture, &c. 

A statement of the circumstances attending a theft of $154.50 from 
the office of the Secretary of the Institution, was made by Prof. Henry, 
and, on motion of Mr. Sargent, it was 

Resolved, That the amount of the loss ($154.50) be charged in the 
account to “ incidental expenses.” 

The reading of the report of the Secretary was then resumed. 

At the suggestion of the Secretary, it was 

Kesolved, That a committee, consisting of Professors Gray and 


430 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


Coppée, be appointed to examine and report on the present condition 
of the museum, especially the ethnological department. 

The board then adjourned to meet on Saturday evening, January 23, 
at 7 o’clock. 


WASHINGTON, January 23, 1875. 
A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day, at 7 o’clock 


pn. 

Present, the Chancellor, Chief-Justice Waite, Senators H. Hamlin, J. 
W. Stevenson, and A. A. Sargent; Representatives S. S. Cox, E. R. 
Hoar, G. W. Hazelton; Hon. Peter Parker, Prof. Asa Gray, Prof. H. 
Coppée, Hon. George Bancroft, and the Secretary, Professor Henry. 

The minutes of the last meeting were approved. 

Dr. Parker presented the annual report of the Executive Committee, 
which was read and, on motion of Mr. Hamlin, adopted. 

Dr. Gray, from the special committee to examine the museum, pre- 
sented the following report, which, on motion of Mr. Sargent, was ac- 
cepted and ordered to be printed in the proceedings of the board: 


REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE MUSEUM. - 


Your committee appointed to examine the museum has devoted as 
much time to the examination as the members of it could secure during 
the past two or three days, and would respectfully offer a few remarks. 
upon its condition. It is not supposed that any full or detailed report. 
is expected. We will confine our observations to the ethnological 
museum, the only one we have found time to inspect with any care. 

At the previous session of the board, about nine months ago, the 
large upper hall had barely been made ready to receive the ethnological 
and archeological collections, and a portion of the wall-cases only were 
in place. The progress that has been made in the interval is very grati- 
fying. The hall, although not filled, bas been well supplied with glazed 
cases, for the most part excellent in plan and construction ; and the very 
large and varied collection of objects is arranged in them and dis- 
played to public view. There is still much to be done in perfecting the 
the arrangement and the labeling, and there are recent accessions to be: 
added. But even now, it is a great pleasure to see how well cared for 
and how important this museum is, and how much it interests a numer- 
ous throng of visitors. In this respect it seems likely to be even 
more attractive than the museum of natural history underneath. It is. 
only when an ethnological collection is brought together upon a com- 
prehensive scale, and is well arranged upon some intelligible principle, 
that any one realizes its interest and importance. 

The arrangement which is, as we may say, technological rather than 
geographical, appears to be the one best adapted for such a museum — 
most useful to the serious student as well as most instructive and 
curious to the general visitor. Objects of the same class or subservient 


JOULNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 431 


to the same purpose are brought together from whatever country, and 
of whatever age. Articles of dress, ornament, or food, implements for 
their preparation, utensils for domestic use, nets, weapons, and the like 
thus illustrate each other. 

Among the special collections, newly put together, we were much in- 
terested in the very full one of the food, especially the vegetable food 
of the different tribes of the North American Indians; in the collection 
of their cradles or analogous appliances for the care of infants;.in the 
collection of musical instruments, or what was intended to answer the 
purpose of music; and in the fine pottery of the Arizonian and other 
tribes. 

The museum is especially rich in stone implements of the North 
American continent, mainly prehistoric; also in specimens of the sur- 
vival of the art of working stone weapons of the finest kind, in some of 
our native tribes. 

In the further development of the museum it may be thought best to 
arrange the archeological specimens in a separate series, but, as to 
America, it is not easy to draw a line between what is prehistoric, and 
what belongs essentially to the present era. 

A great number of duplicates will soon be ready for exchange. Be- 
sides proper duplicates, freely available for exchange, there is, wherever 
the materials and the subject admit of it, a selected series carefully 
packed away in the lower part of the cases, or directly underneath the 
typical specimens or specimens selected for exhibition. For public in- 
spection in very large museums it is now a recognized principle that 
the half is better than the whole; that typical specimens, those that 
best exemplify the leading forms or plans, should be exhibited in prefer- 
ence to full series of gradations and modifications. But the serious in- 
vestigator needs all the forms, and this selected students’ series, which 
is mostly out of sight, is carefully preserved for, and is accessible to, 
his use. 

A great deal of important ethnological matter has of late years been 
collected in the form of photographs, and it seems obviously important 
that such collections should be systematically made and preserved, is 
not on the large scale, yet in the compact and effective form of stereo- 
scopic views. If the figures, the costumes, and the dwellings of our 
various tribes still remaining are not perpetuated in this way very 
promptly, much which is now easy to preserve will be irretrievably lost 
to the future. 

In this connection we would suggest that it might be well to provide 
a series of figures characteristic of the races of men, and especially of 
the North American races and tribes. This would require considerable 
room for exhibition and a great deal of judgment as to the mode of 
getting up the material to be employed, and the extent to which this 
kind of illustration should be introduced. 

This museum is very rapidly increasing, and it is remarkable that the 


432 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


accessions are made almost without pecuniary cost. Hardly any have 
been purchased. They came from scientific or curious explorers, whom 
the Smithsonian Institution is everywhere exciting and furthering, and 
from Government expeditions commissioned mainly for other important 
objects; and the facilities in the way of transportation controlled by 
the Institution are such that even the cost of their delivery in Wash- 
ington is trifling. 

It will be interesting to know to what extent the museums which’ 
the Smithsonian Institution has in charge are visited by the public. 
The committee would suggest the use of a recording turnstile at the 
entrance, by which the number of visitors might be indicated and pre- 
served with very little trouble. 

Respectfully submitted. 

ASA GRAY. 
HENRY COPPEE. 


Doctor Parker, in behalf of the Executive Committee, stated that the 
heating-apparatus now employed was found insufficient in extremely cold 
weather to warm the building, particularly the new ethnological hall, 
and suggested the prepriety of asking Congress to appropriate $2,500 
to increase the means for heating the building. 

Mr. Bancroft remarked that this was not asking anything for the 
benefit of the Smithsonian Institution, but for the comfort of the people 
of the United States who come here to see the great collections of the 
Government, and who should certainly be provided with the means of 
doing this without the danger of taking cold. 

On motion of Mr. Bancroft it was— 

Resolved, That Congress be requested to make an appropriation of 
$2,500 to increase the heating capacity of the apparatus used to warm 
the rooms occupied by the Government collections. 

The reading of the report of the Secretary was then continued. 

On motion of Mr. Cox, it was— 

Resolved; That the report of the Secretary be accepted and transmitted 
to Congress as usual. 

The board then adjourned sine die. 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS 
OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., January 19, 1876. 

In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, fixing the time of the beginning of their annual meet- 
ing on the third Wednesday in January of each year, the Board met 
to-day, at 7 o’clock p. m. 

Present, Chief-Justice Waite, Chancellor of the Institution; Hon. T. 
W. Ferry, acting Vice-President of the United States; Hon. J. W. 
Stevenson, Hon. A. A. Sargent, Hon. H. Clymer, Hon. b. H. Hill, Hon. 
G. W. McCrary, Rev. Dr. John Maclean, Hon. Peter Parker, Hon. 
George Bancroft, and Professor Henry, the Secretary. 

The Chancellor took the chair. 

The Secretary presented the following communication : 


FORTY-FOURTH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION. 


CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, 
In the House of Representatives, December 14, 1875. 
The Speaker appointed the following-named members Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution on the part of the House: 
Mr. Hiester Clymer, of Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Benjamin H. Hill, of Georgia. 
Mr. George W. McCrary, of Lowa. 
Attest : GEO. M. ADAMS, Clerk. 


A letter was read from Hon. H. Hamlin, stating that he was unavoid- 
ably detained from attendance at this meeting. 

The Secretary stated that he had the painful duty to announce the 
death. since the last session of the Board, of the Hon. Henry Wilson, 
Vice-President of the United States. 

On motion of Dr. Parker, it was 

Resolwed, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare resolu- 
tions expressing the sentiments of the Board in regard to the death of 
Hon. Henry Wilson. 

The Chancellor appointed Hon. Dr. Parker, Hon. T. W. Ferry, and 
Hon. J. W. Stevenson. 

The Secretary presented a general exhibit of the condition of the 
fund, and the receipts and expenditures for the year 1875; which was 
referred to the Executive Committee. 

Dr. Parker, from the Executive Committee, stated that, in order to 

28 433 


434 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


save time, the committee had already examined all the vouchers and 
accounts of the Institution and of the National Museum, with the ex- 
ception of eleven, which had been paid since the first of January, and 
wus prepared to make a partial report, and that a full report would be 
made at the next meeting. He accordingly presented a statement of: 
the receipts and expenditures, of the accounts examined, and a history 
of the funds, reserving until the next meeting the remainder of the 
report. 

The Secretary gave an account of the method of keeping the accounts, 
drawing checks, &c., and showed the necessity of making up the annual 
statements of receipts and expenditures to include the semi-annual in- 
terest due on the 1st of January, but which this year had not been 
received from the Treasury Department until the 16th of January. 

The Secretary also presented, for the information of the new mem- 
bers, a general account of the operations of the Institution, and the 
plans which had been adopted to carry out the will of Smithson * to in- 
crease and diffuse knowledge among men.” 

The Board then adjourned to meet on Wednesday, 26th January, at. 
7 o’clock. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., January 26, 1876. 


A meeting of the Board of Regents was held this day, at 7 o’clock 
p. m., in the Regent’s room of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Present, Chief Justice Waite, Chancellor of the Institution; Hon. T. 
W. Ferry, acting Vice-President of the United States; Hon. H. Hamlin, 
Hon. A. A. Sargent, Hon. H. Clymer, Hon. GB. H. Hill, Hon. Peter Parker, 
Hon. George Bancroft, Professor Asa Gray, Professor Henry Coppée, 
and the Secretary, Professor Henry- 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Excuses for non-attendance were presented from Hon. J. W. Steven- 
son, Hon. G. W. McCrary, and Professor J. D. Dana. 

Dr. Parker, from the special committee to prepare resolutions on the 
death of the late Vice-President, Hon. Henry Wilson, presented the fol- 
lowing report and resolutions, which, he stated, had the approval of all 
the members of the committee: 


Since the last annual meeting of the Board of Regents of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, HENRY WILSON, Vice-President of the United States, 
and an honored member of the Regency, having departed this life, the 
Board deem it suitable that a just tribute to his memory and worth be 
entered upon the records of the Institution: Therefore, 

tesolved, That among the distinguished men of the first century of 
our national existence who have been prominent for patriotism, practi- 
cal wisdom, statemanship and high moral and Christian character, im- 
partial history will assign Henry Wilson a distinguished rank; and as. 
a representative man of the class of “ self-made men” to which the ver- 
dict of mankind assigns exalted positions, the late Vice-President of 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 435 


the United States will long be remembered and highly appreciated by 
posterity. 

Resolved, That the Secretary cause a copy of these resolutions to be 
transmitted to the relatives of the deceased. 

Dr. Parker then made the following remarks : 

Mr. Chancellor: Fitting encomiums upon the late Vice-President have 
already been pronounced, both in the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the United States, and, so far as I am informed, with an una- 
nimity of appreciation, irrespective of all lines of demarkation, truly re- 
markable; and the pen and the press, not only in this but also in every 
civilized country, will set forth his just merits in appropriate panegyric. 
Besides, this is neither the place nor the occasion for extended eulogy, 
yet I desire brief indulgence. 

The late Vice-President was my personal friend, and the proximity of 
our summer residences facilitated the exchange of social and friendly 
intercourse. It was my privilege also to see him in his last illness. 

The prominent characteristics of Mr. Wilson, his humble origin, indi- 
gence, limited means of early education, the resolute determination by 
which he surmounted difficulties and rose to great distinction ; his sue- 
cess in the attainment of lofty aspirations, even surpassing some of his 
contemporaries who had the greater advantages of classical and profes- 
sional learning, are too well known to require repetition. 

I wish, however, to recall very concisely only two of his distinguish- 
ing traits. 

As a means to an end, Mr. Wilson was emulous of high positions that 
he might render it promotive of the best interests of the country, and of 
all classes composing it, especially the poor and the enslaved. 

Whiist sincere in his practice and advocacy of temperance, in his de- 
hunciation of slavery, and his expressions of sympathy for the laborer, 
he had the sagacity to use these as means to the attainment of the 
coveted positions of high office and national influence. He was emulous 
also of distinguished place not only for its utility in the present, but 
still more so in reference to the future. I remember well his emphatic 
remark when the intelligence was received of the death of the eminent 
historian Prescott: ‘I had rather live, as Prescott will live, in history, 
than be President of the Uuited States.” 

Here may be found, I think, the predominating influence that urged 
him on in the completion of his historical work; with an all-absorbing 
- devotion that far exceeded his physical and mental strength, and but 
for which, humanly speaking, he might be with us still. 

The other prominent characteristic to which I wish simply to advert 
is, in his later years, his truly religious life. No one intimately ac- 
quainted with Mr. Wilson subsequently to his public profession of re- 
ligion can doubt the genuineness of his Christian faith. 

The hymn which he rose from his sick-pillow to mark at three o’clock 
in the morning, only a few hours before breathing his last, as though 


436 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. 


preadmonished his end had come, entitled “ The Christian and his echo,” 
may be regarded as a true exponent of his religious character, and as 
his last legacy to the country and the world— 


“ True faith producing love to God and man.” 


The resolutions submitted by the committee were then adopted unani- 
mously by arising vote. 

Dr. Parker, in behalf of the Executive Committee, presented the an- 
nual report of the receipts, expenditures, estimates, &c.; which, on 
motion of Mr. Sargent, was adopted. 

The Secretary presented his annual report of the operations of the 
Institution for the year 1875; which was read, and various suggestions 
contained in it were discussed at some length by the members of the 
Board. 

On motion of Dr. Gray, it was 

Resolved, That a special committee of three be appointed to take into 
consideration the connection of the Smithsonian Institution and the 
National Museum, and to recommend such action as may be thought 
proper in relation to the matter. 

The Chancellor appointed Messrs. Gray, Clymer, and Sargent as the 
committee. 

The report of the Secretary as to what the Smithsonian Institution 
was doing and had done in relation to the Centennial Exhibition in 
Philadelphia was read. 

On motion of Mr. Hamlin, it was 

Resolved, That the annual report of the Secretary be accepted, and be 

transmitted to Congress, as usual. 
On motion of Mr. Sargent, it was 

Resolved, That the salary of the chief clerk of the Institution be twen- 

ty-five hundred dollars per annum, commencing with the present year. 
On motion of Mr. Clymer, it was 

Resolved, That the Secretary be authorized to procure a carriage for 
the use of the Institution, for a sum not to exceed four hundred dollars. 

The Board then adjourned to meet at the call of the Secretary. 


JOURNAL 


OF THE 


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 


OF THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 


From SEPTEMBER 12, 1846, to DecrmBer 21, 1849, 


437 


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EXTRACTS 


FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS, RELATIVE TO 
THE APPOINTMENT OF AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


On the 8th of September, 1846, the Board proceeded to the elec- 
tion of an Executive Committee by ballot; and, upon counting the 
ballots, it appeared that Mr. Owen, Mr. Seaton, and Mr. Totten 
were elected. 

It was then— 


Resolved, That William W. Seaton be, and he is hereby, appointed chairman of said 
Executive Committee. 


On the 5th of February, 1847, on motion of Mr. Hilliard— 


Ordered, That Mr. A. D. Bache be appointed temporarily on the Executive Com- 
mittee, in the place of Mr. J. G. Totten, who is now in Mexico. 


JOURNAL. 


FIRST MEETING. 


September 12, 1846. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) Totten and Owen. 

Mr. Owen submitted to the committee a copy of a letter which 
he had prepared with the intention, if approved by the committee, 
of having it addressed, by the chairman, to the respective mem- 
bers of the Board, as follows: 


WASHINGTON, September 12, 1846. 


Sir: The Executive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution have, since the ad- 
journment of the Board of Regents, had under their consideration a subject of so 
much importance, and so deserving of immediate action, that they have unanimously 
instructed me to address you and the other Regents on the subject, and to ask that 
you will, at your earliest convenience, afford them the benefit of your opinion on the 
matter. 

The amount of accumulated interest declared by the bill to be due Ist July, 1846, 
is $242,129. The whole of this we have now aright to draw out cf the Treasury. 
If we did so, we could purchase with it United States stocks, at or near par, thus ob- 
taining six per cent. thereon until we require the money. Actually to draw it out 
might embarrass the Treasury at the present juncture; but, as our rights in the case 
are undoubted, and as we shall not require for current expenses, until Ist of January 
next, more than the odd $2,129, the Executive Committee are unanimously of opin- 
ion that a request should be forthwith made, in behalf of the Institution, to the 
Secretary of the Treasury, that he will issue United States stocks in the name of the 
Smithsonian Institution, to the amount of $240,000. 

The Executive Committee believe, from the liberality of feeling which the Presi- 
dent and the Secretary have evinced towards the Institution, that its claim will at 
once be recognized, and the stocks issued at our request. 


439 


440 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


As it is not at all likely that we shall require, next year, even to expend the inter- 
est accruing since 1st of July last, the increase to the income of the Institution for 
the year 1847, will, by this single operation, be $14,400; and, instead of its income 
for that year being about $31,000, it will be nearly $45,500. 

If your reply, and that of the other Regents, should favor this view—and that it will 
the committee entertain no doubt—then, the chairman of the Executive Committee will 
consider himself authorized immediately to endeavor to negotiate the matter with 
the Treasury Department. 

As the amount of interest: now lost, under the present posture of things, is large, 
(being about $40 a day,) you will perceive the importance of favoring us with a re- 
ply, without unnecessary delay. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

W. W. SEATON, 
For Himself and in Behalf of Joseph G. Totten and Robert Dale Owen. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the chairman of this committee, on behalf of the committee, ad- 
dress to each member of the Board of Regents a copy of the above letter. 


The chairman submitted certain accounts, which were approved, 
and ordered to be paid. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


SECOND MEETING. 


October 31, 1846. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Totten. 

The chairman submitted to the committee the replies he had 
received from the several members of the Board, to the letter 
addressed to them, under date the 12th of September last, regard- 
ing the investment of the accrued interest of the Institution. The 
replies are as follows: 


PHILADELPHIA, September 18, 1846. 


Sir: Your letter, dated the 12th instant, but postmarked the 17th, reached me this 
morning; and attracts my immediate attention. It is written on behalf of the Exec- 
utive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, and proposes that a request should 
be made ‘‘to the Secretary of the Treasury, that he will issue United States stocks in 
the name of the Smithsonian Institution to the amount of $240,000.’’ The object, as. 
you explain it, of this operation is to increase the income. 

After attentively considering this proposition, I am unable to give it my sanction ;. 
and I hasten to apprize you of that fact, without entering at large upon the reasons — 
on which my opinion rests. The Executive Committee will, I hope, abstain from 
acting on the subject. To me, the act of Congress seems almost expressly to provide, 
1. That the custody of the $242,129 shall remain with the National Treasury ; 2. 
That it shall not be converted into stocks of any sort; and I cannot perceive where 
the Secretary would find his authority to issue such certificates, or where the Regents. 
would find their authority to accept them. 3. That it can be drawn from the Treas- 
ury in no other manner than the one prescribed in the last clause, but one, of the 
third section of the act; that is to say: 

‘“ When money is required for the payment of debts or performance of contracts, 
incurred or entered into, in conformity with the provisions of this act, or for making 
the purchases and executing the objects authorized by this act, then, the Regents, or 
the Executive Committee, certify to the Chancellor and Secretary that such money is 
required ; whereupon they examine the same, and if they approve, they shall certify 
the same to the proper officer of the Treasury for payment.”’ 

I would also specially refer to the provisions of the fifth section, as to contracts, the: 
claims upon them, and their settlement and payment at the Treasury of the United 
States. If the stocks were taken as suggested, it is quite clear that, as these forms 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 441 


would be nugatory, we should have complete control of the fund, before any contract 
or purchase was made; it would be subject to the fluctuations of the stock market: 
we should have to sell out as emergency required, and might thus be exposed to em- 
barrassment and loss ; and, in fine, we should, by departing from the law, lose secu- 
rities and incur risks which, I think, we ought not to lose or incur. 

I am, very respecfully, your most obedient servant, 

G. M. DALLAS, 
Regent and Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution. 
W. W. SzarTon, Esq. 
Chairman of the Executive Committee. 


BALTIMORE, September 18, 1846. 


Sir: I received this morning your letter of the 12th instant, stating that the Ex- 
ecutive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution propose to request the Secretary of 
the Treasury (if it meets the approbation of the Regents) to issue United States 
stock, in the name of the Institution, to the amount of $240,000, on account of the 
arrearages of interest due July Ist, 1846. 

I have not a copy of the law before me, and cannot, therefore, undertake to say 
whether it authorizes the proposed arrangement. If it does, the plan proposed ap- 
pears to me to be both just and expedient; and will have my cordial approbation; 
for the Institution is entitled to all the benefits arising from the fund bequeathed, 
and if the Government uses it, it ought to pay interest. 

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

R. B. TANEY. 

W. W. Staton, Esq., 

Chairman of the Executive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


SYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, September 18, 1846. 


Sir: Having made an excursion into Virginia, after the late adjournment of our 
Board on the 9th instant, from which I did not return until yesterday, it was not 
until then that I received your communication of the 12th, and I hasten to say, in 
reply, that if the plan of issuing United States stock, bearing interest, in favor of 
the Smithsonian Institution for the amount of accumulated interest now due and 
pee to us—say two hundred and forty thousand dollars—can be carried into effect, 

think it so clearly beneficial to the Institution that, as one of the Regents, it has 
my hearty concurrence. 

With the highest respect, I remain, your obedient servant, 

RICHARD RUSH. 


CoLUMBIA, SouTH CAROLINA, September 80, 1846. 


My Dear Sir: I have just returned from an interior watering place where, for 
some weeks, I have been seeking health, which will excuse me, I trust, for an appa- 
rent neglect of your letter. 

I most heartily concur in the opinion of the Executive Committee, that a request 
should be made to the Secretary of the Treasury to issue United States stock in the 
name of the Smithsonian Institution, to the amount of $240,000. I think it clearly 
and urgently the duty of the committee to invest every disposable fund in such a 
manner as to augment it, until the institution has occasion for it. 

I esteem myself very unfortunate in not having been able to attend the meeting of 
the Regents, and my chagrin is increased by seeing that the next meeting is fixed at 
the time of the commencement of the college, when my presence here is indispensable. 
This is really provoking ; for my heart is very much set upon helping to put the in- 
stitution in motion; and I fear that my absence may create some inconvenience. 
May I pray you, my dear sir, to inform me whether there is reason to apprehend any 
thing of that kind, that I may make way for some one else who can be present. 

Besides the painful sense of failure in the performance of a very agreeable duty, I 
am compelled to forego the pleasure of meeting very highly valued friends ; amongst 
whom I hope I may be allowed to consider you; for, 

I am, dear sir, with very high respect, your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM C. PRESTON. 


Mr. SEATON. 


442 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Boston, September 22, 1846. 


My Dear Sir: I am requested by Mr. Choate, who has just left me, to say to you 
from him, that he has received your communication respecting the investment of the 
fund now on hand in United States stock, bearing interest ; and that he cordially ap- 
proves the proposal, and hopes that it will be immediately carried into effect, so as to 
secure the interest to the Institution. 

I am, my dear sir, faithfully yours, 

ROBERT DALE OWEN. 

W. W. SEATON, 

Chairman Executive Committee. 


GARDINER, MAINE, September 20, 1846. 


S1r: I have just received your letter of the 12th, postmarked 17th, instant, and 
lose no time to reply to it. 

I had an impression, from whence derived I cannot say, that the United States had 
already agreed to pay to the Smithsonian Institution interest upon the whole amount, 
principal and interest, now in the Treasury, or for which the United States are re- 
sponsible. If this be not so, it is certainly equitable and just, that the Institution 
should be allowed interest on the amount of accumulated interest, or that it be at 
once paid over, so that it may be profitably invested. 

I therefore concur readily in the proposed arrangement, viz: that the Executive 
Committee demand and receive from the Treasury the sum of $240,000, in United 
States stocks at par, or at a small advance. 

In the present State of the Treasury, I presume the Secretary would prefer to issue 
certificates of stock, rather than to pay the amount in money, and this course would 
be most desirable for the Institution. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 


W. W. SEaTon, 


Chairman Executive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


GEORGE EVANS. 


CARLYLE, ILLINOIS, September 23, 1846. 


Dear Sir: On my return from Washington, on yesterday, I found your letter of 
the 12th instant, requesting my opinion as to the investment of the interest already 
accrued upon the Smithsonian bequest, in United States stocks. 

In reply, I can only say that, had I been present at the late meeting of the Board, 
I should have made the identical proposition contained in your letter. I spoke of it 
to some friends while in Washington, and hope the Executive Committee will not 
delay action upon it. It is too important to be overlooked or postponed. 

With great respect, your obedient servant, 

SIDNEY BREESE. 


W. W. SzatTon, Esq., 
Chairman Hxecutive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


ALBANY, September 18, 1846. 


Str: I this morning received your communication made in behalf of the Execu- 
tive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, requesting my opinion on the propri- 
ety of investing the accumulated interest due to that Institution in six per cent. 
stock of the United States, &c. 

If the Secretary of the Treasury will, on application to him for that purpose, issue 
stock for accumulated interest due as above stated, I have no hesitation in expressing 
my opinion in favor of making an application to him for such a purpose. 


With great respect, your obedient servant, 
GIDEON HAWLEY. 


W. W. Seaton, Esq., 
Chairman Executive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


New York, September 25, 1846. 


Drar Sir; Your favor, under date of the 12th instant, relative to an application 
to the Secretary of the Treasury for the accumulated interest upon the Smithsonian 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 443 


fund, to the amount of $240,000, or for United States stocks in its stead, with a view 
of putting that amount on interest until itshall be wanted for building purposes, &c., 
reached me at this city, not until last evening, or it should have received an earlier 
answer. 

I appreciate the motive of the Executive Committee, and would most cheerfully 
unite with them in asking for the money, did I believe the act incorporating the In- 
stitution authorized such application ; but I cannot give it any such interpretation. 
It provides, that the money may be drawn from the Treasury upon the certificate of 
the Chancellor and Secretary, that it is wanted for payment in erecting buildings 
and other incidental expenses of the Institution, but not for the purpose of being 
loaned, &c. And should an application be made for it to the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, this, I presume, would be the objection with which you would be met. If, how- 
ever, it shall be ascertained that the Secretary will give us the money, or stocks in its 
stead, then I most cheerfully join you in an application for it. 

I am, sir, with esteem, your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM J. HOUGH. 


W. W. Seaton, Esq. 


HARRISONBURG, September 20, 1846. 


Srr: I have just received yours of the 12th instant, post-marked the 18th, and I 
hasten to answer it, as you request me to do. 

I concur with you fully, that it would be very desirable that interest should accrue 
on the $240,000 of which you speak, until it should be wanted for the purposes of the 
act; but I am sorry to say, that I have not been able to satisfy myself, as you have 
done, that ‘‘ we have mow the right to draw out of the Treasury the whole of the 
$242,129, and purchase with it United States stocks,’ &c. Nor have I been able to 
satisfy myself that it would be competent for the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 
United States stocks, for the sum you mention, bearing interest. You may be right, 
and I may be wrong, but these doubts are entertained; and I consider myself bound 
frankly to say so to you. By your leave I will state my reasons for those doubts. 

In the first place, then, it appears to me, that the fund, of which we are speaking, 
can be drawn from the Treasury only for the purposes mentioned in the act, and be 
applied only for those purposes. The last clause of the third section says: 


‘‘ Whenever the money is required for the payment of the debts or the performance 
of the contracts of the Institution, or for making the purchases and executing the 
objects authorized by this act, the Board of Regents, &c., may certify to the Chan- 
cellor, &c., that such sum is required ; whereupon, they shall examine the same, and, 
if they shall approve thereof, shall certify the same to the proper officer of the Treas- 
ury for payment,’ &. 

This would seem to imply, that the fund could be drawn upon only whenever the 
money was required to be paid out for the purposes just mentioned. The Govern- 
ment intended to keep the money in its own hands, and not to pay it to the Regents, 
except for the purposes mentioned. If they could draw the money before it was ac- 
tually wanted for the purposes mentioned, and buy United States stocks with it, ‘at 
or near par,’”’ it can be imagined that the money might not be as safe as if it had re- 
mained as the law had placed it. 

In the next place, I am not satisfied that the Secretary can issue the stocks of which 
you speak. It appears to me, that Congress did not intend that the Government 
should pay interest on the interest which had accumulated. If they had so intended 
they would probably have said so. It must have been known to them that the whole 
of the $242,129 could not be at once expended. Nay; they must have known that 
it would take sometime to put up the buildings which would be the principal drain 
on the sum in question. They, therefore, knew that a large portion of the sum 
would remain in the Treasury for sometime unexpended. Why did they not then 
declare that the unexpended balance should, after a certain period of time, bear inte- 
rest, as the principal sum of $515,169 bears interest? Simply because, as it appears 
to me, they did not intend it. 

This inference is strongly supported by the language of the act. The second sec- 
tion seems to negative the idea, that there is to be paid interest upon interest. It de- 
elares that the sum of $515,169 is ‘‘lent*’ to the Treasury ‘‘at six per centum per 
annum interest,’’ from the lst of September, 1838, when the said sum was first re- 
ceived into the Treasury. That is the sum that was ‘‘lent’”’ and ‘‘at interest.” 
The $242,129 was not ‘‘lent,”’ and therefore could draw no interest; but on the con- 
trary, it was directly ‘appropriated for the erection of suitable buildings,’ &c. 


444 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Again: ‘‘Six per cent. interest ‘on the lent fund,’”’ ($515,169,) payable half-yearly, 
&c., is appropriated for the perpetual maintenance and support of the Institution, 
and not a word is said about interest on any other fund. ‘The rule, then, of inter- 
preting laws “‘expresio unius, exclusio est alterius’’ applies. It would, therefore, 
seem to follow, that Congress did not intend to pay interest upon interest. Can the 
Secretary of the Treasury, then, do that by indirection, which the law did not con- 
template should be done? Can he issue stocks, bearing interest, for a sum on which 
Congress did not intend that interest should be paid? It would seem to me not. 

Such are the views which I, at present, take of the subject. I would have been 
glad if Congress had allowed us to make interest on interest which had accrued, but 
not having done so, (as I read the law,) I would be unwilling to attempt it without 
further authority from them. It is possible that, at the next session, the act might 
be amended in this particular, as well as in others, if it should be thought necessary 
to make the application. 

I regret that there is a diversity of opinion upon this subject between the Execu- 
tive Committee and myself, but they will hear the views of other gentlemen, and 
will act according to the lights before them. 

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, 


W. W. Seaton, Esq., 
Chairman Executive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


I. 5S. PENNYBACKER. 


WASHINGTON, September 16, 1846. 


Srr: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th inst., 
in which you state the views of the Executive Committee of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, as to the best plan for employing the accumulated interest, declared by the 
late act of Congress to be due. 

It is proposed to invest it in United States stocks, with the view of obtaining six 
per cent. on the amounts until the money is required for actual use. The statement 
of the plan and its advantages, which you have given me, is so satisfactory, that I 
hasten to express my concurrence in your views. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
HENRY W. HILLIARD. 

W. W. Seaton, Esq., 


Chairman of Executive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


ANDOVER, Mass., September 18, 1846. 
To W. W. Sgaton, Esq., Hon. Ropert DALE Owen, Ool. Josepu G. Torren, 
Executive Committee of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. 


GENTLEMEN: Yours of the 12th instant, was received yesterday. The question 
which you ask being one referring to the construction of a law, I feel quite incompe- 
tent to give an opinion which should carry any weight init. It seems to me, now, 
though I should defer to legal authority in the matter, that the appropriation named 
in the act of Congress establishing the Smithsonian Institution can only be drawn 
from the Treasury as it is wanted for building purposes, and, like other appropria- 
tions, cannot be drawn out for investment; and, like the accumulations of interest 
on the original fund, is not subject to the process of compound interest. Should the 
Attorney General of the United States, or the Secretary of the Treasury, be of opin- 
ion that the Regents have the power to draw this money and to invest it in Govern- 
ment securities, I wish to be understood as co-operating in the measures which the 
Executive Committee may take in accordance with that advice. 

Very respectfully yours, 
A. D. BACHE. 


It appearing from the above letters, that a difference of opinion 
existed among the Regents, as to the power of making the invest- 
ment in question. 

On motion of Mr. Totten, it was— 


Resolved, That it is inexpedient for the committee to act on the subject of the in- 
vestment of interest belonging to the Institution. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 445 


The chairman laid before the committee certain accounts, which 
_ were allowed, and ordered to be paid. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


THIRD MEETING. 


March 15, 1847. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) and Owen. 

Mr. Edward Stabler, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, appeared be- 
fore the committee, and, after some conversation with him in regard 
to the seal of the Institution, which, by resolution of the Board of 
Regents of the 24th February, the committee was authorized to 
procure, 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That Dr. Owen be requested to make a reduced copy of the medallion 
head of Smithson, of the proper size for a seal, and with suitable borders and letter- 
ing, and that he submit the same to this committee for approval. 

Resolved, That Mr. Edward Stabler be authorized to prepare a seal, for the Institu- 
tion, in the best style of art, with a die and counter-die of cast-steel and a cast-steel 


screw press. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Institution be authorized to deliver to Mr. Sta- 
bler the original medallion head of Smithson, from which to copy the likeness for the 
seal of the Institution. ° 


The chairman submitted certain accounts, which were approved, 
and ordered to be paid. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


FOURTH MEETING. 
March 17, 1847. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Owen. 

Dr. Owen submitted to the committee a reduced copy of the 
medallion head of Smithson, of the proper size, for the seal of the 
Institution, with suitable borders and lettering; which, in accord- 
ance with a resolution of this committee, he had prepared. 

It was approved by the committee. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


FIFTH MEETING. 
September 15, 1847. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Totten. 
The Chairman submitted to the committee the following letter, 
received sometime since, from Mr. Edward Stabler: 


SANDY SPRING, June 6, 1847. 
Colonel Szaton. 
EsTEEMED FRIEND: Understanding that you desired to have an engraving on 
copper or steel plate, with the likeness of James Smithson, for the purpose of attach- 


446 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


ing to the publications of the Institution, I should be glad to furnish the plate, either 
with line or ruled engraving, and on copper or steel, as may be preferred. Having 
prepared a large model of Smithson, (the portrait filling a space of 53 inches diam- 
eter,) which is admitted by all, who have compared it with the original bronze cast, 
to be a perfect likeness, I can afford it at a less cost than others, and of a quality 
equal to any. 

I can furnish either the line or ruled engraving, though would recommend the 
latter as decidedly preferable on several accounts. It can be engraved much deeper, 
without affecting the shading or other parts of the work; and consequently will 
afford a much greater number of perfect printed impressions—I should think twice 
as many as the line engraving. 

Having a perfect model, and doing the work by machinery, the likeness must be 
equally so. ’ 

"ithe bold strong relief which this kind of engraving gives, is, in my opinion, much 
handsomer than a picture. Samples of which I exhibited to thee—mais chacun d@ son 

out. 
I have now secured the likeness of Smithson on the steel seal, beyond all doubt of 
failure; and as soon as I get through with Government, for the United States dis- 
trict, county of Florida, will resume, and soon finish the Smithson work. The Flor- 
ida work is very pressing. 

I am, with much respect, thy friend, 
EDWARD STABLER. 


A first-rate steel plate with line engraving will cost about $200 to $225. The same 
by ruling I can furnish for $150, more durable, and more beautiful. 


On motion, it was laid on the table. 
The chairman also submitted the following additional letter, just. 
received, from the same gentleman : 


SANDY SPRING, September 9, 1847. 
Colonel SEATON. 

EsTEEMED FRIEND: After much delay, partly owing to an unusual press of Gov- 
ernment work, and indisposition during most of the warm season, I am enabled to- 
send thee a proof impression of the Smithsonian seal. It is not quite finished in some 
portions, but I do not propose to make any material alterations. I would like thy 
opinion on it before hardening, for after that it cannot be altered. 

Make the proper allowance for the difference of relief in the bronze cast, and this, 
which is adapted for sealing purposes, and it is doubted whether a better likeness. 
could be had. It is by far the most tedious and laborious piece of work I ever exec- 
uted, or ever intend to do again. 

Some considerable time since, I requested to be informed whether I should prepare 
a mahogany or cherry stand and case for the press. Those for the Departments are, 
I think, without exception, made of mahogany. They are the best, and in the end, 
the cheapest, I find, for they are not so much affected by the changes of weather, and 
consequently better protect the press from dust. 

As this shall be the best piece of work I ever put together, I would like to furnish 
a mahogany stand and case with glass doors, that will show the werk to advantage,. 
and show the ‘increase’? of this kind of knowledge. . 

The difference of cost between the two kinds (i. e., the cherry and mahogany) is 
only some $8 or $10, and as furniture, is worth the difference, to say nothing of the 
beauty. The whole will be under lock and key, and as it will be little used until the 
buildings are completed, I would also suggest that, for the present, it be placed in the 
National Institute. It will probably benefit me in my business, much more than this 
job itself will. 

Please advise me, as early as may be convenient, so as to have the stand and case- 
prepared in the best manner. 

I will also thank thee to inform me of the residence of Robert Dale Owen, and also- 
of Dr. Owen, as I wish to send them impressions of the seal. 


I am, with much respect, thy friend, 
EDWARD STABLER. 
On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That Mr. Stabler be authorized to furnish a mahogany stand and case for- 
the seal of the Institution. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 447 


The chairman submitted certain accounts, which were approved, 
and ordered to be paid. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


SIXTH MEETING. 
November 27, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Owen. 
On motion of Mr. Seaton— 


Resolved, That Mr. Owen write to Mr. Stabler, requesting him, if the seal of the 
Institution be completely finished, to have the same in Washington on the 8th inst., 
so that it may be presented to the Board; and also requesting him to send in his aes 
count for the same. 

On motion of Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That Mr. Owen prepare, and submit to this committee, a report, embody- 
ing a proposed scale of expenditures for the four years next following the 19th of 
March, 1848, to be presented to the Board of Regents at their next meeting. 


The chairman laid before the committee sundry accounts, which 


were approved, and ordered to be paid. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


SEVENTH MEETING. 
December 7, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) Totten and Owen. 

Mr. Owen submitted to the committee, in accordance with a res- 
olution of the committee of the 27th ultimo, a report, embodying 
a proposed scale of expenditures for the four years next following 
the 19th of March next; together with certain resolutions thereto 


appended. 
After discussion, the report and resolutions were agreed to, and 
signed by the committee, and are as follows: 


Report of the Executive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, embodying a Pro- 
posed Scale of Expenditure, for four years from the 19th of March, 1848, being the 
remainder of the term of the Contract for the erection of the Institution Building. 


The contract for the Institution building has been made; the building itself is 
considerably advanced; and the Building Committee have had an opportunity of as- 
certaining, with some degree of accuracy, the entire amount of expenditure, made 
or authorized, or necessarily to be incurred, on the said building, and on the lot on 
which it stands, until the same shall be completed, say on the 19th of March, 1852. 

Some progress has also been made in the preparation of transactions and, in carry- 
ing out other measures in fulfillment of the will of the testator, to ‘‘increase and 
diffuse knowledge among men.”’ 

At this point of progress, the Executive Committee, knowing the great desire often 


448 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


expressed by various members of the Board during former meetings, that the erection 
of the Institution building, though necessarily spacious on account of the special re- 
quirements of the act organizing the Institution, should not withdraw, from the 
funds of the Institution, more than a moderate portion even of that accumulated 
interest, which the appropriation by Congress authorizes to be thus employed; re- 
membering, also, that the Chancellor, and one of the members of the Board have 
heretofore introduced resolutions embodying their wish that the sum thus withdrawn 
should not, if possible, exceed one hundred thousand dollars; but, more especially, 
calling to mind the fact that, a certain prospective plan of finance and scale of ex- 
penditure, throughout the years in which the building shall be in progress, has been 
heretofore submitted to the Board by one of its members, and though not spread for- 
mally upon its minutes, did, in fact, receive the sanction of the Board; ask leave 
here to submit a scheme of expenditure, for four years from the 19th of March next, 
based upon that plan of finance, and differing from it only in some details, suggested 
by the present state of the financial affairs of the Institution; by which the above 
objects may substantially be accomplished, so that on the 19th of March, 1852, when 
the building shall be completed, including its fitting up, furnishing, lighting, and 
heating, and the lot belonging to the Institution shall be laid out, planted, and per- 
manently fenced; and when, in a word, everything shall be prepared, so that the 
Institution can go into full operation, without any necessity to take from its current 
income, thereafter, any amount to add to its buildings or to secure or adorn its 
grounds, there shall still remain, as a permanent fund, bearing six per cent. interest, 
payable semi-annually, the original capital of $515,169, and the interest that had 
accumulated on the same, specified in the second section of the act organizing the 
Institution, to wit: the sum of $242,129, deducting from these two sums about one 
hundred thousand dollars only; or, in other words, so that the sum of $657,398, or 
thereby, should remain, on the 19th of March, 1852, as the permanent fund of the 
Institution. 

To carry out a plan having this desirable object in view, two conditions, both 
within the power of the Board, are necessary: the first, that the entire cost of the 
building, including the complete fitting up and furnishing of the same; lighting and 
heating, ventilating and draining the same; supplying the same with water; laying 
out in grass, and planting with trees and shrubs the lot; fencing the same, both with 
the present temporary fence, and the final permanent one; also, all expenses for su- 
perintendence of erection, including the cost of architect’s office, and other incidentals ; 
so as, in fact, to cover all expenses whatever that have been incurred, and are to be 
incurred, on the building and on the lot on which it stands, until the completion of 
the building and of the preparation of the lot up to the 19th of March, 1852, shall 
not exceed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ; of which the balance unexpended, 
on the 19th of March, 1848, shall be expended in nearly equal proportions in each of 
the four years next following that date. 

The second condition is, that the entire current expenses of the Institution, exclu- 
sive of those just enumerated, but including the expenses of the Board and its com- 
mittees ; the salaries of officers, including messenger; the expense of all publications, 
researches, or other similar undertakings; the purchase of books and apparatus, and 
all incidentals whatever, not enumerated in the foregoing paragraph, shall not exceed, 
for each one of the four years next, after the 19th of March, 1848, fifteen thousand 
dollars. - 


The committee proceed to furnish the details necessary to substantiate the position 
here taken. 


In pursuance of instructions contained in a resolution of the Board of the 28th of 
January last, this committee, after certifying to the Chancellor and Secretary the 
amount of contracts entered into, and authorized, by the Board, received the said 
amount, to wit: the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, in Treasury 
notes, payable to the order of the Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution, dated 
the 17th of February, 1847, and bearing six per cent. interest, payable semi-annually 
thereafter. These Treasury notes are deposited for safe keeping with the Treasurer 
of the United States; and the Board will recollect that, by its resolution of the 28th 
of January last, they can be drawn out only upon checks or warrants, signed by the 
Chancellor, the Secretary, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee. Of these 
Treasury notes, ten thousand dollars were thus drawn out, on the 30th of October 
last, to pay the contractor and other expenses. The remainder, to wit: the sum of 
two hundred and forty thousand dollars, still remains invested in said Treasury notes. 
The ten thousand dollars sold netted $10,121.67; being par, with interest added to 
the day of sale. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 449 


By this arrangement, very favorable to the finances of the Institution, the whole 
of its funds, both original principal and accumulated interest, at present amounting 
to the sum of $755,169, become productive; bearing, under the safest possible invest. 
ment, six per cent. annual interest, payable semi-annually. 

So long as no more Treasury notes are sold, the annual income of the Institution 
from the above sum thus invested will be, on original principal, $30,910; and on 
Beary notes, $14,400; together, forty-five thousand three hundred and ten dollars 
annually. 

If the entire annual expenses of the Institution, for building and all other purposes 
could be restricted to the above sum of forty-five thousand three hundred and ten 
dollars, it is evident that the annual income of the Institution would remain perma- 
nently at that amount. 

Whenever any amount of Treasury notes is sold, the interest from that source, of 
course, ceases. Whatever annual amount, therefore, beyond the above $45,310, shall 
in the course of four years, after the 19th of March, 1848, be expended by the Insti- 
tution; that amount, together with six per cent. interest on each item of Treasury 
notes sold, from the date of the several sales to the 19th of March, 1852, will be so 
much deducted from the present investment; that is to say, from the sum of $755,- 
169. 

It remains to be seen, what the annual excess beyond the above annual income will 
be, in each of the four years next following the 19th of March, 1848; if the sug- 
gested scale of expenditure be adopted; and how much of the present capital of the 
Institution, the said excess will absorb. 

The balance on hand, to meet current expenses on the Ist instant, as will appear by 
reference to the bank-book of the institution, herewith submitted, was $2,991. The 
amount of interest which will be received by the Institution previously to the 19th of 
March next, is $22,655, to wit: on the Ist of January next, $15,455; and on the 17th 
of February next, $7,200. These two items, added to the balance in hand, give $25,- 
646; being the amount available, without encroaching on the present investment, up 
to the 19th of March next; that is to say, up to the termination of the first year of 
the building contract. 

The committee, after consultation with the Secretary of the Institution, as to the 
several amounts which may be required in the course of the winter and spring, for 
the various objects entrusted to him; after carefully calculating, also, the expenses 
to arise from this time to the 19th of March, have introduced a series of resolutions, 

appropriating the above amount of $25,646. 

The committee learned from the Secretary that the expense of the first volume of 
the Transactions of the Institution would be considerable, on account of the number 
of plates; and, at his suggestion, they have put the appropriation for that object, out 
of the above fund, at $2,000 instead of $1,000, as formerly voted. At his suggestion, 
also, they have set apart, for apparatus, one thousand dollars. In accordance with a 
request made in the report of the Building Committee to the Board, they have also 
increased the appropriation for the forthcoming volume on Public Architecture, from 
one thousand dollars to two thousand dollars. The item for contingencies, including 
the expenses of the Board and its committees, they have put at $1,646. If, as the 
committee recommended, a resolution be passed, that there be hereafter but one an- 
nual meeting of the Board, its expense will not exceed $500 or $600, which will leave 
amargin of upwards of one thousand dollars, for incidentals and contingencies, in- 
eluding the seal of the Institution not yet paid for. _ 

After these various items have been, as the committee think, all fully provided for, 
so that they shall not fall upon the current expenses of the year commencing on the 
19th of March next; there still remains, out of the above $25,646, the sum of seven- 
teen thousand dollars, to be appropriated to the building fund; as by the following 
synopsis of receipts and appropriations will more clearly appear: 


Proposed Appropriations, viz: 


Buemicancramboror hransactions —°_-_ 2-23 $2,000 
Pirawocnousom pic Architecture’? i. oe ee ee ee ee 2,000 
For experiments on building materials heretofore ordered by the Board ___- 500 
For part salary of Secretary-_------_-- SS Ls See ee eee 1,500 
SPEER RE Sse eee oes NN 8 ee eee ac ene eee 1,000 
Berrent COMM Iu Climo tm Cesarean eas Fe Ou 0 eee ores ect ee 17,000 
For contingencies, including expenses of the Board and of its committees__ 1,646 

Ley fe) eee renee eh RnR 8) FS eee ee 2 eee oie Ot $25,646 


450 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Receipts from interest, up to the 19th March, 1848, viz: 


Gnithe 1st‘of January 222-22 ee eee $15,455. 
On the 17th of February —----- --=5=) 2 nee eee 7,200 

Total from interest) {222228 5-420. eee $22,655. 
On hand, 1st December) 1927) e eset a ee ee 2,991 
Total available fund ite, 19th Merch AG4/=22 2 = 2 eee $25,646: 


By the report of the Building Committee, dated the 1st instant, it will be seen, 
that the expenditure for the building and grounds, including superintendence and 
other contingencies, was $25,002.67; say twenty-five thousand dollars. Add to this 
amount the above proposed appropriation of $17,000; and it will appear that, up to 
the 19th of March next, there is provided, towards the building fund, the amount of 
$42,000; being some six thousand dollars more than the probable expenditure to that 
date, as estimated by the Building Committee. 

If the above amount of $42,000 be deducted from the entire amount of building 
fund, as now proposed to be fixed at $250,000, it will leave, to be provided towards 
that fund, in the four years next following the 19th of March next, the sum of $208,- 
000. If, as proposed, this amount be spread equally over the said four years, it will 
give an expenditure, each year, for these objects, of $52,000. 

If, now we deduct from the annual income of the Institution, as it will stand on 
the 19th of March next, the sum of $15,000, hereinbefore proposed to be annually 
appropriated for objects not connected with the building and grounds, it will leave an 
annual amount, from accruing interest, of $30,310; which may go to the building 
fund, so long as the present investment remains undiminished. 

But, if we deduct this sum of $30,310 from the annual amount still to be provided 
for building purposes, in each of the four last years of the building contract, as 
shown above, to wit: from the sum of $52,000 we shall have an annual excess of 
expenditure, over available interest, of $21,690; which annual excess must be pro- 
vided for by sale of Treasury notes. And, as in proportion as these are sold, the in- 
terest on them, until the end of the term of the building contract, will be lost to the 
building fund; this annual excess, thus to be provided for by sale of Treasury notes, 
will, if we suppose it to be drawn at the commencement of each year, (which is the 
most unfavorable supposition,) reduce the invested fund, in the course of the four 
years ending 19th March, 1852, nearly $100,000; thus: 


Excess during the firsiivyearese: oa Lae ee ee $21,690 00 
Hour years interest oniditio —- sea eee eee 5,205 60 
‘Excess during the second ‘yearsce 2st So: See eee 21,690 00 
Three-yearsiinterest) on. ditfessi22--25 25S ae 38,904 20 
Hixcess: during the third year-255 25 ee See 21,690 00 
Two years jinterest on) ditto.222 2222 404 eee eee 2,602 80 
Excess during ‘the:fourthyear=..2252 2 oS suae ee 21,690 00 
One years Interestion ditto. 22: -ooe ose eee 1,301 40 

Total so. 2... sees ee. eee $99,774 00 


It appears, therefore, that, after setting aside sufficient appropriations for all objects. 
now in progress, together with an adequate allowance for contingencies up to the 
19th of March, 1848, we may, commencing from that date, authorize the annual ex- 
penditure until the completion of the building, of fifteen thousand dollars, for objects 
unconnected with the building fund; and then, if we restrict the building fund to- 
$250,000, and provide, that of the last $208,000 of that fund, not more than one- 
fourth of the same, that is to say $52,000, shall be spent in each of the last four years 
of the contract, shall be able to complete the building and grounds, including all 
expenses thereon, without withdrawing more than one hundred thousand from the 
present invested funds of the Institution. 

And as these invested funds, to wit: the sum of $755,169, amount to within $2,229: 
as much as the total amount of principal and interest by the charter conveyed to the 
Institution, it follows that, by the proposed plan the building may be completed 
without withdrawing from the original funds of the Institution, as they stood on the 
day it was chartered, more than $102,000. 

To the conditions necessary to bring about a result, which will be confessed to be 
desirable, there is not, the committee think, any just objection. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 451 


The Building Committee, after some experience and a careful examination of the 
subject, express, in their report, the opinion that a building fund of $250,000 will 
probably be sufficient. 

The expediency of applying to the building fund, for four years to come, the inte- 
rest accruing, over and above an annual sum of fifteen thousand dollars, alone re- 
mains to be considered. 

It is evident that the act organizing the Institution contemplated the application 
of a portion of the current interest, while the building was in progress, to its erection; 
for, after appropriating the accumulated interest for the erection of a building, it 
adds, in the fifth section, ‘‘ together with such sum or sums out of the annual inter- 
est accruing to the Institution as may, in one year, remain unexpended, after paying 
the current expenses of the Institution.’? The sole question, then, is what amount 
of that interest may, judiciously, be thus applied. . 

It will be admitted, that the amount suggested for the current expenses of the In- 
stitution, until the building shall be completed, to wit: the annual sum of fifteen 
thousand dollars, is a sufficient one gradually to bring its plans into execution, pro- 
vided a considerable portion of the same be not annually expended in the purchase of 
books and collections. 

The committee think this cannot wisely or advantageously be now done; and that, 
for the present, the only purchases made of books for the Institution, should be as 
heretofore expressed in the report of the Committee on Organization, of ‘‘such valu- 
able works of reference, as, in the prosecution of its plan, may be required.’? In 
accordance with these views, the committee report a resolution. 

If any considerable amount of books, beyond those required for present reference, 
be purchased at this time, they will lie in boxes, with much risk of injury, and no 
possibility of being accessible to the public. Nor, the committee think, will it be 
prudent or desirable, while the main building is in progress, and while temporary 
arrangements must be made in one of the wings for the reception of such works, as 
by purchase, by exchange, and from other sources, shall have accumulated in the 
library, to open that provisional library to the public. Few would be likely to resort 
to it, as a place of study, amid the noise and confusion incident to the erection of an 
extensive building. 

Again, though no large sums be spent directly for books, for the present, every ap- 
propriation made for the publication of Transactions, or other works, to be distrib- 
uted to learned scientific societies throughout the world, is a virtual contribution to 
the library. It cannot be doubted that the exchanges to which, by such extended 
distribution, the Institution will be entitled, will, in many cases, over pay, in the 
shape of additions to the library, the cost of the works distributed. 

And, finally, it should be remarked, that, under the scale of expenditure herein 
proposed, the sum of a hundred and forty thousand dollars will be added to the orig- 
inal capital of the Institution; making an addition to its income of eight thousand 
four hundred dollars, annually, forever; one-half of which, by the resolutions, will 
enure to the benefit of the library. It was doubted, at the time of the passage of 
these resolutions, whether, under their operation and supposing the entire income of 
the Institution to be the interest from its original capital, the permanent annual ap- 
propriation for the purchase of books, could exceed from four to five thousand dol- 
Jars. By the operation of the present plan, it may, therefore, be considered as 
doubled, or nearly so. The additional four thousand two hundred dollars added, by 
that plan annually, forever, to the library appropriation, is far more than an equivalent 
for the delay it presupposes in the accumulation of works not wanted for immediate 
reference or present purposes; a delay extending only to the period when suitable 
permanent arrangements can be made for their reception. 

- In accordance with the views herein given, the committee append to their report a 
series of resolutions, of which, they recommend the passage. 

All which is respectfully submitted. 

W. W. SEATON, 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, | Commits 
JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, 


Resolutions appended to Report of Executive Committee. 


Resolved, That the balance on hand, standing to the credit of the chairman of the 
Executive Committee on the 1st of December current, together with all interest 
accruing to the Institution, up to the 19th of March next, to wit: the interest due on 
the Ist of January next, and on the 17th of February next, amounting in all to the 
sum of $25,646, be appropriated as follows: that is to say— 


452 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


1. To the publication of the first volume of the Smithsonian Contributions to Sci- 
ence, two thousand dollars; being one thousand dollars in addition to the thousand 
dollars appropriated for this object, by resolution of the 26th of January last. 

2. To the publication of a thousand copies of a brief treatise, to be entitled 
‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,’’ heretofore authorized to be published by the Build- 
ing Committee, to be illustrated with designs of the Institution buildings, &c., two 
thousand dollars; being one thousand dollars in addition to the thousand dollars ap- 
propriated for this object by resolution of the 5th of February last. 

3. For experiments heretofore authorized to be instituted to determine the econom- 
ical value of building materials throughout the United States, five hundred dollars ; 
being the same sum appropriated for that object by resolution of the Ist of March 
last, but still unexpired. 

4. To purchase philosophical and chemical apparatus, one thousand dollars; being 
a portion of the four thousand dollars appropriated for this object by resolution of 
the 4th of December last. 

5. To part of salary of the Secretary, fifteen hundred dollars. 

6. To the building fund, seventeen thousand dollars, 

7. To incidental expenses and contingencies, including the expenses of the Board 
and its committees, sixteen hundred and forty-six dollars; or so much of that sum as 
may be required for these purposes. 


Resolved, That during each of the four years next following the 19th of March, 
1848, being the four years throughout which the unexpired term of the building con- 
tract runs, the proportion of expenditure shall be as follows: that is to say, out of 
the interest annually accruing to the Institution, the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, 
in each year, may be appropriated for the current expenses of the Institution, exclu- 
sive of all expenditures whatever properly belonging to the building fund; but 
including the expense of the Board and its committees; the salaries of officers, includ- 
ing messenger ; the expense of all publications, researches, or other similar under- 
takings; the purchase of books and apparatus, and all incidentals whatever, not 
connected with the expenditure on the building, or grounds. And the remainder of 
the interest accruing to the Institution shall, during each of these four years, be 
appropriated to the building fund. 


Resolved, That it is the deliberate opinion of this Board, that the entire cost of the 
Institution building, including the complete fitting up and furnishing of the same; 
lighting and heating, ventilating and draining the same; supplying the same with 
water; laying out in grass, and planting in trees and shrubs the lot; fencing the 
same, both with the present temporary fence, and the ultimate permanent one; also, 
all expenses for superintendence of erection, including the cost of architect’s office 
and other incidentals; so as to cover all expenses whatever, that have been, and are 
to be, incurred on the building and on the lot on which it stands, until the comple- 
tion of the building, and of the preparation of the lot, up to the 19th of March, 
1852, shall, under no circumstances, exceed the sum expended thereon up to the first 
of this month, to wit: the sum of $25,000 and $17,000, by a preceding reso- 
lution appropriated to the building fund, together with the annual accruing interest 
over $15,000 in each of the four years next following the 19th of March next, as in a 
former resolution provided, and the further sum of one hundred thousand dollars, to 
be raised by sale of that amount of the Treasury notes, now the property of the In- 
stitution, to be sold at not less than their par value, which said sum of seventeen 
thousand dollars, together with said annual interest over and above fifteen thousand 
dollars, and said sum of one hundred thousand doliars, now invested in Treasury 
notes, is hereby declared to be the building fund of the Institution. And the Build- 
ing Committee are hereby expressly instructed and required so to arrange their ex- 
penditures on the building and lot, including all items heretofore enumerated, that 
these expenditures shall not exceed the amount of the said building fund: it being 
understood that the said Building Committee have discretionary power in regard to 
such modifications and alterations as may suggest themselves, in the progress of the 
building, within the limits of the said building fund, but no other. And if, in order 
to keep within the limits of expenditure by this resolution prescribed, it shall be 
necessary to modify the plan as to reduce the cost of some portion of the building, 
the Building Committee are hereby authorized and empowered so to do. 


Resolved, That the Building Committee be, and they are hereby, instructed, so to 
arrange the expenditures from the said building fund, that the amount paid out of it, 
(exclusive of any balance that may remain, on the 19th of March next, unexpended, 
of the sum of seventeen thousand dollars hereinbefore appropriated,) shall not, at the 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 453 


close of any one year of the last four years of the building contract, exceed anaverage 
annual expenditure, throughout the said years, of fifty-two thousand dollars, to wit: 
at the end of one year an expenditure of fifty-two thousand dollars; at the end of 
two years, an expenditure of a hundred and four thousand dollars; and so on. 


Resolved, That all appropriations heretofore made by the Board, for the erection of 
the Institution, campus, including appropriations made on the 28th of January last 
for fitting up and furnishing the building, and for lighting and heating the same; 
also, for laying out, and planting and fencing the campus, be, and the same are 
hereby, rescinded ; and the sole appropriations for these objects are hereby declared 
to be those included in the preceding resolutions. 


Resolved, That, for the present, the resolution of the Board, passed on the 4th De- 
cember last, and authorizing an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars for the 
purchase of books, and which said appropriation is to commence from the Ist of Jan- 
ary next, shall be strictly construed to authorize only the purchase of such valuable 
books of reference, as the Secretary, or the Building or Executive Committees, may 
consider useful for present purposes, or otherwise likely to be immediately demanded 
in the prosecution of the plan of the Institution: Provided, however, that nothing in 
this, nor in the preceding series of resolutions contained, shall be construed to rescind, 
nor in any way impair the force of, certain resolutions passed by the Board on the 
26th and 28th of January last, including the following: 


“ Resolved, That for the purpose of carrying into effect the two principal modes of 
executing the act and trust pointed out in the resolutions herewith submitted, the 
permanent appropriations out of the accruing interest shall, so soon as the buildings 
are completed, be annually as follows: that is to say— 

‘« First, for the formation of a library composed of valuable works pertaining to all 
departments of useful knowledge, and for the procuring, arranging, and preserving 
of the various collections of the Institution, as well of natural history, and objects 
of foreign and curious research, and of elegant art as others, including those of the 
first complete arrangement of all such collections and objects as now belong to the 
United States in the Museum of the Institution, when completed, together with one- 
half of the salary of the Secretary, the sum of fifteen thousand dollars. 

‘¢ Secondly, for the preparation and publication of transactions, reports, and all other 
publications of the Institution, including appropriations for original researches, and 

remiums for original papers; for the delivery of all lectures and payment of all 
ecturers, and for all general expenses connected with said lectures and publications, 
together with one-half of the salary of the Secretary, the remainder accruing inter- 
est; it being understood that all general and incidental expenses, not specially con- 
nected with either of the above two great divisions of the plan of the Institution 
shall be equally divided between them.” 


And including also the following: 


¢ Resolved, That it is the opinion and intention of the Board that, in the appropri- 
ation for the objects of the Institution of any surplus of accrued interest which may 
remain after the completion of the buildings of the Institution, an equal division 
shall be made between the two great branches; that is to say, one-half shall be ap- 
propriated to the library and museum fund, and the other half to the fund for origi- 
nal research, publications, and lectures ; and that, in regard to all other funds here- 
after to accrue to the Institution the same division be made: And provided, also, 
that the present series of resolutions shall not be construed to rescind or impair 
the force of a certain other resolution of the 26th of January last, passed by the 
Board, for the election of an Assistant Secretary to act as Librarian, and whose sal- 
ary it was therein declared should commence ‘‘ whenever the building is ready for 
the reception of the library: And provided, further, that nothing in the present res- 
olutions contained shall be construed to take from the Executive Committee the 
power, heretofore, to wit: by resolution of the 26th January, granted to them to 
make to the Assistant Secretary elect, such compensation as they may deem reason- 
able for services he may render from time to time, in making catalogues or perform- 
ing other similar duties for the Institution.” 

Resolved, That there shall, hereafter, be one regular annual meeting of the Board 
of Regents, and no more, unless specially called according to the provisions of the 
act organizing the Institution; and that said annual meeting be held on the first 
Wednesday in January of each year: Provided, That the regular annual meeting for 
the year eighteen hundred and forty-eight shall be held on the second Wednesday in 
December of that year. 


454 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


In corroboration of the calculations made in the foregoing report, touching the 
amount which, on the scale of expenditure proposed, would be withdrawn from the 
original funds of the Institution, to complete the building, with its contingencies, 
Mr. Totten laid before the committee a table of estimates, exhibiting, by a somewhat 
different process, results similar to those set forth in that report. 

These estimates are as follows: 


Mr. Totten’s Estimates. 


Principal .__----------------- $515,169.—Interest thereon per annum_ $30,910 (a) 
LreasurysnOles=====—sss=—==—== 240,000. 

Totaly) ees eee $755, 169. 
Sum proposed to make applicable to the building__----_.--___.-__-______. $250,000 
Deduct amount which will have been expended up to 19th March, 1848_-__ 42,000 
Dividing the remainder by 4 will give_-_-------- -_---_-.- $52,000 x 4= 208,000 


for the amount to be expended, each year, for four 
years, upon the building. 
But it is proposed, to expend besides, the sum of $15,000 annually, for the 
same period, on other objects; making expenditure per annum-_-__- 67,000 


Which sum may be provided for, as follows: 
FIRST YEAR. 


12 months interest on the principal of $515,169, (called a)__---_-__-______- $30,910 
6 e uC on $240,000 of Treasury notes._-_ 2... -L=.---2 ah 7,200 
22,370 y ‘“« sold at end of 6 months__ 22,370 
6 months interest on $217,630 of Treasury notes__._.__.-____. -----. .___ oe 6,528 
$67,008 

SECOND YEAR. 
12 months interest on the principal (@) -~-----2--...+---— --_...-.-.-_2. / $30,910 
6 ce a on:$217,630.0f, Treasury notes#= 2) s454-) 52206 eee 6,528 
23,750 ts ‘sold at end of 6 months._._ 28,750 
6 months interest on $193,880 of Treasury notes___.----_.---...-__.--.. 5,816 
$67,004 

THIRD YEAR. 
12 months interest:on‘principal (a) 2 ==. 20). 2 ee eee $30,910 
6 st a on $193;880.o0f ‘Treasury notess_ 2224552 5) te 5,816 
25,215 be “sold at end of 6 months__ 25,215 
6 months interest on $168,665 of Treasury notes_.___-___----_. ----_---__ 5,059 
$67,000 

FOURTH YEAR. 
12, months interest on. the principal (a) =2).82 22. bee a $30,910 
Cpe ss *) on $168,665 of, Treasury. notes. 9-2) Jo. ae 5,059 
26,780 &¢ ‘sold at end of 6 months__ 26,780 
6 months interest on $141,885 of Treasury notesoss 22823 ei ee eee 4,256 
‘ $67,005 
Treasury motes'sold—Wirstiyear 2 2 2.) $22,370 
Second year. uc. .2.2:)2et a ae | ae 23,750 
Whird: years .<. ase ee 25,215 
Fourth year... Lleol.) cd ee 


Total, Ereasiary notes sold). 2 ooh eo a $98,115 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 455 


_ The completion of this scheme of operations will, at the end of five years, that is 
_ ‘to say, on the 19th of March, 1852, have afforded the following results: 


_ The building, grounds, &c., will be complete, and everything in readiness 


to go into full operation on an expenditure of _-__--.._____________ $250,000 
‘There will have been expended on other objects, in fulfillment of the pur- 
poses of the testator, the further sum of ~.~._.-__._________._2____ 68,500 


$318,500 


The total amount of the fund, committed to the Regents, was— 


Bee capital sn20 1st See BMS hie ed 22 a $515,169 
peecumulnted: interest ....2L 222 222i ee ke ok. 242,129 
s 4 : $757,298 
‘There will remain of this fund— 
Pee inel CApltaWer see -- 515,169 
Accumulated interest (in Treasury notes)-_-.------ 141,885 
657,054 
Total reduction in the original fund___.----__- $100,244 


But this reduction of $100,000 has produced fruits, in accordance with the design 
of the trust, to the value of $318,000. 

The income, after March 19, 1852, will be derived from the sum of $657,054; and 
will annually amount to $39,423. 

The above calculations have disregarded small amounts. 

By selling the Treasury notes only at the moment their proceeds are wanted, a no- 
table amount may be saved, which has not been estimated for above. 

And it may be, that other important savings may be made, by investing in other 
Treasury notes, all accruing interests, that may not be immediately wanted. 

[Norz.—The small variations between the results obtained through these estimates and those given 
in the report of the committee, rest chiefly on this, that Mr. Totten has supposed the Treasury notes 


sold out, on the 1st of July of each year; while in the report, they are supposed to be sold on each 
ist of January.] 3 


Mr. Owen submitted, relative to the seal of the Institution, a let- 
jter from Mr. Stabler, a letter from Mr. Peale, chief coiner of the 
(Mint, at Philadelphia, and Mr. Stabler’s account, as follows : 


Sanpy Sprine, 12 Month, 3, 1847. 
R. Date Owen. 

ReEsPECTED FRIEND: Thy favor of yesterday is received. JI can deliver the press 
on the 8th, but fear it is not possible to have the stand and case ready. 

I have been waiting near three months for authority to have a mahogany stand 
and case made, suitable, and in character with the other work; which Colonel Seaton 
felt a delicacy in giving, without the sanction of the other members of the committee. 
As thou wast not in Washington, I wrote to Colonel Totten, at Colonel Seaton’s sug- 
‘gestion, (some six or eight weeks since,) but have received no reply. 

Last week, I gave the order to have the stand and case made, and I fear it cannot 
be done in time to deliver by the 8th, but, if practicable, it shall be, for I would like 
to deliver it to the Board, collectively ; it being, by far, the finest finished piece of 
work I ever executed, both seal and press. 

The price I usually charge the United States Government for my best press, (tho’ 
inferior in finish to this,) and a steel seal, including case, is $276. 

For this, I shall charge $376, and then not be near so well paid for the time and 
labor bestowed in giving a correct likeness on steel. 

It has not been a profitable job, nor did I undertake it with that view; but it was 
to furnish something that would be a credit to the country and to the arts, as well as to 
myself. It will last, too, for generations. 

I submitted an impression to the chief coiner of the Mint, perhaps as good a judge 
as there is in the country, and enclose his reply, as to the value of such a die. 

Annexed is my bill, receipted, as thou requests; and I also enclose a few cards for 
the Board to have an opportunity of seeing the proof impressions. 


I am, very respectfully, thy friend, 
EDWARD STABLER. 


456 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


P. S.—At thy leisure, please return F. Peale’s letter. I suggested to Colonel Sea~ 
ton, my putting up the press, &c., in the National Institute, until your building was 
ready to receive it—the key in your possession, of course. This would afford an op- 
portunity of exhibiting the work, and most probably more to my benefit than the 
small profit I shall make on it. Please advise me by return of mail, if the proposi- 
tion meets thy views also. 

Our mail closes on the evening of the 6th, (Monday,) and I would be glad to know 
where it is to be delivered, before leaving home, as it will save me trouble. ne 

H 


PHILADELPHIA, November 16, 1847. 


My Dear Sir: Your specimen enclosed, is a beautiful piece of work. As a seal, 
it is, in my opinion, unequalled, and, therefore, highly creditable to your skill. I 
have no criticism to make, and do not think $250 unreasonable. 

I am engaged on a medal, at this time, and am so much pleased with the lettering 
on the Smithsonian seal, that I may possibly solicit the favor of your putting in the 
legend and inscription. 

Very respectfully, 
FRANKLIN PEALE. 

Epwarp STABLER, Esq. 


12 Month, 1, 1847. 
Smithsonian Institution, 
To Epwarp STAB Ler, Dr. 


For a cast-steel screw seal press, extra finish, and a cast-steel die, hardened, 
with portrait of James Smithson; and counter-die, stand and case, 
delivered in Washington citys: W222 See ee ene enue $376 00 
Received payment, in full, 
EDWARD STABLER. 


The question concerning the approval of the above account com- 
ing up for consideration, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Stabler’s account for the seal of the Institution, together with 
the letters concerning it, be referred to the Board of Regents. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Notr.—On the 13th December, 1847, Mr. Totten asked the Board of Regents, then 
in session, to be excused from further service as a member of the Executive Commit- 
tee; and stated to the Board, that the time necessarily employed by him as member 
of the Building Committee was as much as he could spare from his professional 

uties. 


He was excused; and Mr. Alexander Dallas Bache was elected to fill the vacancy 
thus created. 


EIGHTH MEETING. 


December 18, 1847. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) Owen and Bache. 

Mr. Bache submitted to the committee a report, embodying a. 
resolution making appropriations for objects other than those to be 
provided for out of the building fund, for one year from the 19th 
of March, 1848; prepared in accordance with a resolution of the 
Board of Regents, passed this day. 


The report, after consideration, was approved by the committee, 
and is as follows: 


Mr. Bache, from the Executive Committee, to whom was referred a resolution of 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 457 


the 13th instant, relative to appropriations for the year commencing on the 19th of 
March, 1848, made the following report: 

The committee, after consultation with the Secretary, recommend the passage of 
the following resolution. 

That the appropriation for the year commencing on the 19th of March, 1848, for 
objects other than those provided for out of the building fund be, for the present, as 
follows : 

For the publication of Transactions, the sum of three thousand five hundred dol- 
lars. 

For computation relating to occultations, two hundred and fifty dollars. 

For purchase of magnetic instruments, six hundred dollars. 

For instruments and other expenses connected with meteorological observations, one 
thousand dollars. 

For arrangement of apparatus, &c., in such portion of the building as shall be 
completed next autumn, one hundred and fifty dollars. 

For expenses of lectures, including lighting of lecture room, five hundred dollars. 

For publication of scientific reports, five hundred dollars. 

For general expenses of the Institution, including salary of officers, expenses of 
Board and its committees, clerk-hire, postage, &c., seven thousand five hundred dol- 
lars; or, so much of each of the said sums as may, in the said year, be required. 


*a. For the purchase of books and incidents connected therewith, one thousand 
dollars. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


NINTH MEETING. 


December 15, 1847. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) Owen and Bache. 

The Chairman submitted to the committee a report, giving a 
table of the expenditures of the Institution since its commence- 
ment; and recommending a resolution in regard to the seal of the 
Institution. 

It was examined, approved, and signed by the committee, and is 
as follows: 


Mr. Seaton, from the Executive Committee, made the following report: 
The Executive Committee report the state of the funds of the Institution, on the 
1st instant, as follows: 


The Board of Regents have drawn from the Treasury, of accruing inter- 


est, to pay the current expenses of the Institution-_----_-_---_~- $40,660 81 
The disbursements from this fund have been as follows: 

For expenses of Board of Regents, and its committees___..-_--__ ------ $3,876 47 
For materials and erection of specimen walls, and superintendence thereof_ 393 63 
CED OOKsS URC ASC (mere trek SE eee ee eee 555 99 
For compensation to architects for designs, &c_..-.-----. -------------- 1,825 00: 
MescCcOriine and) COpyine-- 222. ss sano one ed 378 98 
OTERO IVACESIOPen essen eres 2.2. Ws See eee oe eee 402 50 
ao eervicesor Assistant, Secretary ...--- 222 Us os aa St 200 00 
RRR RRS Cre eee ee ee ne ee ee eee cee ees cece 28,99 
PRO VR pC lryb in Cees eee eee ay 2 aE es fe See eee es Se! 347 63 
For examination of quarries, including expenses of geologist-_--------- 370 76 
For perspective views of Institution ---.----------- Serer ee ate et ae 200 00 
For chemical examination of building materials _--_-_-_-__---.--_------- 94 50 
For expenses connected with ceremonies, &c., on the occasion of laying 

ftiedcundation stone of building _.--osese SE ee 185 37 
RRPRIN RINGO st ree oe oa ie 2 cede cies me oe 112 83 


For philosophical and chemical apparatus -.__---.---..--------------- 1,571 47 


458 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Wor salary of Secretary -----+-~=-----==----- = ee ----- $1,750 00 


For expense of first volume of Transactions, in part —----------------- 203 53 
For incidentals, including furnishings, freight, carriage, hack-hire, &c_- 557 20 
For surveying and recording levels of Institution grounds___---___-___- 112 50 
For expenses of building, including superintendence -------.--------.. 25,002 67 

$37,670 02 
Balance in the hands of Corcoran & Riggs, Ist December, 1847_.-..__-- 2,990 79 


$40,660 81 


The entire amount of the funds of the Institution on the Ist instant, was $758,- 
159.79; being $861.79 more than the amount of its funds, on the day of the passage 
of the act by which it was organized ; and on the first of next month, there will be 
due of interest $15,455. 

The Institution has no debts, except a few unimportant items not yet rendered, and 
also an account for the seal of the Institution. 

In regard to this latter, the committee report that, they employed Mr. Edward 
Stabler of Sandy Springs, Maryland, to execute, in accordance with a resolution of 
the Board of the 24th February last, a seal for the Institution, comprehending the 
medallion head of Smithson, surrounded by the words ‘Smithsonian Institution.” 
Mr. Stabler has executed the work to the entire satisfaction of the committee, and 
they submit to the Board a proof impression of the seal. The impression is made by 
a cast-steel screw press. The committee were not able to make any positive contract 
with Mr. Stabler, previously to commencing the work, Mr. Stabler stating that his 
charge would be reasonable, and in proportion to the labor expended. Mr. Stabler 
now charges, for the seal and press, together with stand and case, $376. The com- 
mittee have not paid him, because they think the charge too high. In making it, 
Mr. Stabler forwarded to the committee a letter from Mr. Franklin Peale, chief 
coiner of the mint, Philadelphia, herewith submitted. Mr. Peale expresses the opin- 
ion, that $250 would not be an unreasonable charge. The stand and case cost $26; 
so that, at that rate, the entire bill would amount to $276; which the committee 
think a sufficient price. They report a resolution accordingly. 

All which is respectfully submitted. 

W. W. SEATON, 


ROBERT DALE OWEN; | commit 
A. D. BACHE. 
DrEcEMBER 15, 1847. 


Resolution accompanying the foregoing report: 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to pay Mr. Edward Stabler, 
for seal and press executed by him, together with its stand and case, two hundred and 
seventy-six dollars, out of any money in the treasury of the Institution not other- 
wise appropriated ; and that the Chairman of the Executive Committee communicate 
to Mr. Stabler a copy of this resolution. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


TENTH MEETING. 


December 22, 1847. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Owen. 
Mr. Edward Stabler appeared before the committee, and pre- 
sented to them his seal and press. 
The resolution of the Board of the 15th instant, was presented to 
him; it being in the following words, to wit: 


fesolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to pay Mr. Edward Stabler, 
for seal and press executed by him, together with its stand and case, two hundred and 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 459 


seventy-six dollars, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated ; 
and that the Chairman of the Executive Committee communicate to Mr. Stabler a 
copy of this resolution. 


Whereupon, Mr. Stabler expressed his dissatisfaction, and his 
unwillingness to receive the sum of $276 in full, for his seal, press 
and case; representing that the Board had misconceived the letter 
of Mr. Peale, relative to the value of the work; the sum of $250, 
in that letter mentioned, being meant by Mr. Peale to apply to the 
dies only, and not to the press or stand. 

Thereupon, Mr. Stabler was advised to take the seal and press to 
the Vice-President’s room, in the Capitol, where the Board would 
be able to inspect it, at their meeting of this evening; and was in- 
formed that the matter would be again referred to the Board for 
their action, and that the explanation Mr. Stabler had just made to 
the committee, would be, by the committee, repeated to the Board. 

The chairman called the attention of the committee to a pream- 
ble and resolution, passed by the Board of Regents, as follows, to 
wit : 


WHEREAS, it has been intimated to this Board that, the American Sculptor, Hiram 
Powers, desires to make some arrangement, by which his marble statue of the Greek 
Slave, may obtain, at the seat of Government of his native country, a suitable tri- 
bune in a fire-proof building, where it shall forever remain open, ultimately without 
charge, to his countrymen, and others visiting the metropolis ; therefore— 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be, and they are hereby, authorized to 
make with the said Hiram Powers, or his duly authorized agent, a contract, in regard 
to the procurement and safe keeping of the said statue, as follows, to wit: That the 
Smithsonian Institution will receive, and place in a fire-proof portion of the build- 
ing, the said statue, in three years from this date; that it is to say, on the 15th De- 
cember, 1850, or such earlier Cate as the said statue shall be received, the Smithsonian 
Institution binds and obliges itself, to keep the said statue on exhibition, and charging 
for a single ticket twenty-five cents; and for a season ticket, to be valid for one year, 
fifty cents; and that they will pay over, from time to time, unto the said Hiram 
Powers, the gross amount of the receipts of said exhibition, without any deduction 
therefrom, for rent, attendance, or any other incidental expense whatever ; said gross 
receipts to be in full payment of the said statue, which shall thereafter remain the 
property of the Smithsonian Institution; and the said Institution binds and obliges 
itself, at the expiration of the said three years of exhibition of the said statue, and for- 
ever after, safely to keep the said statue, and to admit visitors to the same, at reason- 
able times, as they are admitted to the other collections of the Institution, free of all 
charge whatsoever. 

Resolved, That the Chairman of the Executive Committee transmit to Miner K. 
Kellogg, Esq., in whose charge the said statue now is, a copy of the foregoing pre- 
amble and resolution. 


In connection with the above resolutions, the chairman submit- 
ted the following copy of a letter which he had, to-day, addressed 
to Mr. Kellogg: 


WASHINGTON, December 22, 1847. 


Str: I am instructed by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, to 
enclose to you a copy of a preamble and resolution, relative to the statue of our coun- 
tryman, Mr. Powers, now in your possession. 

I have not had an opportunity of seeing the ‘‘Greek Slave,’’ but from the current 
testimony of the press and of men of taste, who have inspected it, I have formed so 
high an opinion of the merits of the work, that it will afford me sincere gratification 


460 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


should Mr. Powers see fit to make with our Institution a contract, upon the terms 
proposed by the Board. 

Mr. Owen, Chairman of our Building Committee, informs me that he has written 
to you on the subject, and especially in regard to the particular location proposed for 
the statue. In case we obtain it, I have only to add that, the Executive Committee 
holds itself prepared, at any time, to execute with Mr. Powers, or his authorized 
agent, a contract, in accordance with the terms of the enclosed resolution. 


I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
W. W. SEATON, 


Chairman Executive Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 
Miner K. KEutoua, Esq. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Norr.—On the 13th December, Mr. Owen asked to be excused from serving as a 
member of the Executive Committee; stating to the Board, that the most important 
duties of this committee would hereafter be, to select among various scientific objects 
and researches, those to which appropriations should be made; and that there were 
gentlemen on the Board, not members of this committee, particularly a Regent from 
Washington, better qualified than himself, to make such selection. He was not ex- 
cused. 

On the 22d December, Mr. Owen renewed his application to be excused from ser- 
vice on the Executive Committee; stating to the Board that, if in accordance with 
the tenor of a resolution heretofore passed by the Board, he should be re-elected Re- 
gent, his duties as Chairman of the Building Committee would occupy much of his 
time; especially as there had been referred to him, by that committee, the prepara- 
tion of the manuscript of the work on ‘ Public Architecture,’’ with the publication 
of which they had been charged by the Board. 

Mr. Owen was excused; and Mr. Pearce was elected to fill the vacancy thus cre- 
ated. 


ELEVENTH MEETING. 
December 23, 1847. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Bache. 
The following resolution, passed yesterday by the Board, on the 
subject of a communication of Mr. Stabler’s, relative to his seal 
and press, was laid, by the chairman, before the committee. 


Resolved, That Mr. Stabler’s communieation be referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee, with power to increase the compensation, if they deem it just, within the 
limits of the account rendered. 

Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Seaton— 


Resolved, That Mr. Bache be requested to cause Mr. Saxton to examine Mr. Sta- 
bler’s press and seal, and to give his opinion as to its value. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


TWELFTH MEETING. 
December 23, 1847. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Bache. 
Mr. Bache reported to the committee, that Mr. Saxton had ex- 
amined the seal and press of Mr. Stabler; and, considering it a 
work of the highest artistic skill and beauty of execution, was of 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 461 


opinion, that the price charged by Mr. Stabler, to wit: the sum of 
$376, was, in fact, less than its fair value. 
Whereupon, on motion of Mr. Bache— 


catia That the chairman be authorized to pay Mr. Stabler the full amount of 
is bill. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


THIRTEENTH MEETING. 


January 3, 1848. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Bache. 

The chairman laid before the committee the following reply, from 
Mr. M. Kellogg, to the letter addressed by him (the chairman) to 
Mr. Kellogg, under date the 26th ultimo, relative to Power’s statue 
of the Greek Slave : 


Boston, July 17, 1848. 
W. W. SEarTon, Esq. 

Dear Sir: On the 19th May last, I wrote to Robert D. Owen, Esq., an answer to 
an inquiry of his, relative to the ‘‘ Greek Slave,” for the Smithsonian Institution, in 
which I said that I could not bind Mr. Powers to accept the offer of the Institution 
on account of the difficulties which Mr. Robb, of New Orleans, had thrown in the 
way of Mr. Powers, &., &e. 

These difficulties having been settled, I hasten to say to you that, it will give me 
the greatest pleasure to make the final arrangements necessary to the acceptance of 
the terms contained in the proposal of the Board of Regents. I shall stand ready to 
deliver the statue of the Slave, now in my possession, (or another one which Mr. 
Powers may execute hereafter,) into the possession of the Institution, within eighteen 
months, (or by the time the tower shall be finished, and ready for its reception, after 
that time,) according to the terms mentioned in the resolutions and proposals of the 
Board of Regents. 

‘Whenever my services are required in assisting the architect, in his designs for the 
room in the tower, please let me know, and I will be happy to render them. 

I know that Mr. Powers feels highly gratified at the liberal offer you have made to 
him; and could I lay my hands upon his letter, expressive of his feelings, I would 
transcribe what he says. 


Please accept the assurance of my esteem, and excuse haste. 
MINER K. KELLOGG. 


FOURTEENTH MEETING. 
. February 8, 1848. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton (Chairman) and Bache. 
The Secretary read a letter from Professor Jewett, Assistant 
Secretary of the Institution, in regard to compensation for past 
services to the Board of Regents. 


Whereupon, it was— 


Resolved, That the Board of Regents, having authorized the Executive Committee 
to make to the Assistant Secretary, acting as Librarian, a suitable compensation for 
his past services in advising the Building Committee, and in communicating infor- 
mation required by committees, and for his expenses in visiting Washington and 
New York, on business of the Institution, the committee hereby authorize and direct 


462 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


the Secretary to pay to the Assistant Secretary, for past services and expenses, the 
sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


FIFTEENTH MEETING. 
March 14, 1848. 

Present, Messrs. Pearce and Bache. 

The Secretary made report of several scientific communications. 
he had received, and presented among the number a sealed packet 
from Professor Schaeffer, of Danville, Kentucky, relative to chem- 
istry. 

Also, of the unpacking of the apparatus received from Paris, the 
articles of which being found generally in a good condition have 
been disposed of in a room in the Patent Office. 

Also, of the publication and distribution of the copies of the 
table of occultations, for the year 1848, and the reception of a 
number of letters commendatory of the plan of this publication. 

Also, of the reception of several articles of natural history for 
the museum, which were put in charge of Mr. Peale to be pre- 
served. 

Also, a letter and papers from Professor Jewett, recommending 
a plan for the collection of the books presented to the Institution, 
under the act of Congress establishing the Institution. All of 
which, on motion, were referred to the Library Committee of Con- 
gress, through Mr. Pearce. 

The Secretary also presented a letter from Mr. Prince, of Flush- 
ing, making a proposition for the planting of American forest 
trees in the grcunds of the Institution; which, on motion, was re- 
ferred to the Building Committee. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


SIXTEENTH MEETING. 


May 19, 1848. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) Pearce and Bache. 
On motion, it was— 


Ordered, That the Secretary be requested to obtain an engraving, or cut, of the 
head of Smithson in the medallion form, to be printed on the title page of the books 
published by the Institution, and to form part of the title. 


Mr. Pearce reported, that the letter from Professor Jewett, re- 
ferred to in the minutes of 14th March, had been laid before the 
Library Committee of Congress, and that the committee had deter- 
mined to report a bill, amendatory of the law, in regard to the 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 463 


receipt of copy-right books by the Library of Congress, and the 
Smithsonian Institution. 


Ordered, That 250 copies of the Senate document, containing the report of the Re- 
gents to Congress, (for 1847,) and 250 copies, in addition, of the report of the Build- 
ing Committee, be obtained, by the Secretary, for the use of the Regents. 


Ordered, That the chairman of the committee and the Seeretary of the Institution, 
be a sub-committee, to have the report of the Secretary (for 1847) printed for the use 
of the Regents. 


The Secretary laid before the committee a proposal from Dr. 
Hare, to present to the Smithsonian Institution his collection of 
chemical and physical apparatus on certain conditions, in reference 
to repairs and placing the instruments; which, on motion, was 
referred to a sub-committee, composed of Mr. Bache and the Sec- 
retary, who were instructed to have an interview with Dr. Hare, 
and ascertain, precisely, the terms on which the apparatus will be 
presented. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


SEVENTEENTH MEETING. 
July 6, 1848. 

Present, Messrs. Seaton, (Chairman,) Pearce and Bache. 

The Secretary reported progress in regard to obtaining an en- 
graving of the head of Smithson, and procuring the apparatus of 
Dr. Tare. 

Also, the condition of the first volume of the Smithsonian Con- 
tributions to Knowledge, and the printing of the copies of the 
programme and Secretary’s report. 

The Secretary reported that he had published an ephemeris of 
the planet Neptune, by Mr. 8. C. Walker, for distribution among 
astronomers, 

The Secretary communicated a proposal from Mr. Stevens to 
make a catalogue of books relating to America, prior to 1700. 

Also, his intention to advance sums of fifty dollars, from time to 
time, as might be necessary, to Professor Spencer F. Baird, to ena- 
ble him to have drawings made of researches in embryology of 
reptiles and fishes, as recommended by Dr. J. 8. Morton, of Phila- 
delphia, and Professor 8. 8. Haldeman, of Columbia, whose opin- 
ions were asked by the Secretary. 

The payment of Thomas Berry’s bill, for cartage of stone for 
specimen walls, &c., $12; and James Reily, for digging to ascertain 
nature of soil for foundations, $1, was ordered. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


464 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 


EIGHTEENTH MEETING. 


August 10, 1848. 
Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman); and, by invitation, Mr. Marsh, 
Colonel Totten, and Colonel Davis. 
The Secretary presented the following subjects for consideration 
and advice, viz: 


First. A proposition of Mr. G. Nye, to sell # collection of pictures of the old mas- 
ters to the Institution; which purchase was not regarded as coming within the au- 
thority of the committee. 


Second. Request of Mr. Skinner, that the Institution purchase of him the Farmer’s 
Library, (three volumes,) and Journal of Agriculture, (three volumes); which was 
agreed to. 

Third. First volume of Contributions through the press; can be bound in cloth 
for 85 cents per volume. (It was ordered that they be so bound.) 


Fourth. Proposed to distribute the volume—first, to colleges; second, to learned 
societies; third, to certain individuals. 


On motion— ; 
Resolved, That the distribution be left to the discretion of the Secretary. 


Fifth. Proposed to send circulars with the volumes, asking colleges and institutions 
for catalogues of libraries, histories, and other documents relative to institutions. 


Sixth. Second volume of contributions will probably be commenced in the course 
of the present year. Professor Jewett will superintend the press. 


Seventh. Proposition of Mr. Stevens to prepare a bibliographical account of all 
books relative to America, previous to 1700; to be published as a part of the Smith- 
sonian Contributions to Knowledge. 


The Secretary read answers to letters which he had addressed to 
different individuals on the subject. These answers were highly 
commendatory of the plan. 

The Secretary had given opinion that the work would be adopted 
for publication after having been approved by a commission ap- 
pointed to examine it. 


Fighth. Dr. Hare had unconditionally presented his apparatus to the Institution. 
The Secretary had employed workmen to polish, repair, and pack the same. The ar- 
ticles will fill a canal boat. 


Ninth. Proposition to purchase from Dr. Hare a complete set of ‘‘ Annales de Chi- 
mie,’’ to accompany the apparatus. Agreed to. 


Tenth. Proposition to pay Dr. Hare’s expenses when in Washington, he having 
come on to meet the committee. Expenses about twenty dollars. Agreed to. 


Eleventh. The Secretary reported that Mr. Trist had presented the paper-holding 
press, which he employed in his agency to Mexico. A very convenient article, and 
very acceptable, independently of its historic associations. 


Twelfth. Also, that Mr. Irwin had presented a bust of Thorwaldsen, in bronze, two 
volumes of Etchings, and a pamphlet by Professor Abraham, of the University of 
Copenhagen. Also a copy of a rare edition of the Bible. 


Thirteenth. The Secretary gave an account of the progress of the system of mete- 
orology. Mr. Espy has been re-appointed United States Meteorologist—agreement 
with him to co-operate with the Institution. The Secretary of the Navy had agreed 
to assign Mr. Espy to the direction of the Institution. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 465 


Arrangements made to send sets of meteorological instruments 
to California; also, one to Bent’s Fort, another to Santa Fé. 


Fourteenth. Proposition of a topographical exploration of the mountain chains of 
the United States, and to collect the results of all the canal and railroad explorations. 
Considered an interesting and important object. 


Fifteenth. The Secretary reported that he had procured the seal for the title page 
of the publications of the Institution, and exhibited a copy. 
Also, the following motto from the manuscript of Smithson : 


‘Every man is a valuable member of society who, by his observations, researches, 
and experiments, procures knowledge for men.”’ 


Mr. Marsh presented a letter from , offering 
to sell to the Institution a collection of shoes, illustrative of the 
changes in the form of this article of dress. 

The purchase was declined; the articles would be accepted as a 
gift. 

The report of the Secretary was accepted. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
% 


NINETEENTH MEETING. 


December 11, 1848. 

Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Bache, Mr. Pearce, and 
the Secretary. 

The Secretary gave an account of the following transactions since 
the last meeting. 

The Secretary stated, that during the recess he had given an 
account of the programme of the operations of the Institution to 
the Historical Society of New Jersey, and to the American Asso- 
ciation for the Advancement of Science. The programme has been 
received with general approbation, and will, in the Secretary’s 
opinion, be approved of, when it becomes generally known, by 
every reflecting mind. 

The first volume of the Contributions had been completed, and 
was in process of distribution. 

The binding, on account of the difficulty of getting cloth of the 
proper color, and the use of an impression of the head of Smith- 
son on the back, would cost forty-two cents per volume, instead of 
thirty-five cents. 

Professor Jewett had been engaged to assist in distributing the 
copies. 

A circular had been prepared to accompany the copies as dis- 
tributed, asking the publications of the Institutions to which the 

30 


466 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


volume was sent in exchange. Also, an expression of opinion and 
suggestions relative to the programme adopted. 

A circular had been prepared by Professor Jewett, and had been 
sent to the same institutions for the purpose of collecting statistics 
as to the several libraries in this country. Answers to these are 
now received daily. 

The copies of the first volume of the Contributions had been 
deposited for safe-keeping in the Custom House in New York. 
The Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Walker, readily granted a room 
for this purpose, on application of the Secretary of the Institution. 

The Computation of Occultations—With the advice of Dr. Bache, 
the Secretary had ventured to order the computation of a set of 
tables of occultations similar to those published last year, for the 
year 1849. These will be of great importance to the officers of the 
General Government who may be engaged on the boundary surveys 
of the new possessions of our country; and indeed it would be but 
just if the Government were to pay part of the expense of the pub- 
lication of these tables. The computations include occultations 
visible over nearly the whole of North America, and it is presumed 
the committee will not think three hundred dollars too large a sum 
to be paid Mr. Downes for the labor of the calculation of these 
tables, when it is stated that it has occupied his whole time, at the 
rate of eight hours a day, for six months, with the almost constant 
assistance of his wife. In order to insure accuracy, and that there 
might be stricken off extra numbers, the tables have been stereo- 
typed. The distribution of the pamphlet on occultations has been 
commenced. 

Meteorology.—The Secretary of the Navy has officially directed 
Professor Espy to call upon the Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution for direction as to his meteorological labors. In connection 
with Mr. Espy a circular has been addressed to all persons who 
would probably be disposed to take part in the contemplated system 
of observations. Six sets of barometers and thermometers have 
been compared with a standard, and forwarded by the steamer 
“Panama” to the coast of Oregon and California. Also, a set has 
been prepared for Bent’s Fort, and another for Santa Fé. The 
workman has unfortunately disappointed the Secretary in getting 
the latter ready in time to send by Mr. St. Vrain. The Secretary 
acknowledges his obligation to Professor Coffin, of Lafayette Col- 
lege, for a very extensive list of observers, extending over the entire 
American continent. 

Second Volume of Contributions—A number of memoirs have been 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 467 


received. One on the Zodiac of the Asteroids, by Professor Hub- 
bard, of the National Observatory; another, an account of a new 
comet discovered by an American lady, written by herself; another 
on the affinity of the Sanscrit and Chinese languages. Also sev- 
eral memoirs have been proposed, and are now in process of prep- 
aration. One by Professor Curley, giving an account of George- 
town Observatory, of the instruments with which it is furnished, 
and of the observations which have been made by means of it; 
another by Professor Agassiz, on the Cetacean remains found on 
this continent. Professor Agassiz has also, in connection with Mr. 
Redfield, engaged in the preparation of the drawings for an ex- 
tended memoir on the Fossil Fish of North America, which he 
wishes to present for publication in the Smithsonian Contribu- 
tions. 

Dr. Hares Apparatus.—The apparatus presented by Dr. Hare is 
now deposited in one of the basement rooms of the Smithsonian 
building. In order to transport it from Philadelphia, a vessel was 
chartered, and inasmuch as articles of comparatively little value 
did not in this way increase the cost of transportation, many were 
brought on, which would not otherwise have been worth the cost; 
though they may be found of use in many cases of original re- 
search. It is proposed not to open these instruments until an 
arrangement can be made for repairing and placing them in their 
proper cases. 

Apparatus to be loaned to Lieutenant Grilliss.—Congress, at the last 
session, made an appropriation for astronomical observations under 
the direction of Lieutenant Gilliss on the parallax of the planets, 
in an observatory established on the coast of Peru. The appropri- 
ation, ($5,000,) however, was unfortunately not sufficient to pay the 
outfit and to purchase all the necessary instruments. Under these 
circumstances Lieutenant Gilliss applied to the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution for aid, and, after consultation with the Executive Commit- 
tee informally, the Secretary had concluded to order an instrument 
in the name of the Institution, and to loan the same to Lieutenant 
Gilliss on condition that the payment be not required under three 
years from next March, and the Institution to have proper credit 
for its share in the expense of the expedition. It is probable, 
however, that Congress may be induced to make a further appropria- 
tion, and that the Institution will not be called upon to pay for the 
instrument. The region in which the observatory is located is one 
frequently visited by earthquakes, and since every fact which can 
be learned with reference to this phenomenon is of importance, the 


468 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Secretary, with the advice of Dr. Bache, added an instrument to be 
loaned to Lieutenant Gilliss for observations on the intensity and 
direction of the earthquake wave. An order has been sent to 
Europe for the construction of the article. 

The committee sanctioned the expenditures for scientific pur- 
poses referred to in the report of the Secretary. 

An application, for the purchase of the collection of minerals, 
precious stones, and ores, belonging to the late British Minister, 
from Francis Markoe, Jr., was laid before the committee by the 
Secretary, who was requested to decline the purchase in suitable 
terms. 

The application of Mr. John Downes, of Philadelphia, in refer- 
ence to the preparation and printing of astronomical tables, was 
referred to Professor Bache and the Secretary. 

On motion, the committee adjourned. 


TWENTIETH MEETING. 


February 6, 1849. 
The Executive Committee met at the Vice-President’s room. 
Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Pearce, Mr. Bache, and 
the Secretary. 
The Secretary presented the following papers, referred to the 
committee and the Regents: 


1. A memorial from Mr. Disturnell, of New York, relating to an appropriation by 
the Government for collecting statistical information relating to North America; 
which was laid on the table. 


2. A letter from F. Markoe, Jr., offering certain articles of natural history belong- 
ing to the estate of H. S. Fox, Esq., late minister from Great Britain. The Secre- 
tary was requested to inform Mr. Markoe that the funds of the Institution will not, 
at present, allow the purchase of specimens of natural history. 


8. A letter from Mr. E. G. Squier, and Dr. EH. H. Davis, in relation to the books 
directed by the Board of Regents to be distributed to them. And the Secretary was 
requested to furnish one hundred copies of the volume of Contributions, containing 
their memoir, to each of the authors. 


4. The application of P. A. Browne, Esq., of Philadelphia, for a subscription to a 
work on ‘‘ Hair and Fur,”’ was referred to the Secretary. 

The Secretary stated that a portion of the building would soon 
be ready for occupation, and asked instructions in regard to sup- 
plying a watchman, and was requested to confer with the Building 
Committee thereon. : 

The subject of providing lecturers for the present season was re- 
ferred to the Secretary. 

Mr. Seaton submitted to the committee an account, by Peter 
Gorman, for alleged services; which was laid upon the table. 

On motion, the committee adjourned. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 469 


TWENTY-FIRST MEETING. 


March 12, 1849. 

The Executive Committee met at the Vice-President’s room this 
day. 
Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Marsh, (by invitation,) Mr. 
Pearce, Professor Bache, and the Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read. 

The Secretary laid before the committee the certificates of United 
States stock, obtained in exchange for Treasury notes, issued in the 
name of the Chancellor and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, and their successors ; and requested direction in regard to the 
safe-keeping of the same. It was concluded that the certificates 
might be placed in the safe of the Secretary of the Senate. 

The certificates are as follows: Twenty-two notes, of ten thou- 
sand dollars each; and two notes, of three thousand dollars each ; 
the numbers of which are, to wit: 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 7138, 714, 
715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 728, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 
729, each of ten thousand dollars; and 924 and 925, each of three 
thousand dollars; making a sum total, of $226,000. 

The Secretary was requested to present, at a meeting of the 
committee to-morrow, a statement of the advances required for the 
next quarter, in conformity with the appropriation of the Board of 
Regents. 

Resolved, That Mr. Garrigue, who has been authorized to purchase certain books 
for the Smithsonian Institution, by the Committee of the Library, be informed that 
he may draw on the Chairman of the Executive Committee for five hundred dollars, 
at ten day’s sight, when the books are shipped. 

The Secretary reported that he had delivered to Messrs. Squier 
and Davis the copies of the first volume of Contributions ordered 
to be presented to them. 

The Secretary was instructed to make a compensation of fifty 
dollars to Miss Maria Mitchell, for the paper presented by her to 
the Smithsonian Institution on the “‘ Telescopic Comet,” discovered 
by her in 1847. 

The Secretary informed the committee that the building, on ac- 
count of unfavorable weather, had not yet been put into a state fit 
for occupation. 

Also, that he has directed the publication of a map of the north- 
ern stars, on which to record observations of the Aurora, and that, 
in connection with this, he had issued a circular of instructions as 
to the method of observing this meteor. 

That about two hundred persons had signified their willingness to 


470 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


co-operate in meteorological observations, and that blank forms, 
copies of the plan of organization of the Institution, and instruc- 
tions relative to the Aurora, had been sent to these observers. 

That the distribution of the first volume had been continued, 
and that in some cases, in the newer States, copies had been sent to 
academies where no colleges exist. 

That he had received a number of communications for the 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge intended for the second 
volume. 

The Secretary presented a letter from Lieutenant Gilliss, con- 
taining the following communication from the Secretary of the 
Navy, relieving the Institution from payment for instruments 
ordered for the use of the astronomical expedition: (See Nine- 
teenth Meeting.) 


“You will be pleased to inform the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, that 
the appropriation made by Congress, in the act approved the 26th of January ultimo, 
will enable the Department to pay for the instruments which, at your request, they 
permitted you to order on their account. The instruments, on such payment being 
made, will be subject to the control of this Department, as other property of the 
United States under its direction.”’ 


On motion, the committee adjourned. 


TWENTY-SECOND MEETING. 


March 14, 1849. 

The Executive Committee met this day, in the Vice-President’s 
room. 

Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Pearce, Professor Bache, 
and the Secretary. 

The Secretary laid before the committee a statement of expendi- 
tures, up to date, and the following estimate of funds, required to 
the Ist of April: 


For building purposes, as per estimate of architect, say _--------_- $5,000 
Salary of Architect and Superintendent, for one-quarter____-___-_- 750 

General purposes of the Institution to meet appropriations, salaries 
for the quarter, and contingencies-222— =! = =e eee 4,250 
$10,000 


The following resolutions, presented by Professor Bache, were 
adopted : 


Resolved, That the Executive Committee will, at the meetings after the close of each 
quarter, pass upon the requisitions to be made for funds, for purposes of the building 
and of the Institution for the next quarter. 

Resolved, That all accounts for expenditures made will be audited by the Commit- 
tee at its monthly meeting. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to present to the committee, at each 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 471 


monthly meeting, a statement of the expenditures for the month preceding, of the 
state of the appropriations, and of the amount required, according to the quarterly 
estimate, for the service of the next month, and, quarterly, the estimate of the archi- 
tect for the building, and estimates for the general purposes of the Institution, in 
conformity with the appropriations of the Board of Regents. 

Resolved, That to meet the demands of the building, and general purposes of the 
Institution, according to the estimate presented by the Secretary, to April Ist, a 
requisition be drawn on the Chancellor and Secretary, for the sum of ten thousand 
dollars, (in stock of the United States,) the proceeds to be deposited to the order of 
the Chairman of the Executive Committee. 


A letter was laid before the committee, by the chairman, from 
Peter Gorman, in relation to a claim for services rendered in visit- 
ing quarries. 

On motion, the chairman was requested to require evidence from 
Mr. Gorman, that he was promised compensation by the Building 
Committee, in addition to his expenses which have already been 
paid. 

On motion, the committee adjourned. 


TWENTY-THIRD MEETING. 
April 6, 1849. 
The Executive Committee met this day, in the Vice-President’s 
room. 
Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Bache, and the Secretary. 
The Secretary made the following statement, relative to transac- 
tions, &c., viz: 


First. Professor Keeppens, late of Athens, had given in behalf of the Institution, 
a course of four lectures, which had been attended by a large and apparently inter- 
ested audience. On account of the difficulty of approach, at present, to the Smithso- 
nian building, these lectures have been delivered in Carusi’s saloon. 


Second. At the request of the Secretary a set of apparatus, to illustrate the princi- 
ples of wave-motion, had been constructed, under the direction of Professor Snell, 
(of Amherst,) the inventor; that a part of this apparatus had arrived, and that the 
remainder was in Boston, awaiting transportation ; also, that the thanks of the Insti- 
tution had been presented to Professor Snell for his superintendence. 


Third. A package of thermo-electrical apparatus, with a set of galvanometers for 
electricity of different intensities, had been received from Paris, from the workshop 
of Mr. Ruhmkorff, the same having been ordered, and paid for by a remittance made 
about two years ago. 

Fourth. A barometer and thermometer had been given in charge of Lieutenant 
Woodbury, of the corps of engineers, for observations at Fort Kearney, on the river 
Platte. 


Fifth. Four thermometers had been sent with suitable instructions for meteorolog- 
ical observations to missionary stations around Lake Superior incharge of Dr. Owen. 


Sixth. The instruments for observations on the intensity of terrestial magnetism 
had been given in charge to Colonel Emory, of the Mexican Boundary Survey, to be 
used in accordance with the purposes for which they had been purchased. 


Seventh. It is probable that the United States Government will finally pay for these 
instruments, and thus leave the magnetic appropriation free for the purchase of 
another set to be used by other observers. 


Ejiighth. Steps had been taken to procure fifty barometers to be placed along the 
telegraphic lines for observations on the progress of storms. 


472 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Ninth. That a paper had been received on a mathematical subject for the next vol- 
ume of Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, which is now in progress of exam- 
ination. 


Tenth. A proposition had been made to prepare, at the expense of the Institution, 
another ephemeris of the planet Neptune, which met the approval of the Secretary. 


Eleventh. Papers of this kind will be issued at all times, without delay, as it had 
been proposed to publish the volume of Contributions in parts, each separately paged 
and numbered. 

The Secretary stated the necessity of constructing a number of 
additional seats, for the accommodation of a large audience, in the 
lecture-room of the east wing of the Smithsonian building. Agreed 
to, and estimates recommended. 

That the public authorities of the city of Washington be solic- 
ited to construct a foot bridge across Tenth street, and improve the 
footway to the Smithsonian building; which was referred to Mr. 
Seaton. 

The Secretary presented an estimate for the present quarter to 
July Ist, for building, from the Architect, and general expenses, 
amounting to $30,100; which was approved, viz: $24,000 for the 
building, and $6,100 for general expenses. 

Bills Nos. 340 to 356 inclusive were examined and passed. 

The Secretary laid before the committee the circular of the 
American Academy, of Boston, in relation to the continuance of 
the Observatory at Altona, and the Astronomischen Nachrichten, 
under Professor Schumacher. 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to express to Professor Schumacher the 
views of the Executive Committee on the importance of the services rendered by the 
Altona Observatory, as a centre of astronomical research, and the Astronomischen 
Nachrichten, as a means of diffusing astronomical information throughout the world, 
and their earnest hope for the sake of the progress of Astronomy that both will be 
continued. 


On motion, the committee adjourned. 


TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING. 


June 27, 1849. 
The Executive Committee met at the Mayor’s office. 
Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Mr. Bache, and the Secretary. 
The Secretary made the following statement, relative to the ope- 
rations since the last meeting of the committee : 


First. The east wing of the building was taken possession of, for the uses of the 
Institution, the 10th of April, the upper rooms of the east range being temporarily 
occupied by the Librarian,-and those over the laboratory, in the wing, by the Secre- 
tary. Subsequently he removed to the lower rooms of the range, which he now occu- 
pies. 


Second. Dr. Hare’s apparatus has been unpacked, and found in tolerably good con- 
dition—the breakage not considerable. A large box, principally of brass articles of 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 473 


this apparatus, has been sent to Chamberlain, of Boston, to be repaired, cleaned, and 
lacquered. The Institution is bound, by the terms of acceptance of the gift, to have 
the apparatus put in good order. 


Third. In order to fit up a workshop in the basement of the building, the Secretary 
has purchased of the executors of the late Dr. Jones a lathe, and a lot of tools, for 
working in wood and metal, the cost of which was fifty dollars. He has also pro- 
cured a portable forge and bellows, from Philadelphia, at a cost of twenty-six dol- 
lars. 


Fourth. The apparatus mentioned at the last meeting, as having been received from 
France, has been unpacked, and all the Galvanometers found broken. The Secretary 
has written to Paris, complaining of the imperfect packing, and directing new parts 
to be sent, half of the cost of which to be at the expense of themaker. He has since, 
however, learned that most of the articles can be repaired at a suitable cost in this 
country. 


Fifth. Dr. Hitchcock, President of Amherst College, accepted the invitation to 
ive a course of lectures, on Geology, for the Institution. He commenced on Mon- 
ay, the 80th of April, in the lecture-room of the east wing, and lectured on each 

alternate evening, Sunday excepted, until his course of six lectures was finished. 
The lectures increased in interest, and the room was found entirely too small to con- 
tain the number of persons that came. One hundred and fifty dollars was paid for 
the course ; a sum scarcely more than sufficient to defray the expenses of the lecturer. 


Sixth. To accommodate the audience, a number of extra moveable benches was 
ordered with the consent of two of the members of the Executive Committee. These 
are now deposited in the basement of the building, and will be found of use in the 
future meetings of the Institution. 


Seventh. Also, for the convenience of those who attended the lectures, a walk was 
constructed from the east gate of the Smithsonian grounds to the paved side-walk on 
Seventh street ; also, the path from the Twelfth street bridge to the building was re- 
paired. These improvements were ordered after consultation with the Chairman of 
the Executive Committee. 


Eighth. Dr. Hitchcock having intimated that a series of interesting geological ex- 
plorations could be made on the remains of ancient sea-margins, existing in our 
country, provided a small appropriation were made by the Institution, the Secretary 
had informed him that he thought one hundred dollars could be appropriated for that 
purpose. Tho Secretary had also authorized Professor Baird, of Pennsylvania, to 
draw on him for funds to the amount of seventy-five dollars, for collecting, packing, 
and transporting specimens of natural history for the Institution. 


Ninth. The meteorological observations continue to improve. We have now up- 
wards of one hundred observers to whom the minor publications are sent. Blank 
forms and four thermometers have been forwarded to the missionary stations in the 
vicinity of Lake Superior. Two barometers and two thermometers have been also 
sent with Major Stansbury to establish meteorological observations in the Rocky 
Mountains. 


Tenth. The Regents of the University of the State of New York have made an ap- 
propriation for meteorological instruments, and have given the superintendence of 
their construction to the Smithsonian Institution. 


Eleventh. The Secretary had petitioned the telegraph companies for the use of the 
telegraph for meteorological purposes, and he had received the assurance of the pres- 
ident of the lines north of Washington, that every necessary facility, free of cost, 
would be afforded the Institution in the prosecution of the above-mentioned object. 
The Secretary had not as yet received an answer from the directors of the southern 
line, though his petition was presented two months ago. The president of the com- 
pany will be in this city in a few days, and will then, the Secretary is informed, give 
an answer. 


Twelfth. It is proposed to furnish the most important stations between New Orleans 
and the northern part of Maine, with meteorological instruments, and for this pur- 
Pe as well as for the use of the Regents of the University of New York, fifty 

arometers and as many thermometers have been ordered from Green, of Baltimore. 


Thirteenth. A number of standard meteorological instruments have been ordered 
from London; a box of them is now in the Custom House in New York. 


474 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Fourteenth. The Secretary has engaged the services of Dr. Foreman, late Professor 
in the Medical Department of the Washington University, of Baltimore, to take 
charge of the meteorological department, and to assist in the business of the Secre- 
tary. The business has so increased that nearly the whole time of this gentleman is 
occupied from eight o’clock in the morning until six in the evening. Half of his 
salary, for meteorology, will be paid by the Secretary of the Navy, and the other 
half by the Institution. 


Fifteenth. The Secretary has also been obliged occasionally to employ help in mov- 
ing, unpacking, and cleaning apparatus. Mr. McPeak is not able to do all that is re- 
quired of service of this kind, and at the same time to do the errands of the Institu- 
tion. 


Sixteenth. Professor Jewett has entered fully on his duty in charge of the library, 
and has also assisted in the duties of the Secretary, particularly in making out a list 
of learned societies, libraries, &c., for the presentation of the Smithsonian publica- 
tions, and in distributing the first volume of the Contributions. An account of his 
operations will be rendered at the next meeting. 


Seventeenth. Two hundred and fifty copies of the ‘‘ Hints on Architecture”? have 
been received from the publisher. By the terms of the agreement, five hundred 
copies, less twenty-five, are to be delivered to the Institution now, and five hundred, 
less twenty-five, after the sale of one thousand. The two parcels, of twenty-five 
each, are to be presented to the architect. 


Eighteenth. The Ephemeris of Neptune, an appendix to the second volume of 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, has been published and distributed to as- 
tronomers. The remainder of the edition is deposited in the building to be issued 
with the second volume. 


Nineteenth. The Building Committee of the Washington Monument had informed 
the Secretary that the furniture of the office now occupied by them would be paid 
for by them. This room was originally furnished for the use of the Institution. 


Twentieth. The Chancellor and Secretary had sold, for the use of the Building 
Committee, in accordance with the resolution of the Board of Regents, on the 17th 
April, 1849, sixteen thousand dollars of United States stock, belonging to the Insti- 
tution, at 10 per cent. advance, less } per cent. commission. Certificates to the 
amount of two hundred and ten thousand dollars yet remain unsold. 


Twenty-first. The Secretary had sent fifty dollars to Miss Mitchell, of Nantucket, 
as a premium for her discovery of the comet, known by her name, and had received 
in return a letter expressing the gratification of the lady, and her thanks to the Re- 
gents of the Institution. 


Twenty-second. The expenditure on the building for the month of April, 1849, was 
$38,000. 


Twenty-third. Fifteen hundred extra copies of the annual report had been printed 
for the use of the Institution. Extracts and explanations were given in these extra 
copies, in order to render this publication an epitome of all the operations of the In- 
stitution up to the present time. 


Twenty-fourth. The Secretary, under the instructions of the Regents in 1847, had 
ordered a set of pneumatic apparatus from N. B. Chamberlain, of Boston. These 
have been delivered by the maker, and were now put up in the Institution. Most of 
the articles were of new patterns, constructed for the Smithsonian Institution, and 
are of superior workmanship. 


Twenty-fifth. A number of memoirs have been received for examination as contri- 
butions to knowledge. Some of these have been accepted, others withdrawn, and 
others remain under consideration. 

The Secretary informed the committee that he had received a 
communication from Lieutenant Lefroy, superintendent of the 
Toronto Observatory, urging the Institution to procure a photo- 
graphic self-registering declination magnetometer, which may be 
purchased at an inconsiderable expense, and which would be of 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 475 


much importance with the observations making at Toronto, and 
elsewhere, in recording the changes of the direction of the needle. 
On motion— 


Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to procure such an instrument, to be paid 
for out of any unappropriated funds. 


Owing to the absence of Mr. Bradley, the clerk of the commit- 
tee, no accounts were presented to be audited at this meeting. 


TWENTY-FIFTH MEETING. 


December 21, 1849. 

The Executive Committee met in the east wing of the Smithso- 
nian building. 

Present, Mr. Seaton, (Chairman,) Professor A. D. Bache, the 
Chancellor and Secretary. 

The Chairman laid before the committee a number of accounts, 
which were audited. 

The Secretary made the following statements, relative to the 
operations of the Institution, since the last meeting of the Execu- 
tive Committee : 


A meeting of the establishment had been held in the Institution, at the call of the 
President of the United States, at which the following gentlemen were elected Hon- 
orary Members: Benjamin Silliman, Albert Gallatin, Robert Hare, and Washington 
Irving. These gentlemen have signified their acceptance, with the exception of 
Hon. Albert Gallatin, whose illness and subsequent death probably prevented his 
doing the same. 

Since the last meeting of the committee, stock to the amount of $10,000 had been 
sold, for the purposes of the building, and there now remained on hand $200,000. 


Distribution of the First Volume. 


As far as we have been advised, the first volume of Contributions has been well 
received; and we shall obtain in exchange more volumes than we sent. 

The second volume of Contributions is now in the press, and will contain the fol- 
lowing memoirs, which have been submitted for examination, and accepted for pub- 
lication, to wit: 


1. A memoir, from Sears C. Walker, on the planet Neptune. 

2. A memoir on Cubic Equations, by Dr. Strong. 

3. A memoir on the Discovery of a Comet, by Miss Mitchell. 

4. A memoir on Detonations and Explosions, by Dr. Hare. 
ae A memoir on the Physical Geography of the United States, (Part I,) by Charles 
Ellet, Jr. 

6. A memoir on Electrical Rheometry, by Professor Secchi. 

7. A memoir on the Mosasaurus, by Dr. W. Gibbs. 

8. A memoir on the Ancient Monuments of the State of New York, by E. G. 
Squier. 


A number of memoirs are in progress of preparation, which will probably more 
than complete the second volume. It has been determined to publish each memoir 
separately, with subordinate title and separate paging. 

An elaborate report has been received, from Professors Salisbury and Gibbs, on a 
paper submitted to them, relative to the affinity of the Sanscrit and Chinese lan- 
guages. This memoir was not accepted. A copy of the same memoir had been pre- 
viously sent to the American Oriental Society, by mail, but it failed to reach its des- 
tination, and nothing could be learned concerning it, either at the post office of 


476 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Washington or Boston, and the Secretary had been obliged to apply to the author 
for another copy; for the transcribing of which $20 had been paid. To avoid a sim- 
ilar occurrence in future, the plan had been adopted of sending the memoirs prepaid 
by express, care being taken to obtain a receipt from the express line for the same. 

Meteorological observations—good progress is making in these, though considerable 
delay has been experienced in obtaining proper instruments. We have decided upon 
the form of the barometer and thermometer, wind, snow, and rain gauges. Mr. 
Green, formerly of Baltimore, now of New York, has been employed to construct 
them, and to compare them with the standard procured from London. Pike & Son, 
of the same city, are engaged in constructing the other instruments named. Twenty- 
five sets of these have been purchased by the State of New York, and are now in 
progress of distribution under the direction of Professor Guyot. The midland de- 
partment of the army has agreed to purchase instruments of the same kind for all the 
new military posts. So that with those which shall be procured at the expense of 
the Smithsonian Institution, a combined system, with compared instruments, of great 
extent and importance, will be established. The number of compared instruments is 
further increased by purchase by our observers, and in order to induce purchases of 
this kind, Mr. Green is authorized to sell to them, on our order, a compared barom- 
eter and thermometer at a reduced price, the Institution paying the remainder of the 
cost. , 

The presidents of the several telegraph lines from Washington have given us per- 
mission to use, at stated periods, their wires for meteorological purposes, and this 
part of the system will be put in operation as soon as Mr. Green has completed the 
necessary instruments. 


Researches.—The sum of $100 had been appropriated for the exploration of the 
mounds of the State of New York, an equal sum having been advanced by the His- 
torical Society of that State. The results form the subject of one of the memoirs of 
the second volume. The wood-cuts and engravings to illustrate this paper are in a 
forward state of preparation. 

Mr. Davis has been requested to furnish directions for examining, surveying, and 
describing mounds. The same gentleman is now engaged on an ethnological chart 
of North America, giving the location of the ancient monuments found in various 
parts of our country. 

Letters have been addressed to several engineers, asking copies of the statistics 
of the explorations of railway and canal routes, for the purpose of improving our 
knowledge of the physical geography of the United States. It is hoped in this way 
to collect much interesting statistics relative to this subject. 

Letters also have been addressed to different historical societies and individuals 

asking the exploration of mounds, &c., the accounts of which may be published in 
the contributions; and a number of communications have been received on this sub- 
ject. 
Dr. Spencer F. Baird, of Pennsylvania, to whom an appropriation of $75 was 
granted, has made a large collection of specimens in zoology and comparative anatomy. 
The former are preserved in spirits, and will be deposited, for the present, in one of 
the rooms of the basement story. 

A number of individuals interested in natural history have subscribed to the sup- 
port of a scientific exploration, in the new possessions of the United States west of 
the Rocky Mountains; and the Secretary has agreed to subscribe, in behalf of the 
Institution, $150 for one share, it being understood that all the new objects discov- 
ered shall be presented for publication in the Smithsonian Contributions. One set of 
plants has been received, for which $20 has been paid. 


Operations of the Library.—The books ordered to be purchased by the Executive 
Committee, from Mr. Marsh, have been received and are now in the library. 


Statement of the Librarian.—Since the last meeting of the Executive Committee, 
the larger part of the library, at present belonging to the Institution, has been re- 
ceived and provisionally arranged. About one-half of it has also been catalogued. 

There are, at present, in the library— 


Books) say: 22) eeu: oh ee ee 8,500 volumes. 
iRamphiletss says os See TOO 
Maps‘and charts, say sii oo 50 

MMsIC, Bayesian, 2. as 100 pieces. 


ingrayings, says. le ee 500 sheets. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 477 


Besides these, about 1,200 volumes have been deposited with the Institution by Mr. 
Marsh, and now form a part of our literary apparatus. 

About 900 volumes, 100 pieces of music, 30 maps and charts have been deposited 
by authors or publishers for the security of copyright. 

These have been acknowledged, as well as all books presented to the Institution, 
the number of which I cannot at this moment state. 

The copyright books, &c., have been carefully and fully catalogued, on cards, with 
the necessary cross references. 

Of the copyright books, the full title has, in all cases, been recorded verbatim et 
literatim, though the titles are frequently of great length. This is supposed to be 
but justice to the authors and publishers who send their books. The record, for their 
sakes, should be full and perfect. It is proper to remark that the number of books, 
sent for security of copy, has greatly increased. If we should publish monthly lists, 
for circulation, and make arrangements for publishers to send without expense, we 
should doubtless receive all, or nearly all, books copyrighted in the country. 

All the books, not fully catulogued, have been entered in descriptive lists, to be 
presented to the Board at their annual meeting. 

The progress on the general catalogue of all American libraries, has been about as 
follows: All the titles of the Cambridge Public Library Catalogue, and supplement 
of the Cambridge Law Library Catalogue, and of the Congress Library Catalogue, 
with all the supplements up to the present year, have been mounted on cards. Be- 
sides these, the titles of the libraries of the State Department, War Department, and 
their bureaus, and of the Patent Office, complete to 1848, (since which time but few 
additions have been made,) have been transcribed from lists found on file in the office 
of the Secretary of the Senate. The number of titles thus written is about 2,500. 

The number of titles of the general catalogue, prepared up to the present time, 
may be thus stated : 


Printed: titles, sayicoat= fates 2s 58,000 
PenaMscriped Ray oss222 2 ee ee 2,500 
Written for our own Library, say----.--- 1,500 

Totals. oe pace eee oe gee ee atte 62,000 


As soon, therefore, as the library is moved into the west wing, and there is room to 
arrange their titles, we can offer for general reference, a catalogue, in one alphabetical 
arrangement, of all the principal libraries in this city, and in the larger collections of 
Cambridge. The whole containing, perhaps, two-thirds of the different books of all 
the public libraries of America. 

All this labor could not, of course, be done, besides attending to the other duties of 
my office, without much assistance. This will be manifest when it is remembered 
that in the Royal Library of Paris, the British Museum, and other similar establish- 
ments in Europe, it has been found by experience that one man can catalogue on an 
average not more than fifty titles per diem. 

The written cards have been prepared by Mr. Russell, and they amount to more 
than four thousand in number. Besides this, Mr. Russell has filled all the copyright 
certificates, and assisted in the other work of the library. 


Information respecting American Inbraries.—I have received about one hundred 
and fifty official reports from librarians, and a large number of letters, in reply to 
letters from myself, besides the printed catalogues. 

I hope to be able to present to the Board, at their next meeting, full ‘‘ Notes on 
the Public Libraries of the United States,’’ with comparative statistics of foreign 
libraries. 


Respectfully submitted. C. C. JEWETT. 


Propositions.—Important improvements have lately been made in the instruments 
of astronomical observations that would greatly facilitate the labors of Lieutenant 
Gilliss, and enable him to perform a much larger amount of work in the same time; 
and it has been suggested whether the Institution ought not to procure for him these 
improved instruments, in anticipation of an appropriation of Congress. 

Professor Mitchell has requested the aid of the Institution, in making a catalogue 
of stars visible at the Cincinnati Observatory. The Secretary has informed him that 
the sum he requires is beyond the present means of the Institution to grant. 


Subscription to the Astronomical Journal.—A new Astronomical Journal has been 
recommended by the American Association, and established at Cambridge, Massachu- 


478 JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 


setts, which will have a great tendency to advance astronomical science in this coun - 
try. It has been proposed that the Institution shall subscribe for a number of copies, 
sufficient to supply the foreign observatories and distribute these in connection with 
its other means of diffusing knowledge. 


Subscription to Association Report.—The American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science is now publishing, in a volume, the report of its proceedings. The 
subscription to this volume is not sufficient to defray the expenses of it, and it has 
been proposed that the Institution purchase one hundred copies, at $1 each, for dis- 
tribution, as an important means of diffusing knowledge. The Association has pre- 
sented to the Institution all the books which it receives in the way of donations, and 
will, in all cases, co-operate with the Smithsonian Institution. 


A list of occultations, similar to that for 1848-9, has been prepared by Mr. Downes 
for 1850, is now in the process of being ‘stereotyped, and will probably be published 
in the course of a few days. The cost of the calculation of these tables will be paid 
by Lieutenant Davis, out of the appropriation made at the last session of Congress, 
for the Nautical Almanac. The only expense, therefore, to the Institution for this 
publication, will be the cost of the printing and paper. It has been printed, and 
will be distributed in the early part of next week. 


Apparatus.—Dr. Hare’s apparatus, in part, has been cleaned and displayed as far 
as our room will permit. 

Several small invoices of apparatus have been purchased, consisting of such arti- 
cles as will be required for the lectures of the coming winter. They are designated 
in the bills. 

Dr. Hare has signified his intention of presenting a number of articles of appa- 
ratus, not included in his first gift, to the Institution ; also, a collection of rare min- 
erals, chiefly metallic ores. 

The Secretary has received a letter from the eldest son of Dr. Hare, expressing the 
approbation of his father’s family of the donation of the apparatus to the Institu- 
tion, and their gratification with the manner in which the gift had been received. 

The Secretary has also purchased‘a set of plants, collected by the late Dr. Oakes in 
the New England States, for which the sum of $20 has been paid. 


Lectures.—The Secretary has written to a number of gentlemen, distinguished in 
literature and science, to deliver courses of lectures, before the Institution, during 
the coming winter. Almost all, who have been addressed, have accepted the invita- 
tion, and have apparently considered the invitation a compliment to their reputation 
and standing. ‘Their names are as follows: 


Dr. Robert Hare, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Professor Louis Agassiz, Cambridge, Harvard. 

Professor Francis Lieber, Columbia, South Carolina. 
Professor Stephen Alexander, Princeton. 

Lieutenant Charles H. Davis, Nautical Almanac. 
Professor Joseph Reed, University of Pennsylvania. . 
Professor J. F. W. Johnson, Durham, England. 
Professor Charles Davies, New York. 

Professor Henry D. Rogers, Boston, Massachusetts. 

Mr. J. H. Alexander, Baltimore, Maryland. 

Dr. E. H. Davis, Ohio. 

Rev. George W. Bethune, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Professor W. H. Harvey, Dublin. 

Professor 8. 8. Haldemann, Marietta, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Louis C. Beck, New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

Right Rev. Bishop Alonzo Potter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
President Francis Wayland, L.L. D., Brown University. 
President Mark Hopkins, Williams College, Massachusetts. 
Hon. Edward Everett, Cambridge, Massachusetts. 
Professor John W. Draper, New York. 

Rev. John Hall, Trenton, New Jersey. 

Professor C. 8. Henry, New York. 


Association of Teachers.—An Association of Teachers has been formed in this Dis- 
trict, which has held its meetings in one of the rooms of the Smithsonian building. 
Lectures have been given to the Association, in this place, by the Secretary, Dr. L. 
D. Gale, and Dr. Foreman. These meetings will be continued in the rooms of the 
Institution, if the Executive Committee have no objections. 


JOURNAL OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 479 


The Secretary has received a verbal communication from the President of Colum- 
pian College, and the Dean of the National Medical College, requesting that regular 
courses of lectures be given, at stated periods, at the Institution, and that the pupils 
of their respective schools be allowed to attend. Though the plan of the Institution 
does not, strictly speaking, embrace educational operations, yet it may indirectly 
afford important aid in advancing the cause of education. 

The Secretary left the city during the warmest weather of the season; but, in his 
absence, he was engaged in duties pertaining to the operations of the Institution. He 
first attended the meeting of the American Association, at Cambridge, as the repre- 
sentative of the Institution. He next visited Toronto, Canada West, to examine the 
system of meteorological observations, carried on at the observatory of that place, 
and to inform himself practically of the manipulations of the self-registering photo- 
graphic magnetic apparatus. He afterwards spent two weeks in the city of New 
York, with Professor Guyot, in arranging the meteorological system of the State of 
New York. 

Dr. Foreman, during the absence of the Secretary, besides attending to the mete- 
orological correspondence, was engaged in arranging in volumes, and indexing the 
letters of the Institution. These already amount to several thousands, exclusive of 
the correspondence relative to the library, which is in the possession of Professor 
Jewett, who will arrange them in accordance with the same plan. 


[The journal of the Executive Committee subsequent to this 
meeting was destroyed in the fire at the Smithsonian Institution. | 


' ha 
ve 
A in 


0s 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 184’. 


The Executive Committee report the state of the funds of the Institution, on the 
1st December, 1847, as follows: x 


The Board of Regents have drawn from the Treasury, of accruing in- 


terest, to pay the current expenses of the Institution --_-__.-.-_-. $40,660 81 
The disbursements from this fund have been as follows: 
For expenses of Board of Regents and its committees____.._-. $3,876 47 
For materials and erection of specimen walls, and superintend- 

BACON CROO bn ee ho ei ie a ee ee eas ett be 395 63 
Bearer cc puUrCnased 26 nn ee ek ee 555 99 
For compensation to architects for designs, &c -------------- 1,325 00 
HoOrLecOndin can dncOpying S22 42 2 wee ae eee 878 98 
morservices of Assistant. Secretary .----..----.-_--~..--_.. 200 00 
SHLOTASEIV COS MOlmMeSSeNe er... 22 = = J ee 402 50 
DROS ANG. Sea a se eee Ses ene wsas 28 99 
BURR UENO St rete ee ee eee ee eo es Seka 347 63 
For examination of quarries, including expenses of geologist- 370 76 
Hor perspective views.of Institution..---+-. +--+ ---.-=-- 200 00 
For chemical examination of building materials--_--_-----_- 94 50 
For expenses connected with ceremonies, &c., on the occasion 

of laying the corner-stone of building-_....-_-_-_---__- 185 37 
Berar amon pmyeme ate Ak Lalo ns 0. oe eetiee sd eee 112 88 
For philosophical and chemical apparatus__--_-___-----_---- 1,571 47 
PIaCECAIGV AO DI SCCEOLATY = 2—5-.----——-— | - -  oee S 1,750 00 
For expense of first volume of Transactions, in part--------- 203 53 
For incidentals, including furnishings, freight, carriage, hack- 

TAT OSC tenet Ss BA 2 ae Re eee eens 557 20 
For surveying and recording levels of Institution grounds__- 112 50 
For expenses of building, including superintendence __--~_-- 25,002 67 

37,670 02 


Balance in the hands of Corcoran & Riggs, December 1, 1847_ 2,990 79 


$40,660 81 


The entire amount of the funds of the Institution on the Ist instant was $758,- 
159.79, being $861.79 more than the amount of its funds on the day of the passage of 
the act by which it was organized ; and, on the first of next month, there will be due 
of interest $15,455. 

The Institution has no debts, except a few unimportant items not yet rendered, and 
also an account for the seal of the Institution. 

W. W. SEATON, 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
A. D. BACHE. 


Report of the Executive Committee for 1848. 


The Executive Committee submit to the Board of Regents the following report of 
the expenditures, state of the finances and condition of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The whole amount of Smithson’s property received into the Treasury of the United 
States on the Ist of September, 1838, was $515,169. The interest which had accrued 
on the same up to Ist July, 1846, when, by the act of Congress, the funds were 
placed under the direction of the Board of Regents, was $242,129. This sum, to- 
gether with the accruing interest, the Board of Regents were authorized e expend 


31 


482 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 


in the erection of a building, and in defraying the current expenses of the Institu- | 
tion. 

During the last two years and four months, in which the Institution has been 
under the charge of the Regents, there has been expended towards attendance of the 
Regents, and incidental and miscellaneous expenses, the erection of the building, 
improvement of grounds, salaries of officers, the sum of $106,520.19, as will be seen 
in the following exhibits, viz: 


Construction of buildings, including superintendence --____-_________. $51,678 48 
Expenses of architect’s office, travelling expenses, stationery, draughts- 

MAN, GC, ose ke ee ees 1,213 00 
Layingrcorner stone 2_— 225 ee ee 21 00 
Examination of quarries and specimen walls-_-___ ---.-----. .----.___- 74 00 
Improyementof ‘oround 5 222 een ae eee eee ne eee = VSO ite 
Publication of “Hints on Publie Architecture”? 222s ee ee aay 1,147 25 
Occultations ‘and researches =e isle mR sa oe a eee 525 00 
Philosophical and ‘chemical jappamatus: 222-22 (oe eee 832 70 
Public lectures. 2. si 2 secs ssa eree ahs SE te ge 80 00: 
Publication of Contributions tomsmowledge |. 2. Se ee Bee 8,709 34 
Tabrary.and.salary:.of Jbibramian sesso 202 22 ee eee ee 1,741 38 
Pay ‘of messenger 2 2 = Seaeee Soa e sac aa eee 888 13. 
Recording and copying for Board of Regents, Executive Com- 

milttees QC... <. ..2.25 eee oe oe $116 54 
Ditto, for Secretary —.-_2 == ese See ee eee 232 00 

es 848 54 
Ineidental expenses 2 lc Sue ee ee ee 533 10 
Ditto, for Secretary, including office rent___.-..--_____-_..-_. 177 65 
—- 710 765. 
Expenses of Board of Regents and committees..___.--.-__ --_--- 4-2=--_. 966 90: 


Expenses of Secretary, conséquent upon the delivery of lectures at 
Princeton, and expenses to New York and Philadelphia on busi- 
ness:of thes B oard(eaa= eae ee eee fee, So es Aes 280 50: 
[N. B.—The procecds of the Lectures at Princeton, $1,000, have been 
paid by the Secretary. ] 


House rent of Secretary foritwo years: ee eee 550 00: 
Payments to Secretary on account of salary -1=—2~-22- ---2222--22105. 8,824 31 

68,880 17 
Disbursements as exhibited by previous reports -----------------___--. 37,670 02 


$106,550 19 


During the same time, there has been received from interest and the sale 


of “Treasury: notes, tho:stim jot) eos c oe oe eee $115,964 60 
Krom the Secretary’s lectures at) Primecton=——~ 22 eee 1,000 00: 
116,964 60: 

Leaving: a; balance on hand ofss 22 sone eee eee ee 10,444 41 


Funds of the Institution. 


Amount/of ‘Smithson’s bequest/-25-—-cee ae eee $515,169 00 

Interest due thereon to Ist July, 1846-_..------.---___.- 242,129 00 
——__———._ $757,298 00: 

Balance on hand 1st January, 1849 0.22228 10,444 21 

ireasiiny motes ‘on whands 0 2s Se eee ee ee 226,000 00 

Rermanont fond (2200.02 a ee “615,169 00 
——_———_ 751,618 41 

If to this we add the premium of 8 per cent., which Treasury notes now 
Pew Seay k CS et a yee 18,000 00: 
hewn dsrormuhe Mrs titty mye lee es ee eee eae $778,613 21 


. Thus showing, that after an expenditure of $106,550.19, the cash on hand and the 
value of the cash investments, exceed the amount on hand on the organization of 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 483 


the Institution in September, 1846, by nearly $16,000, subject, however, to a few 
outstanding accounts not yet presented, estimated at $7,500. 

The committee are confident that, by continuing the system of finance recom- 
mended by the committee and adopted by the Board of Regents at their last annual 
session, the building can be completed and the Institution be put into full operation 
at the end of three years from March next, without withdrawing more than $100,000 
from the fund of $242,129 set apart by Congress for buildings, &c., leaving the resi- 
due, $142,000, to be added to the amount of the original bequest of Smithson, and 
making the permanent fund of the Institution $657,000, yielding an annual income 
of $39,420, (which may thereafter be readily increased to $40,000 per annum,) for the 
increase and diffusion of knowledge. 

During the past year the committee has held frequent meetings at the call of the 
Secretary, for consultation with that officer on the affairs of the Institution. The 
several operations mentioned in the Secretary’s report were discussed at these meet- 
ings, and several small appropriations were authorized, which arose from contingen- 
cies unforeseen by the Board, and which were duly charged and exhibited in the 
accounts of the committee. The Board of Regents having authorized the Executive 
Committee to make compensation to the Assistant Secretary, acting as Librarian, for 
his services to the Building Committee, and relative to the library, have granted him 
the sum of $250. 

An extra edition of the Secretary’s report for the year 1847, was ordered to be 
printed, for the use of the Board of Regents, from the forms used by the printer for 
Congress. 

Mr. Bache and the Secretary were appointed a committee to confer with Dr. Hare, 
relative to the presentation of his extensive and valuable chemical apparatus to the 
Institution ; which committee afterwards reported that Dr. Hare had unconditionally 
presented his apparatus to the Institution, and that workmen had been employed to 
clean and pack the same for removal to Washington. A complete set of the ‘ An- 
nales de Chimie”? was authorized to be purchased of Dr. Hare, to accompany his 
apparatus. 

The Secretary was authorized to order, conditionally, the instruments necessary to 
complete the outfits of Lieutenant Gilliss, of the Navy, on his scientific expedition 
to Chilé. 

A number of propositions relative to publications, researches, &c., have been sub- 
mitted to the Executive Committee, and have been referred to the Secretary and Dr. 
Bache. 

On consultation with the Secretary and Librarian, the committee recommends the 
following appropriations for the operations of the Institution during the year com- 
mencing on the 19th of March next, viz: 


For publication of Contributions to Knowledge-_-----.--------_---- — $3,000 00 
Scientific researches and: computations: -0_-.- 2222-252 =+ 700 00 
Meteorological instruments and researches--.-.---< ..---.-..---.-=-- 1,000 00 
Hixpenses/of public lectures, including lights__---__-~--_ -.-_-__L-__. 500 00 
Pubuecnion.oL scientific reports._.----J: seb as see ee 500 00 
Generali catalozue of American Libraries-.-..--_.-.-..-=---=--.-= 1,000 00 
Purchase of bibliographical works and books of general reference_-_._ 2,000 00 
Binding of books, blank books, stamps, certificates, &e ~---_-.----- 250 00 
Purchase of books, needed by authors of memoirs, reports, &c -_--_- 400 00 
General expenses, including salaries of officers, expenses of Board and 

committees, clerk-hire, postage, &¢__.. -- ---- << 0 ee 8,000 00 


$17,350 00 


The aggregate of the above estimates exceeds, by the sum of $2,350, the amount 
limited by the finance resolutions of the Board of Regents, December 1, 1847, as 
applicable each year for the operation of the Institution, exclusive of the building 
fund, until the year 1852, when the building is to be completed and the entire income 
of the Institution left free for the prosecution of the objects contemplated by the 
acts establishing the Institution; but as the present available funds exceed the 
amount anticipated when these resolutions were adopted, it is believed that the addi- 
ditional $2,350 may be spared in the ensuing year for the objects specified, without 
trenching on the annual building fund, or endangering the accomplishment of the 
end had in view by the Board of Regents in adopting the finance resolutions of De- 
cember 1, 1847, namely: the saving of a certain sum to be added to the permanent 


484 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


fund. In conclusion, the committee would beg leave to submit to the Board that the 
amount and variety of disbursements which the Executive Committee have to make, 
and the proper keeping and recording the accounts and appropriations of the Institu- 
tion, require the services of a skillful accountant and book-keeper for the performance 
of this duty, as well as the examination of accounts for payment, the preparation of 
estimates on which to base requisitions, the preparation of statements of expenditures 
for the examination and approval of the proper officers, as required by law, prelimi- 
nary to their presentation to the Treasury Department for settlement, and such other 
duties of accountant, book-keeper, and clerk, as the Board of Regents, the Executive 
and Building Committees, and the Secretary may have occasion to require of him. 
The committee, therefore, recommend the appointment of such an officer, at an 
annual salary not exceeding four hundred dollars. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 
W. W. SEATON. 
J. A. PEARCE. 
A. D. BACHE. 
WASHINGTON, January 1, 1849. 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1849. 


The Executive Committee submit to the Board the following report of the expend- 
itures, state of finance, &c., of the Smithsonian Institution : 


The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest received into the United States 
Treasury was $515,169. The interest which had accrued on the same up to July Ist, 
1846, was $242,129, making in all $757,298. 

The Regents were authorized to expend on the building the $242,129 which had 
accrued in interest, together with such portions of interest on the original bequest as 
might remain unexpended in any year. They concluded, however, to limit the whole 
expenditure on the building and the grounds to asum not exceeding $250,000; and, 
in order that this might not exhaust the accrued interest, it was resolved that this ex- 
penditure should not be made at once, but in the course of five years, and that in the 
meantime the sum of $242,000, authorized to be expended on the building, should be 
invested so as to yield an interest which might, in part, serve to defray the expense 
of the building. To carry out this plan, the $242,000, with the addition of accrued 
interest sufficient to make up the sum of $250,000, were invested in Treasury notes; 
and, in order that the Institution might not be a loser by a possible depreciation of 
these notes, the contracts for the building were made payable in them at par value or 
in specie, at the option of the Regents. Up to this time, only $50,000 of these notes 
have been disposed of. They have thus been made to yield a constant interest, be- 
sides increasing in value on account of the rise in Government securities. The whole 
expenditure since the commencement of operations to the present time, is $199,157.21 ; 
the whole of which has been made from the accruing interest on the fund and the 
sale of $50,000 of notes above-mentioned. 

The following is a synopsis of the present state of the finances of the Institution: 


AMON bots SMUG NS OMS) De LES tees ee abe $515,169 00 
Tnteresti dueithereon tO) dilly elses 46 ye eet ee ee eee 242,129 00 
$757,298 00 

Malance on hand January 1, 18502-22— So ae ee ee $8,277 35 
Mreasuny notes funded 2.u. uss. 22 eee ee 200,000 00 
ermanentifund ) =. 9.32. Se ee ee 515,169 00 
Present rate of United States loan, 112 per cent.; therefore add --_~-_- 24,000 00 
747,446 35 

From this should be deducted, for accounts not rendered-_-_.--.------ 6,000 00 


$741,446 35 


} 
The whole amount paid on the building and grounds up to this time is $134,876.21. 
From this it appears that, after paying for more than one-half of the building, 

carrying on the operations of the Institution, collecting a library and philosophical 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 485 


apparatus, the sum originally intrusted to the Regents has only been diminished by 
less than $16,000. The object of this scheme of finance is to increase the original 
fund, which, though sufficient to establish a library and a museum, is found inade- 
quate to meet the demands which result from the comprehensive plan of organiza- 
tion which has been adopted. The result has, thus far, been so successful, that there 
can now be no doubt that, if the same plan be continued until the end of the five 
years and the funds do not greatly depreciate, there will remain the sum of $150,000 
in accrued interest to add to the principal. To secure this desirable end without the 
possibility of failure, it may be now advisable to petition Congress to receive from 
the Regents the sum of $150,000, and place it with the original principal sum, never 
to be expended, and to complete the building out of the remaining funded notes and 
the accruing interest. 

W. W. SEATON. 

ALEXANDER D. BACHE. 

JAS. ALFRED PEARCE. 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1850. 


The Executive Committee submitted to the Board the following report of the ex- 
penditures, state of finances, &c., of the Smithsonian Institution ttp to the end of 
the year 1850: 


The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest received into the Treas- 


miMmoutaeiw mited States, was —22)) se. tee Toe eee $515,169 00 
The annual interest on the same at six per cent., is ------_- $30,910 04 
The interest which had accrued up to July, 1846, when the 

trust was placed under the care of the Regents, was_---_-------- 242,129 00 


Bisa ienlpmees ogese umes (RE as hep ee el ee Quand wl ard ge eee 2 $757,298 00 


The Regents were authorized to expend on the building the $242,129, which had 
accrued in interest, together with such portions of interest on the original bequest as 
might remain unexpended in any year. It was, however, thought that the income 
of the original bequest would be small in proportion to the demand made upon it, in 
carrying out the several parts of the extended plan of organization, and in defraying 
the necessary expenses of a large building. The Regents, therefore, determined to 
increase the permanent fund by saving from the accrued and accruing interest the 
sum of $150,000, and for this purpose they resolved to limit the expenditure on the 
building and grounds to the sum of $250,000. In order to save a part of the accrued 
interest it was further resolved that the building should not be completed at once, but 
in the course of a number of years, and that the sum intended for its erection should 
be put at interest, so that the income from this source might, in part, defray the ex- 
pense of the edifice. 

To carry out this plan, the $242,000 of accrued interest with an addition of inter- 
est sufficient to make up $250,000, were drawn from the Treasury and invested in 
United States securities, and in order that the Institution might not suffer loss by 
any depreciation of these securities, the contracts of the building were made payable 
in Treasury notes at par value, or in specie, at the option of the Regents. 

This temporary investment has proved entirely successful. It has yielded a con- 
stant interest, and also a premium in almost every case of sale, on account of the 
rise in the value of Government securities. 

Of the original sum thus put at interest, there remains, at present, $180,000 which, 
at sixteen per cent., the present premium of Government securities is worth $208,- 
800. From this it appears, that after all the expenditure on the building and grounds, 
on researches, publications and lectures, on the library, museum, and gallery of art, 
not only is the original bequest untouched, but there is now on hand $208,800 of un- 
expended income. 

At the last meeting of the Board of Regents, it was resolved to fire-proof the inte- 
rior of the centre building, at an additional expense of $44,000. The whole cost of 
the building and grounds, in round numbers, will then be $300,000. The only way 
in which this additional expenditure can be met, without interfering with the plan 
of finance above described, is that of extending the time of completing the building. 
The scheme of adding to the original bequest, will be placed beyond the possibility 
of failure from any further demands on account of the building, if the petition 


486 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


presented to Congress, to take from the Institution, to be placed with the original 
bequest, the sum of $150,000 be granted, there will then remain on hand, unexpended, 
a sum sufficient to complete the whole of the exterior, all the interior of the two 
wings and of the two ranges, and all the rooms of the towers of the building. This 
space will be sufficient for the wants of the Institution, until the accumulating inter- 
est will enable the Regents to finish the remainder in accordance with the fire-proof 
lan. 

: At the last meeting of the Board, a new system of keeping the accounts and mak- 
ing the disbursements was adopted. From the beginning of the Institution up to 
this time, the accounts had been kept, and the disbursements made, by the Chairman 
of the Executive Committee. This method was temporarily adopted, but had been 
continued until the expiration of the term of service of the Hon. W. W. Seaton, 
Chairman of the Executive Committee, rendered a change necessary. This gentle- 
man had kept the accounts from the beginning, and made the disbursements without 
charge to the Institution, and since it was not proper to burthen his successor with 
such onerous duties, it was resolved that the following system be adopted : 


1. That an assistant be appointed to take charge of the funds for the current ex- 
penses of the Institution, who shall give security for the safe-keeping of all moneys 
belonging to the Institution, which shall come into his possession. 


2. That the funds before-mentioned, be deposited, until otherwise ordered, with 
Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs, to the credit of the Treasurer of the Institution. 


3. That all bills presented for payment, shall be audited and certified by the Secre- 
tary, on whose order, the Assistant, acting as Treasurer, shall pay them. 


4. That the Treasurer report to the Secretary, monthly, all payments made by him 
during the preceding month. 


5. That all accounts be examined and certified by the Executive Committee. 


6. That the account books be kept in the Smithsonian building, so that the Secre- 
tary and the Executive Committee may have ready access to them. 


The Hon. W. W. Seaton was chosen Treasurer, and signified his acceptance of the 
office, but that he would receive no compensation for his services. 

The new system of accounts went into operation at the beginning of July last, and 
has been continued up to this time with satisfaction to the committee. 

At the beginning of the Institution, it was not possible, before knowing the devel- 
opment of the plans of organization in practical operation, to adopt a classification of 
accounts showing the expenditure for different objects. The plan of operations is 
now, however, so far established, that a system of classification may be adopted. 

The Secretary has, accordingly, with the assistance of the other officers of the In- 
stitution, prepared a programme of accounts, which may serve until the building is 
completed, and afterwards form the basis of a classification for all future operations. 
This programme, which receives the approbation of the committee, is as follows: 


PROGRAMME OF ACCOUNTS. 


I. BUILDING, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES, GROUNDS. 


1. Pay on contracts for building. 
2. Pay of architects and superintendents, including office and incidentals. 
3. Expenses of Building Committee, including clerk-hire 
4. Incidental expenses to building, viz: 
(1.) Experiments on, and tests of, building materials, 
(2.) Examination of Quarries. 
(3.) Miscellaneous. 
(4.) Premiums paid architects. 
6. Furniture and fixtures for uses in common. 


Do. do. Publications, 

Do. do. Researches. 

Do. do. Lectures and apparatus. 
Do. do. Library. 

Do. do. Museum. 

Do. do. Gallery of Art. 


6. Grounds. 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 487 


II. GENERAL EXPENSES. 


1. Expenses of the Board of Regents and Committees. 

2. Lighting and heating. 

3. Postage. 

4, Transportation. 

5. Stationery. 

6. General printing. 

7. Incidentals general, including messenger, clerk-hire, &e. 
8. Salaries. 


III. PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES AND LECTURES. 


1, Publications. 
(1.) Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. 
(2.) Reports on progress of knowledge. 
(8.) Other publications. 
2. Researches. 
(1.) Meteorology. 
(2.) Computations. 
(8.) Investigations. 
8. Lectures. 
(1.) Pay of lecturers. 
(2.) Illustrations for lectures, 
(3.) Attendance, lighting, advertising, &c. 
4, Apparatus. 
5. Salaries. 


IV. LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 


1, Library. 
(1.) Cost of books. 
(2.) General catalogue. 
(3.) Copyrights. 
(4.) Incidentals to library, binding, messengers, clerk-hire, &c. 
(5.) Salaries, 

2. Museum. 
(1.) Explorations. 
(2.) Expenses of Collections. 
(8.) Cost of transportation, 
(4.) Incidentals to Museum, 
(5.) Salaries. 

3. Gallery of Art. 
(1.) Purchases. 
(2.) Incidentals. 


The Secretary has, also, ‘with the assistance of Professor Jewett, and Colonel W. 
B. Randolph, of the United States Treasury Department, gone over all the accounts 
from the beginning of the Institution, and re-arranged them in accordance with this 
programme. In making this re-arrangement, and critical examination of all the 
accounts, they have found no errors of any magnitude, and the amount of receipts 
and expenditure in this new arrangement perfectly agree with those presented in the 
general account of Mr. Seaton. 

In a few cases payments have been made in accordance with the spirit of the reso- 
lutions of the Board, but which fall under no special appropriation, the committee 
would, therefore, suggest that a special action of the Board be taken with reference 


to these. 


488 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 


Fund Account of 


RECEIPTS. 
1846. 
July 1. To James Smithson, net proceeas Of his bequest...esescresesceseeereccenseseeeeeceeres sesseeeee $015,169 00 
ss Interest thereon to date, paid by the United States Menossteea = a 242,129 00 
Sept. 10. H. W. Hilliard, Regent, over payMent returned..........ccccccosesscceessescccsscccessscocees 90° 
1847. 
Jan. 1. Interest on assumed debt, Ist July to 31st December, 1846, first half year........ 15,455 O07 
July 5. Interest on assumed debt, to 1st July, 1847, second half VC Pluesen casas aeconecee 15,455 OT 
Oct. 21. Interest on $250,000 Treasury notes, to 17th August, six a weecasateeone 7,500 00 
Nov. 26. Proceeds of Treasury notes sold, viz: amount of notes... - $10,000 00 
Interest ito day. Of SalOtccsscsscsnsacceccossscvervaccsceers Sisswawaceteseceeseseesas aeenanee 121 67 
10,121 67 
$805,830 71 
1848. 
Jan. 1. To proceeds of Prof. Henry’s lectures at Princeton........ 0.1.0. .ssscessseesseeees eucecese scence 
Jan. 15. Interest on assumed debt, to 1st January, 1848, third half DCAM. «eabenee stoners Ae 
April 1. Interest on $240,000 Treasury notes to 17th February, 1848, six months 7,200 00 
April 4. George M. Dallas, Chancellor, premium paid for $7,000 Treasury notes..... ...... 105 00 
deposit to credit of Wm. W. Syatony Chairman.. . 95 00 
May 10. picceeds of Treasury notes, viz: amount Of NOtES...........cecceeeeeeeee $7,000 00 
Premium thereon......... ox 140 00 
Interest to day of Salo ieitsctocssvecccscctececrscsconusecenan 45 50 
a 7,185 50 
July 7. Interest on assumed debt, to 1st July, 1848, fourth half year............cscccseessseeee 15,455 00° 
Aug. 17. Interest on $240,000 Treasury notes, to 17th August, six Months..............2-ee000 7,200 00 
Aug. 24. Proceeds of Treasury notes, viz: amount Of NOtES....... cesses seeeeeeeeees 5,000 00 
Premise seccseoreesneaessvea Roanesseccacdsnascudtewereecusccetenthcseseecnasrecse 200 00 
Less commissi0n.....,.....+ Mach eescuae-etceaasesccdvacccuiasscseerscrevantersets 12 50 
ae 187 50 
Interest to day of sale........... SounssusesnusvancacssGcseusewiccdseaccescusacslecestetaccs 5 00 
eo 5,192 50- 
Oct. 16. Proceeds of Treasury notes, viz: aMouNt Of NOTES ......cccccceceeeseeceeeee 9,000 00 
IPPEMUTUM reece sven nessontraetcaesstocrnessevecseescencricanaccunscereseatttsa .-- $270 00 
JuesS COMMIS OMMeseseecteensctsncecanen cnsseeeteeen sertes senescent as Saeaceenis 11 25 
258 75 
Imterestto day Of Salley. civcicscccessaccrsscsssencscesses Racnncerctarened Eaccecsareseecneess 85 50 
——— __ 9,344 25. 
$68,232 25- 
1849, 
Jan: 5. Tointerestion assumed debt, fifth Nalfcyearicc.ccececs locecucstsacctascsarescossaceussessveuceneseen $15,455 14 
Feb. 17. Treasury notes, this amount redeemed and funded in United States six per 
CONG. SHOCK. <isccetccccsessvecccceesnetasclsvasceucreessesacces camexserssortocess cscsartuadescrdrcanecess - 226,000 00- 
Feb. 28. Interest on Treasury notes, $226,000, to 17th February, six months................++ 6,780 00° 
April17. | United States six per cent. stock sold, viz: amount Of stock..........- $16,000 00 
IPTE MUL e-esccese docearnececcciucerconceretincesesiicst inane -senemmecsancss seeeeese $1,600 00 
WUESS| COMMISSION eccraseevetencteer sc enerecesee tes sescredcerecee Na vennenrenen 40 00 
1,560 00 
17 560100) 
July 2. Interest on $210,000 stock, from 17th February to 30th June, 1849 4,614 24 
July 65. Interest on assumed debt, sixth half Year..............essesseesescscaccesencees conseecee cones 15,455 OT 
Oct. 20. United States six per cent, stock sold, viz: amount of stock........... 
PROM UM iia cade cvccccccsccauncssccsuecncs onoecesssvenss scoceccabeccuscsecseanee $1,312 50 
Less commission........ areenees aetheanaseraceenccseetasssncoreeacorereetcaaes 25 00 
1,287 50 
TS TaDOs 
$297,151 95. 
1850. 
Jan. 2. To interest on $200,000 six per cent. stock, to Ist of January, six months............. $6,000 00- 
Jan. 4, Interest on assumed de ts SeVeENnth halt years: scs.ccce-cattacestcateconaeseoasecsecaceceseees 15,455 OT 
July 2. Interest on $200,000 six per cent. stock, & 30th June, six mute ma 6,000 00° 
July 9. Interest on assumed debt eighth half year.........-. ss+--s0.---sesneesseeer eneeee seneat 15,455 OT 
July 27. United States six per cent. oe sold, viz: amount ‘of ‘toc! ee «+» $10,001 00 
PREMIUM. ccevies. acceceserscene esse erorees pap necnncvenaeesncienssUase anor . $1, 400 00 
Less commission..........0 Ra dasccenetarcestieatesecestarenescnsetacsantaeess 25 00 
1,875 00 
———-__ 11,875 00 
Sept.19. United States six per cent. stock sold, viz: amount of stock........... $10,000 00 
DPT OMMTUMA Fcc descc secoin sccecncns duou, oscatoncdeeesee cetera eee ee Cee ee iennmenne 1,600 00 
SS e000; 
Dec. 28. Washington monument, office furniture sold to that Society.........cessceser seers 60 71 


Dec. 31. Interest on $180,000 six per cent. stock, to 31st December, six months...... ..... 5,400 00: 
$71,335 85. 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 489 


The Smithsonian Institution. 


EXPENDITURES. 
1846, : 
July 1. By the United States—assumed CCD eresetccsencccntereaec ee eee ee Dae saacostnonse $515,169 00 
Sept. 6. Wm. W. Seaton, Chm’n Executive Committee, from Treasury United States... 2,000 00 
Sept 10. Re pard sb yen serniian cles cc ceecce (so en ene Rpenns, Snr ae oan 90 
Dec. 21. Hromyvnreasury, United States se.cccecs.ccsetleets sees eeaee bn a 2,000 00 
1847. 
Feb. 17. Treasury notes, proceeds of warrant on Treasury United States.........c0ceccesee 250,000 00 
Feb. 25. Wm. W. Seaton, Chm’n Executive Committee, from Treasury United States... 5,584 07 
July 8. Second half year, interest on assumed ebt......lecccesesseccenseeseesesees 15,455 O07 
Oct. 21. Six months interest on $250,000 Treasury notes........+.. aaecceee 7,500 00 
Noy. 26. Proceeds of $10,000 notes sold......... eaeecenseeers Deowedenenisesoenesssicd sceaecssea 10,121 67 
$805,830 71 
1848. 
Jan. 1. By Prof. Joseph Henry, Secretary, on account of his salary......c.csssesscsceceseseeeeees - $1,000 00 


Jan. 15. Wra. W. Seaton, Chairman Executive Committee, third half year’s interest... 15,455 00 
April 1. Treasury notes, investment of so much interest on notes received this day... 7,000 00 


George M. Dallas, Chancellor, balance of said interest ..........csss00 csccesesseseee ces 200 00 
April 4. Wm. W. Seaton, Chairman Executive Committee, deposited by Mr. Dallas...... 95 00 
May 10. IPROCECASIOf MOLES SOl dass nen eecee ees teeemerenceu cece sce cer oh eeet Sees 7,185 50 
July 6 Fourth half year’s interest............. Reacasccectiecccsvsssccacnvotsertssscccimaves 15,455 00 
Aug. 2. Interest on Treasury notes due 17th August.........ses0e+- eaenearsnneeeeee 7,200 00 
Aug. 24, Proceeds) Of Motes soldicsccsece-cetcesconsoenenenesteee esos pesesucievensecnneccncs 5,192 50 
Oct. 16. Proceeds of motes Soldine sasccccesececencers mens neneoses Reancanecnerepeherere 9,344 25 
Profit and loss, premium paid for $7,000 Treasury NOtes ..,..s.sccscsssee sssssesse sonres 105 00 
$68,232 25 
1849. i / ; 
Jan. 9. By Wm. W. Seaton, Chairman Executive Committee, fifth half year’s interest..... $15,455 14 
Feb. 17. United States six per cent. stock, loan of 1847 ...........00 esceucsaceceencgheusetvecse.etees - 226,005 00 
Feb. 28. Wm. W. Seaton, Chairman Executive Committee, interest on Treasury notes, 
DEP NU ALY pececectere scancecsrecea<cocesesa-scase cecesecuctnsccvassuesencacenccesesresdeserscusanncran 6,780 00 
April 17. Proceeds of stock Sold.........ccseeseeeeee 17,560 00 
July 2. Interest on stock to 30th June......... 4,614 24 
July 7. Sixth half year’s interest.............00 eavsueete 15,455 O7 
Oct. 20. Proceeds of stock sold .............008 Raccorcaseevncacesssascucdneee wecstenceseectece - 11,287 50 
$297,151 95- 
1850. : : , 4 
Jan. 2. By William W. Seaton, Chairman Executive Committee, interest on stock to 1st 
RUSRINULATSY coeteceeorest eter en cenchalsccsensenncs sventnennsenandeserrs Roseceay aeeeececnes vesseeree — $6,000 00 
Jan. 4 Seventh half year’s interest.............01 sescssseccsseesseeees fecteenecteases 15,455 07 
July 2. William W. Seaton, Treasurer, interest on stock to 30th JUNC........+-0:seceseseseeeee 6,000 00 
July 9. Highth half year’s Interest ...............-s:sessesccnenecnecesees 15,455 OT 
July 27. Proceeds of stock sold..........6 ss 11,875 00 
Sept. 19. Proceeds of Stock SOlA...........:..cesscecseceeesenserseseeves canes Bepaeceesne 11,600 00 
Dec. 28. Furniture sold on account of pay of architects, &C.........e0+ apeceoxo 50 71 
Dec. 31. Interest on stock to 31st December, 1850.......... Se) co cebeveatrecluncesserecrs 5,400 00 


$71,335 85 


OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


REPORTS 


490 


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88 969 GS FEI 00 661 0g 89 £9 F6G ew: Suyjutid prsauen 
FF L8E G8 I&% 9F G8 IL 69 oO L acai ee Taig Sea a. Se Asaoyeyg 
29 906 cg LI9 61 99% G6 98 96 98 . Pe con Cee ots 1, eigen yer ce nee uore}iodsuvsy, 
&@ 919 GO 88st 98 LOS ok G9 90 09 Sal bear a eres aes pe aa ap ae aaa  eauys0g 
ch LP 0¢ 89 CUPSl dies 5. [per Sere a 9 peenre rn. aa pasa ye 2 len ek os oe Sunvoy pus Sunysiy 
10 381‘ ZL 91Z GZ ¥F8 o% FIL GES Oe. a7 ee $90}}IMIMI0D PU sJUESe Jo pavog jo sosuodxq 
‘SHSNTIXY IVAINAD “[] 
19 9FL‘s 96 ST9‘T LI LOL 88 601 08 862'T Bese eS i eee oe eee SD UOTE) 
TESS SSSI qav jo Arol[Vs ‘op ‘op 
Ee a aa a ae umnoesnu ‘op ‘op 
08 G68 08 SFY 00 LE pean Seed aed org eee | een heme eet a ee AIvIQIT “op ‘op 
0g I6IL 0g 99T 00 GZ Bieta og k cme e|| Soak 2 eee eT SRE ease ora SeIN OO ‘op ‘op 
oe ee Cae ree soqolBesot ‘op ‘op 
Gee —-~--~ suoreortqnd ‘op ‘op 
oF 0190'S 8668 ZG LT LT eee ie eo seeing “—"---UOMUL0D UI Sesn OJ sein} xy pus ornquIn,yT 
rere one = sae ee a rE ee cae \ coon eenommaseo--- Surpying 0} [eyweprour ‘snoouvypoost py 
Sul Meee eaee te ae fees Or re robes oo ae ea (080°C. aL Slee SST Sopa syooyrqoue pred sunimoig 
9), 0SZ SSE AS ara areal | aac Gr gma eee me | ee ieee as ola 9) OSG FEE ey eS eg ERO pena Per eae pe soriaenb jo UOlPBULTUB RH 
g9 G9g een aN mga 0s CL 00 G9 SI SSr> . Ss Sao £[B110} VU Ssurpring jo BIS22 pues uo syuow ted xq 
60 298‘T Monge: ales Sa ¥ LT GS: SG i ee eeecn ieee Sens a aes eo}}IMMOD Surpling Jo sosuedxy 
9L 91O'GL GY 6SF'G ZL FCL'e 98 6F6'% 91 G8F'S epee SR St aty Se my ‘syuopuoezutsedns ‘sjoo}1YOIB JO Avg 
00 000‘0FT$ | 00 000'Fz$ 00 008‘os$ 00 O18'st$ OO OCS CCkecsle a= ar ae we re SUIp[IN Lo s}ov1zU00 uo Avg 
‘SaNNOUD ‘SHUALXI YG GNV AVALINUAY ‘ONIaTIng ‘T 
“LISI 


‘ayesoISS WV OS8T 180% “6FST 189 X “SPST 180 X “oa ISTE OF, 


‘uamb asofag syunoson fo auunsbosd ayn yy aounp.oson m2 pabuns.p 
OGgT tvah ayn fo pua ayn 02 uounjysuy oy2 fo burwurbog ay} wouf saunppuaduy ay) 7p fo yuawmayng yo1auay vo sr burmopof ayy, 


491 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


SSS 


ZL Sst'Fre$ | OF LOS‘scs 1g 928'6L$ 78 LLP‘So$ GF ILO‘IFS 


em TIE = = | 00 00T Git eels aee le aes mannan onan mannan ‘op égreyuOpIoUy 
O€ SLT Qeueh So > See see eon alee ee | ees eee ee Ml Boe Gy a m--=--===-qrg jo Arol[es ‘sosvqoung 
00 OGL OOO) =~" 5S ee ea ae gee ee al as, ee | ee te ce oe ‘op ‘solIe[Bg 
00 06 CO0G., 21 a eee lhe ae es ae eas Oe ace eS 2 ‘op s[v]UAploUuy 
00 SOT OST > aaa aa se ei cee TS [ar Sy eae ae a ‘op ‘uoryey10dsuvi} JO 4s0H 
0G 162 00 8S OG PS) StS ce geen ale Ss re ee Al, eet ae ee winesnul ‘suorpa[oo Jo sosuodx@ 
00 OST OOl08T “" «< t| eeniar as histor ae Godlee ook ob. a S|bocte ee ee a tad me ieee eS uinoesnu ‘suorjpesropdxq 
06 6F6'9 26 666'T 86 66F'S QOS. = elles ss cles eS oS Calle a ees Arerqyy ‘so1epeg 
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99 EZ 00 9ST OOM Ge SS ee ee op CONG CUR eS eragr a a is lesan we ae Se ~~ 81ystskdop 
$9 918 L6 86 Bela Gi A | eC nied I teres 5 8 All ped 2 te ah eS oe Se ONSO[BYBO [V1OUS4) 
3 910'8 9% GZo'F FI 818s 98 998 COM eas ek ee ee ee ee sy00q JO 4809 
‘LUV 10 AUATIVYH ANV ‘Wogsny, ‘AUVUAIT “AT 
00 OST‘T 00 000‘T DOMGCiee e. Nlcsaca ecco es I ce oS ee oe ee ‘ow ‘suoryrortqnd ‘serrereg 
GL 1&3 0S 88 69 SIT QOlOSR ach db aa ee Te ak Sa SoINjOo] IOJ SUITS pus oourpus}}y 
GG G6 GG G6 Sg SR ara | i a Ce ee ae oe Pe ae soinqooy Loy snyeivdde puv suoyeaysnyi[y 
GO 96L'T GO 129'T O08) Gate. alee < reae lege oe cecal, a a eg aS ks eae sx0Inqoo]_ Jo Aug 
00 0F6 00 06 00 0¢ GOSOOL:: aa lke ee we eek ee ee ee ee ‘—“suolyRs{soAuy 
OURO ie ee | Sierras | od 00 2a COE COe Feral ilkce se “ee a gies a ee eee ae ee suoiqeynduroy 
99 OL0% 99 996'T DSPs ea gas Sees) Grae ee ge Spee ee ho er tae £3010100}0], 
GG 8éL 86 S8¢ Fo GST tebe is a dite. ae ape Sivas ae ee tak ee oe ee suorjeorqnd 1y31O 
16 6L8‘T 16 S26 QUA, = Saee cl os it Soe Sri eee eee oSpe,Mouy jo ssorsoad uo sjz0dayy 
OL 89F'6 98 299° 18 80'S 18 996'G 00109, S Sule ase eSpeMOUY 0} suoTINqIs}UH UBIUOSYIIUIg 


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GL 689'FT SF 8h9'F 8g TI8't 02 996'F Gise On eelloae ena a ae ee ae ee ‘op SOLVES 
68 $1499 GL IFFT $8 4ST —s_:- |. 80 -L88'T Ore ii. 6 fase Ts roewrer-w-enp-eeeree——-—-—— 1B 1909s B[B{OpIOUyT 


492 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


From the foregoing exhibit it will be seen that the funds of the Institution have 
been carefully husbanded, are now in a good condition, and that, though the cost of 
the building will exceed the first estimate, yet the original plan of saving a portion 
of the accrued interest to increase the capital, will, in due time, be carried out. 

The committee are of opinion that an expenditure of twenty-five thousand dollars 
may be allowed from the annual income for defraying the expenses of the Institu- 
tion, and for carrying on the several parts of the programme, during the present 
year, and they will hereafter introduce a resolution to that effect. 


Signed, _ A. D. BACHE, 
J. A. PEARCH, Committee. 
JOS. G. TOTTEN, 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1851. 


By the act of Congress incorporating the Institution, and a resolution of the Board 
of Regents, it becomes the duty of the Executive Committee to examine and certify 
the accounts, and to advise with the Secretary with reference to the operations which 
may be undertaken in accordance with the plan of organization. The committee, 
during the past year, have attended to these duties and beg leave to submit the follow- 
ing report relative to the same: 

The operations of the Institution now follow a regular course, and therefore as 
frequent meetings of the committee are not required as at the beginning. Indeed, 
they prefer to leave the principal direction of the affairs of the Institution to the 
Secretary, believing that individual responsibility is the safe ground for confidence 
in the proper administration of a trust of this kind. 

The active operations being of a public character, there is full opportunity of judg- 
ing of their value, and whether they are in accordance with the will of the testator. 
It is, however, of the first importance that the financial condition of the Institution 
should be frequently and critically examined, and that it should be seen that every 
account paid has a proper voucher, and that all money has been properly expended 
in accordance with the appropriations of the Board. 

A new system of accounts was introduced in July, 1850, in accordance with which 
all bills presented for payment are audited and certified by the Secretary, on whose 
order they are paid by the treasurer, and all the accounts are revised by the Execu- 
tive Committee. The Executive Committee have examined every account paid since 
the date mentioned, and find that each is attended with the proper voucher, and that. 
the expenditures have been judiciously and economically made. 

They are happy to inform the Board that the financial affairs of the Institution 
are still in a very favorable condition, as will be seen by the following statement: 
The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest received into the Treas- 

ury‘of the United States;was--2-= 7-2 = ee eee $515,169 00 
The annual interest on the same, at 6 per cent., is $30,910.04; the 

interest which had accrued up to July, 1846, when the trust was 

placed under the care of the Regents, was__.___.__-__-_--.---.-_=. 242,129 00 


Mo tel 2 = Se 3 a a Se 757,298 00: 


Out of this sum the Regents were authorized to expend on the building $242,129, 
which had accrued in interest, together with such portions of interest on the original 
bequest as might remain unexpended in any year. 

The Regents, however, thought it advisable to increase the principal, and in order 
to do this, resolved that the erection of the building should be spread over a number 
of years, and that the sum authorized to be used for this purpose should be put at 
interest, so that the income from this source might in part defray the expense of the 
edifice. To carry out this plan, $250,000 of accrued interest were drawn from the 
Treasury and invested in United States securities. This plan of finance has been 
rigidly adhered to, and it now appears from the account books of the Institution that 
after all the expenditures on the building and grounds, on researches, publications 
and lectures, on the library, museum and gallery of art, there is on hand govern- 
ment security valued, at the present rate of premium, at $209,700, so that the original 
amount and interest which had accrued previous to the time at which the Institution 
came into the charge of the Regents, has only been diminished by about $33,000. 

In accordance with a part of this plan, Congress has been requested to take from 
the Institution $150,000, to be placed with the original bequest as a part of the princi- 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 493 


pal, the interest of which alone can be expended, and it is hoped that an act to this 
effect will be passed during the present session. 

The committee have also examined the various and multiplied operations of the 
Institution as set forth in the report of the Secretary, and they are happy to assure 
the Board and the public that, in their opinion, the benevolent designs of the donor 
are faithfully and efficiently executed in accordance with his injunction, to “ increuse 
and diffuse knowledge among men.” 

The following is an abstract of the expenditures during the past year, ranged 
according to the programme of accounts, which was submitted by the Executive 
Committee at the last meeting of the Board: 


Expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the year 1851. 


BNINCOU IT AC(G (en Sn ne ee $22,000 00 
Bermmametechiiteetswose. = - eo 2,214 45 
mizpenses of building committee, &c._...—.-..--....----- 43 53 
PeEeeliancous to buIlding 25. ek 62 07 
PnMnUTe coco linyCOMMOn. __— sa _e Do I e  e 657 06 
Do. OL TOU OLKCEY opal | ee 21 00 
Do. leCbures. 2522. oe eee ee nes cee 149 99 
Do. IIDRATY! 22-2 2h ee ee i 255 22 
Do. PRUIB CUNT = 25-5 aurea een een ee meats 52 68 
Se ee ee 515 54 

. -— $25,971 54 
maxpenses of Board of Regents__-—-_ -.--__-____. -___-___ 291 20 
Meret neta OMMeGR DIN fee oe 486 35 
nee eee 370 78 
ESOT (At ORie a Se ee 851 43 
Sen yeee eee ek eee ee 419 96 
peter pnt ee ee a 1,159 06 
Pepparatus,———~—- ---+—_-_ >. ee ee eee 148 69 
Beta eniiaia oneral) sso 2 22 a Se) te ee eee 1,878 43 
SenmiE ct onetn eee ene Sal eee eee 3,799 92 

$9,405 82 
SMT Hsoniane © ontributlOns, -=————--5—-—. Se eee 8,211 76 
Reports on progress of knowledge ---------------------- 473 82 
Other publications -_~--------------------------------- 100 00 
Mmereprology ==. -__.-----=--.-- == ---- === -==——-+-_-_- 3894 50 
Computations -_-----.----------- ------------ --------— 300 00 
Mnyvesii@ations.—2-2—— -_---. _--=----___---_ ~~. -- _-=___ 110 00 
Pay of lecturers_-.---------- ------------ ------ -------- 635 00 
MISE rALIONS+ CoC, TOUMeCCtUNeS == 22> = anne ne 316 49 
eMtifendance cessor leChres == === aan ana 86 75 
Salaries, publications __-------------~- ---------------- ES 900 00 

6,478 32 
Chast OR [DOCS 2 ee eo ee 2,016 90 
General catalogue -_---.-_---- ------------------------- 174 88 
Incidentals to library --.~.------------------------------ 1,402 01 
Salaries to library -_----------------------------------- 1,999 92 
Explorations—museum -~-~-~--~---------- -------------- 50 00 
Expenses of collections—museum- ---------------------- 183 03 
Incidentals, OSeh ee eee eee 512 06 
Salaries, GOs eae 1,500 00 
Gallery of art, purchases__---------- ------------------- 10 00 
Incidentals, gallery of art..---------- ---- -------------- 6 00 

—_—— 7,854 80 

CRT ee en ee $49,710 48 

On the building in whole up to end of last year --~--------------- ---- 174,982 00 


25,971 00 


$200,953 00 


Respectfully submitted, by A. D. BACHE, 
J. A. PEARCE, Executive Committee. 


JOS. G. TOTTEN, 


494 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1852. 


The Executive Committee submit to the Board of Regents the following report, 
relative to the present state of the finances and the expenditures during the year 
1852: 

They are happy to inform the Board that, after a strict examination of the accounts, 
they are enabled to present a very satisfactory statement of the present condition of 
the finances, and the result of the investigations as to the expenditures during the 
year. ; 

The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest deposited in the Treasury 

of the United States, (from which an annual income at 6 per cent. 

interest 1s denived,,Of ipo0,GL0;14) as —_ 3 We ee eee $515,169 00 
There is now on hand, of unexpended interest, in charge of 

Messrs. ‘Corcoran @eivigps= =e a2 = > Ae ee eee $208,800 
Of this sum it is proposed to expend on the building-_--_. Eee) 2585800 


Which will leave to be added to the principal, according to the original 
PROPOSITION OL EOL WI CCW Oe ete eee Se ee eee 150,000 00: 


Mhe;wHolesundiwaAllethenyye == se see eee ee $665,169 00 


The following is a general view of the receipts and expenditures during the, past 
year : 


Receipts. 

From ‘the income|of/the original ‘fund <2 22 ee eee $30,910 14 
Mrom interest) omsbhevextra pum des ee ee ee ee ree 9,129 20 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer at the beginning of the year 1852. 7,296 76 

$47,336 10 

Expenditures. 

Mor phe: bw dime eee eee ee oe ce eee eee eee ae ee ee a ee $14,047 07 
For items common to the general objects of the Institution--_-_-_--_---____ 11,505 80 
Hor publications; researches, and Jectures-=-2-— 2 oo eee eon ee eee 12,224 48 
For library, museum, and gallery of ‘ant-o 2 2- oo S ee 9,308 26 
Pal aNCe AN) tHe clare gee ee are eee ee re ee ee 250 49 


$47,336 10 
The following is a more detailed statement of the expenditures: 
Statement in Relation to the Expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the 


year 1852. 
BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, AND GROUNDS. 

Pay on contracts’ 7°) See oe a ee eae OCU ROU 
Pay of architects, superintendents, &c -.-...--__----_.-.__ 1,839 83 
Expenses of Building Committee === esas eee 7 60 
Miscellaneous incidental to) building =222-2 1,198 64 
Hurniture, (se: for uses, invcommoncs= sss eee 682 94 

Do. for library) so Sees ee he es 265 15 

Do. for museum JUS es see soe ee eee ee 3 56 
Grounds= 2. 20 ee eee 49 45 

—— $14,047 OT 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 

Hocpenses of Board. of: Regents, ‘Se. - 2 eee 267 18 
Diehtiine and heating 25 oles ee ee 399 70 
IROStA Gere E es ee es J Ce ee ee ere ee, 472 07 
Transportation s22.3 0220 lec) Lae ee eee eee 1,827 91 
bation ery ye ee sie aie Co OY Ea ee eee 222 38 
Generalioninting 220220. eS eee ee 350 42 
Apparatus... .. Fe a 844 88 
Incidentals,}cenerales =f 2502) es eee 2,821 34 
Salaries spencral ou soess 6 ee eee 4,299 92 


11,505 80 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 495 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge__________________ $5,736 74 
Reports on progress of knowledge -~__-_--_-.___.....-_____ 1,616 75 
Bea eninane oe 1,007 86 
Rn serene ee eee aes tint 2 2,079 88 
BPMN GLO AIN OTS eee ren ene a Beak eS Bhi so PT 75 00 
Beech Ce LULGRR ee 8 Se een eee 1,885 00 
Illustrations and apparatus for lectures-_-__.__-.__________ 230 13 
Attendance and lighting, lectures, &c ---__-----._._._.____ 93 12 

—- $12,224 48 

LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 

rR Os eee ee oS oo ee A ke 1,098 77 
ene nalecatelOmuonsem Js. 258. [2 oo eee es 877 25 
Se Se wr 52 00 
emrmcn mpi ee seers 222. 2 ee ee nk 1,305 28 
- EVSTE VERTIS S151] 0) 2) 3 es 1,196 48 
Ales miubranyeees sss. = Sez leo eS eee eee 2,499 96 
Hixpenses of collections, museum_..-.-.___---.-_.---.. — 215 57 
See ranieh eS ImUSCUNNY ok eS ha ee 663 O1 
PMleMmlCs eINUISCUMe er. as 252 tee ee 1,999 94 

— 9,308 26 

Total expended in 1852 -____. ie eee See en ean $47,085 61 


A general account of the operations of the Institution is given in the report of the 
Secretary, to which the Board are referred. The committee are happy to be able 
again to assure the Board that, in their opinion, the operations are such as to carry 
out, in the most effectual manner, the wise and benevolent design of James Smithson, 
viz: that of increasing and diffusing knowledge among men.” The only regret 
which can be entertained with regard to the present condition of the Institution, is, 
that the funds are so encumbered with the restrictions imposed upon them by the 
original charter, that more of the income cannot be devoted to the publications and 
other active operations. 

Respectfully submitted. 
J. ALFRED PEARCE, 
J.G. TOTTEN, | stecantiv Committee. 
A. D. BACHE, 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1858. 


The Executive Committee submit to the Board of Regents the following report, 
relative to the present state of the finances, and the expenditures during the year 
1853. 

They are happy to inform the Board that, after a strict examination of the accounts, 
they are enabled to present a very satisfactory statement of the present condition of 
the finances, and the result of the investigations as to the expenditures, during the 


year. 
The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest, deposited in the Treasury 
of the United States, (from which an annual income at 6 per cent. 


is derived of $30,910.14,) is_____----- ps = = ee ee $515,169 00 
Amount of unexpended interest, reported last year as in 
charge of Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs- —-~-- —aaaan- === $208,800 00 
From which deduct amount expended on the building dur- 
Tee UO Ch a ee — 29,891 98 
179,408 02 
Of this it is proposed to expend the further sum of_-----~- 29,408 02 


Which will leave to be added to the principal, according to the original 


proposition of Professor Bache-----------------~---------- ------ 150,000 00: 


hemyhole.cund. will then be.- 22S eee eee eee oo $665,169 00 


496 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Statement in Relation to the Expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the 


year 1853. 
BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC. 
Bay ON COntrACtS 2-2) tone eee $25,500 00 
Pay of architects, superintendents, &c_.._.______________ 1,580 70 
‘Macnetic observatory 22-22 oe eae een ee ee 1,578 28 
Expenses of Building Committee === 2s se 77 00 
Miscellaneous, incidental to building--__.______-_-__.-... 184 84 
Hurniture, &e:, for uses mscommone ase.) se eae 854 05 
Furniture for library) 220222 ee de 17,11 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Fixpenses of ‘Board of Regents_-___-- 5 195 00 
Lighting and) heating 23 eS etee ass Oo ee 646 47 
Postage 25-52 ete Sie Dee eee ee ee ee ee 864 28 
‘Transportation 222s 2 se eee eee ee ee ee 1,913 19 
Stationery G2 2 USs Se ee oe eo 6 50 
General printing(s=52 3 een ee ee 894 19 
Apparatus oS) sa ee eee ee 203 50 
Encidénials, seneral 2s] See tees eos 2 see ee * 3,852 42 
iWiatchman: = ose Sees a. ee ee see ees 867 00 
Salaries,eneral-.2 52. eee ee ee ee 4,099 92 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge__---------.---- 8,160 04 
Reports on progress of knowledge ~~. -2202-2L+24_c22 ee 139 29 
Other publications .2285 000 Sie a o20 ou se ee 1,116 58 
Meteorology 220222 Se Bee rutee) Sie ee ee ee ee eee 2,346 51 
Pay of lecturers its ee Weeiee 5 Lt ne See ee eet 783 00 
Illustrations and apparatus for lectures_._--...-.--.-.-=- 661 84 
Attendance and lighting lectures, &c__-_-_ -_-_-.-------- 445 40 


LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 


Costiofibooks’ 22-22 2eu Ries 22 2 oe ee eee 841 75 
Stereoty ping and printing== =) See ae eee ee 1,818 42 
incidentals) tovlibranyess = =o ee = een ate eee 1,581 02 
BIALLOS MT AT a a eae ee ee eee 2,499 96 
ASTON LT OAS 5 (UTS UA ene tey ge ee ee 250 00 
Expense of collections, museum ___-_---- oe eS eee 240 04 
Incidentals; museums 222 ess ee ee ee ee ee eae 229 71 
Salaries, museums. ose we eee eee ee ae eee 1,999 92 


$29,391 98 


12,042 47 


18,652 66 


8,960 82 


Total expenditures Shel eee oe anon eee oe eee 


$64,047 93 


The following is a general view of the receipts and expenditures for the year 1853: 


RECEIPTS. 
Balance in the Treasury, as per last vopanhe oor eee $250 49 
Interest on the original fund for the year 18538-----_-__-- 80,910 14 
Interest on the extra fund for the year 1853__-_ ---------- 10,440 00 


EXPENDITURES, EXCLUSIVE OF BUILDING. 


For items common to the objects of the Institution-----_- 12,042 47 
For publications, researches, and lectures__...---.------- 18,652 66 
For library, museum, and gallery of art-__.------.------ 8,960 82 
Balancenn*thevireasury:]2222- 2. 2. => 2 eee 6,944 68 


* Including $948.34 charged for interest on over-drafts during the year. 


$41,600 63 


41,600 63 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 497 


An appropriation of $30,000 was made at the last meeting of the Board of Regents, 
to be expended under the direction of the Executive Committee and the Secretary, 
for carrying on the operations of the Institution. 

From the foregoing statement of accounts it will be seen that, while the library 
and museum have had their share of the appropriation, the active operations have 
exceeded their part by upwards of $4,000. This excess has been caused, principally, 
by printing and preparing for the press a number of memoirs, which are to form the 
volume of Contributions for the year 1854. 

Whatever may be the future distribution of the income, a greater expenditure than 
has been made for the library and museum, during the past year, could not, in the 
opinion of the committee, have been judicious. 

The additions to the library and museum, the former of which were chiefly in re- 
turn for the publications of the Institution, under the system of exchanges, have 
been considerable and valuable. <A particular estimate of these will be presented to 
the Board hereafter. 

The Board are referred to the report of the Secretary, recently submitted, for a 
detailed account of the operations of the Institution, during the past year. The 
committee think that these operations are in harmony with the law of Congress, with 
the objects of the founder of the Institution, and successfully carry out his idea of 
the increase and diffusion of knowledge. 

After the present year, during which, the building will probably be completed, the 
fund for annual expenditures will be somewhat enlarged, and increased benefits, it is 


hoped, will be realized. 
J. A. PEARCE, 


A. D. BACHE, | saeantv Committee. 
J. Ge LOA MENG 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1854. 


The Executive Committee submit to the Board of Regents the following report 
relative to the present state of the finances, and the expenditures during the year 1854: 


The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest, deposited in the Treas- 
ury of the United States, (from which an annual income, at 6 per 
eomieeeagerived Of -p50,010s14,) 1s._-..---2-.2- 323-2. noone $515,169 00 
Amount of unexpended interest, reported last year as in 
charge of Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs-...---.---..----- $179,408 02 
From which deduct amount passed by them to the credit 
of the treasurer to meet payments on building during 


OSL | 2 ee maenin his 54,408 02 
125,000 00 
Balance in the Treasury, January 1, 1855-----.---------- 14,159 59 
139,159 59 


$654,828 59 


The following is a general view of the receipts and expenditures for the year 1854, 
exclusive of amount drawn from Corcoran § Riggs on account of the building. 


RECEIPTS. 
Balance in the Treasury, as per last report ---_-.-------_- $6,944 68 
Interest on the original fund for the year 1854 ___-------- 80,910 21 
Interest on the extra fund for the year 1854____-__-__---- 7,276 39 
$45,131 28 
EXPENDITURES. 

For items common to the objects of the Institution __.-_-_-__ $12,752 00 
For publications, researches, and lectures -_-- ------------ 8,094 388 
For library, museum, and gallery of art.__-__-----_---_- 9,512 19 
For building purposes—difference between the amount 

expended and the amount withdrawn from Corcoran & 

rien eee eeneneny Sart ets yh) Se bith ee ee eee 613 12 
alsnceiny phe breasury ooo .eo6 2 es ols ee ee oe 14,159 59 


$45,131 28 
32 


498 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Detailed Statement of the Expenditures during the year 1854. 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC. 


ay On contracts!.sl—-- hes ee ee ee $52,280 00 
iPay of architectiand drauchisman——e==se= eee eee 1,237 00 
Miscellaneous incidental to building: “2==-_--. / 2 495 18 
Magnetic observatory == a<- eae ore oe rae ee 18 77 
Hurniture, des, for Wses imicommon! 222s ea esses ese 938 12 
Murniture, des for library) seeer eee ee een ee ee 52 12 


$55,021 14 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Expenses of Boardiof' Regents, &c. --2- -. fal 467 71 
Lighting andcheatinges a enone. 2 eee 887 30 
Tosi prets = Sergen muee eee neers eS Soe eee 467 67 
Transportationiand exchanges 2. . 9 =--_--_ 2-2 1,644 43 
DraiOnen yy eae mee eee eee ee ee ee eee nes 662 50 
General punting eee eee ee ee 1,094 22 
SA DP RTA GIS seers Seay ite we ee ke ti a ene es 427 26 
Incidenials general, including salary of clerk, book-keeper, 
janitor, watchman, laborer, extra clerk-hire____________ 8,600. 99 
Dalapy Ol SeCheuar yn see ee weet ree eee ae ee 8,499 92 
12,752 00 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge---___-------_-- 3,773 96 
Reports on progress of knowledge___--i--.-.-22--2---<- 83 84 
Other publications 2552 Oba se SR ee 917 89 
IMietoorologyy Rie ds ote Mt Ae ee Oe ee ae 2,203 38 
PWOStiPRhLONS <i a el cul ee eee 10 00 
MAY) Of ICCLUTORS 3 58 oss So eta acc hee a 895 00 
Illustrations and apparatus for lectures _____.______-_--_- 156 37 
Attendance and lighting lectures, &c. ---_--------------- 53 94 
8,094 38 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Costiof books .22 2-25. 225. SIs he ee ee 2,166 50 
Generali catalogues 2652 2.: 2s sas wees ena ee oe oe al eee 151 35 
ptereoty pine. and printings 2-2. 2 ee eee 651 71 
Incidentals, library, including salary of two assistants, and 
binding -s: PecCe Ge) Wo ae ene eee 2,329 55 
Solany of Acsistantisecretary <2. Sota. eee ener 1,319 48 
Hixplorationss museum 2s s/c) ane ewe ae one ee 250 00 
Expenses of-collections, museum. 22-5 so eee 157 19 
Incidentals, including alcohol, &¢c., assistance and labor, 
apparatus, catalogue, glass jars, &c. ------------------- 586 54 
Salary of-Assisiant Secretary. == ts ee See 1,999 92 
Incidentals, gallery. ofartss—5- 225 el ae ea 50 00 
a 9,512 19 
Total expenditures tn: 1854 2 ee $85,379 71 


In the appropriations made, April, 1854, for the year, the estimated income of the 
Institution was $38,500—[the actual income was $38,186.60]—of this sum $7,000 was. 
devoted to the building and the remaining $31,500 to the operations of the Institu- 
tion. 

The first mentioned sum ($7,000) is included in the balance in the Treasury, the 
whole of which may be appropriated during the present year to the building. } 

The whole expenditure on the operations of the Institution was $30,358.57, which 
is $1,141.83 less than was appropriated. 

The appropriation was not made until one-third of the year had passed, and this, 
with the unusual expenditure occasioned by a call of a special meeting of the Board, 
and the extra clerk-hire and printing on account of the various reports, rendered it 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 499 


impossible to apportion the disbursements in exact conformity to the estimates. They 
will be found, however, approximately to agree—those for publications, &., being 
less, and those for library, museum, &c., more. 

On account of the additions which the Building Committee have found it necessary 
to make to the contract, for the better security and adaptation of the building, the 
extra fund has been reduced to $140,000, instead of $150,000, as was formerly con- 
templated. It is probable a further reduction will be required to pay the amount 
still due on the contract, and for other purposes connected with the building, but 
this should not be allowed to diminish the extra fund below $125,000. 

The following table presents a general exhibit of all the receipts and expenditures 
on account of the Smithsonian fund, from the beginning of the Institution* until the 
Ist of January, 1855: 


* For the years 1846-1850, given in the Report of the Committee for 1850. 


500 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Dr. Fund Account of 
RECEIPTS. 

1851. 
Jan. 20. To interest on assumed debt, half year ........cccccssrsssccscssscccccccserescccsseccccessessenccees - $15,455 07 
July 7. Interest on $180,000 six per cent: stock a o June "30, six e months «. . ° : 5,400 00 
July 16. Interest on assumed debt, half year .. scoesccccessceeesccvecce-cesereessessssescesserecserss 10,405 OF 
$36,310 14 

1852. 
Jan. 17. To interest on $180,000 six per cent. stock to December 31, six months $5,400 00 
Jan. 20. Interest on assumed debt, half year 15,455 O7 

Jan. 26. Proceeds of six per cent. ‘stock sold, viz: ‘Amount of stock. $180,000 00 
Premium thereon ..........scccsccsscccccvcecccccccccscsescccsce seccssececcsaes cccnes scenes 28,800 00 

————_ 208, 800 00 
July 2. Tointerest on assumed debt, half Year .........-sssssece sesccseesescecsecesensees sense cesees cases 15,455 07 
Dec. 27. Repayment by J. Wyman on account of Smithsonian Contributions.......... ase 5 00 
Dec. 31. Interest on $208,800 from January 26 to Soplenier 11, at five per cent...... ...... 6,554 00 
Dec. 31. Interest on $208, 800 from September 11 to December 31, at four per cent......... 2,575 20 
$254,244 34 

1853. 
Jan. 11. To interest on assumed debt, half year.......... aoa Reesecncscescecscnes $15,455 07 
Feb. 11. Repayment on account of APPATALUS.......--eeeeeeseeeeeee acasnov/ecucceboncce 294 63 
Mar. 31. Repayment on account of Smithsonian Contributions........., sess cccceeseceeees ° 74 00 
June 30. Interest on $208,800 from January 1 to June 30, at five perc Cont eee ete 5,220 00 
July 2. Interest on assumed debt, half year.. Be ey tr elspa dats). (Dir 
Dec. 7. Repayment on account of ‘Smithsonian (Contributions: ciciscccath ane 40 00 
Dec. 31. Interest on $208,800 at five per cent., from July 1 to December Bi Lee pw 5,220 00 
$41,758 77 

1854, 
Jan. 12. To interest on assumed debt from July 1 to December 31, 1853 ......ccessssseeisccceseeeees $15,455 07 
Jan. 18. Coreoran & Riggs, on account of funds in their and svesereeee : sere 48,800 00 
April 1. Corcoran & Riggs, on account of funds in their hands ........ ses etencnseeuseneesece 10,000 00 
July 14 Interest on assumed debt from January 1 to June 30, 1854 eoccee 15,455 OT 
July 21. Corcoran & Riggs, interest to June 30, 1854, on funds in their hands «0.0... ee 3,875 00 
Aug. 7. Corcoran & Riggs, on account of funds in their hands ...cccscocsscosseescecessoocecseeees 10,000 00 
Sept. 25. Corcoran & Riggs, on account of funds in their hands Sectveecauaesens 5,000 00 
Noy. 2. Corcoran & Riggs, on account of funds in their hands ..............sscessceccessee sence 10,000 00 
Dec. 30. Corcoran & Riggs, interest to December 31, 1854, on funds in their hands........ 3,401 39 

REPAYMENTS. 

Jan. /4, Sale of clock, onlaccountiofiapparatus ---c-c-asccccessasccccaresaseenaaccccsnscucestsnnaeeetecence 400 00 
Jan. 14, Minnesota Historical Society, on account of Smithsonian Contributions....... 20 00 
Mar. 13. Coast Survey Office, on account Of APpaTratuS...........ccccceccssseessceeceeceeccerseeees a 560 92 
Mar. 13. Coast Survey Office, on account of transportation ....... 12 27 


Mar. 17. J. M. Gilliss, Navy ee on account of transportation . = 16 62 
July 29. G. P. Putnam, sale of books, on account of Smithsonian Contribution Reasesvaciens 143 69 


$123,140 03 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


the Smithsonian Institution. 


501 


Cr. 


$15,455 07 
5,400 00 
15,455 07 


$36,310 14 


$5,400 00 
15,455 07 
208,800 00 
15,455 07 
5 00 
6,554 00 
2,575 20 


$254,244 34 


$15,455 07 
294 63 

74 00 
5,220 00 
15,455 07 
40 00 
5,220 00 


$41,758 77 


EXPENDITURES. 
1851. 
Jan. 20. By W. W. Seaton, treasurer, half year’s interest ............-cscssssscoossece-soccecce secsee secese 
July 7. Do. do. interest on stock to JUNE 30.......00-.ssecccesce ceese 
July 16. Do. dos half year's) Interestirecccssestecascene taceceectracenemectetceooen 
1852. 
Jan. 7. By W. W. Seaton, treasurer, interest on stock to December 31., 
Jan. 20. Do. do.  halftyear’s!intterest)......:3.s..scccseces 
Jan. 26. Corcoran & Riggs, amount in their hands, on interest ........ 
July 2. By W. W. Seaton, treasurer, half year’s interest ...........sscccce-secsesee-sssseee 
Dec. 27. Do. do. repayment by W gman... Mesendcsere 
Dec. 31. Do. do. interest paid by oreoran & ‘Riggs - : 
Dec. 31. Do. do. do. oO. : aaeee 
1853. 
Jan. 11. By W. W. Seaton, treasurer ... seesaeeseeenres Seecceres 
Feb. 11. Do. do. Senaeteeeectsaesce-tusassesceneasececacesestccaetesenserans ; 
Mar. 31. Do. do. eeceoesneceserceetercces Srcnncneneerecenesseccccreererceceoisesre 
June 30. Do. Osea weccssoeteccenecee ene ssnsteasccrerecesetosecs 
July 2 Do. Gon ies Meseacneemcantecttens Renenaaes ate 
Dec. 7. Do. do. Bdcdonccostecsenscensseccaasercorerseesterneerennasencneneees 
Dec. 31. Do. CGOsteicentecees Resctecuceecnanacese Bnacesemenene se Maneecenes Racuesteeaecsraearcerrrens 
1854. 
Jan. 12. 
Jan. 18. 
April 1. 
July 14, 
July 21. 
Aug. 7. 
Sept. 25. 
Noy. 2. 
Dec. 30. 
Jan. 4 Do. do. 
Jan. 14. Do. do. 
Mar. 13. Do. do. 
Mar. 13. Do. do. 


J uly 29. Do. do. 


$15,455 07 
48,800 00 
10,000 00 
15,455 07 

3,875 00 
10,000 00 
5,000 00 
10,000 00 
3,401 39 


400 00 
20 00 
560 92 
12 27 
16 62 
143 69 


$123,140 03 


502 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 


The committee, after conferring with the Secretary, submit the following estimates 


for appropriations for the year 1855: 


BUILDING, FURNITURR, ETC. 
Pay on contracts |. ee eee en) 58 OOOIOO 


ay of architects, Qc. a. 2 20 =e eee eee ne ae ue 500 00 
Hncidental expenses to buildinc22220 sees ee 500 00 
Furniture and fixtures: 2-222 vi ee eer ee ae 1,000 00 
Magnetic observatoryes seesaw ee 20 00 


Mestings of Board (222222 oe ii) oes Musi) 53) teen 600 00 
Lighting andubestinmssttddone ema meets. 1) rae Te 850 00 
Postage. 22 22s Uae See ewes ee fg ls ae 500 00 
Transportation andsexchanse.- <2 s224050 2. 4 ee 1,600 00 
SiALOnery, eee ape eee aes el ue oe 350 00 
Generaljprimting asa ee eo eee 250 00 
ASO aT UG re eae ay re een ea 2 ee 500 00 
iinicidentalaseenorall 7s iii e Ya ee 600 00 
Dalanies——Secretaty a oes eee cst eS 38,500 00 
Cleric fis sake ae hele ria 1,200 00 
bokcsicee pcr sete were rere eRe St ie tart cera a 200 00 
a MONOD SSS ore eee ee ee 400 00 
laborer (0256258 beer ie loo 250 00 
Sw suc ba nny ma eee Se Se Pte eee 365 00 
extra clonkhurpieens . 02 0) oe an ee eee 200 00 


PUBLICATIONS, LECTURES, ETC. 


nmithsonian,.Contribugions 2-2 <5 ee nee 4,500 00 
Reports on progress of knowledge ---_------_-_____..-___ 2,000 00 
Other publica tie mates ees. CU TN Se eee ye eee 500 00 
Meteorol 0 pry ae ee ae ee 2,000 00 
Computations, researches, and investigations.______._____ 500 00 
Ubeetires:: Soe 5 See Nee ee ee Canes 1,000 00 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Library— 
Payot assistarite ss ois Sealine sn ts eel el a al 2,000 00 
Costiof books,and binding == oS Sa eee eae ee 38,500 00 
Ineidentals,to dibrary.,cases /decrs =. 2: eee te ae 1,000 00 
Stereotyping system isso oe eee ee ee all 100 00 
6,600 00 
Museum— 

Salary—Assistant Secretary -._.___.___-___-___ $2,000 00 

Hx ploraticns joss. Oe eee ee ee ore a 200 00 

Alcohol, glass. jars, iGsec) ik. =e. sae eae rere 850 00 

Ascistance and labor as2. 005) 2 Olas aaa 100 00 

imeidentals, cases, &es £22 220 2 See ee a 1,000 00 

Cotalomies <a.) 5.2 ok SS Se Si were pee 250 00 
; — 8,900 00 
Montinrencies 22. 28020 S22 a pe 


$10,020 00 


11,365 00 


10,500 00 


$42,485 00 


Respectfully submitted, 
J. A. PEARCE, 


A. D. BACHE, | steno Committee. 


J. G. TOTTEN, 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 503 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1855. 


The Executive Committee submit to the Board of Regents the following report, 
relative to the finances of the Smithsonian Institution, the expenditures during the 
year 1855, &c. 


The following is a general statement of the fund: 


The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest deposited in the Treasury 
of the United States, (from which an annual income, at 6 per cent., 
igre olOstuisrderived,) saa 228 Bie A mes 2 ve Cee Ee $515,169 00 
Amount of unexpended interest reported, 1855, January 1, 
as in charge of Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs _----______ $125,000 00 
From which deduct amount passed by them to the credit of 
the Treasurer to meet payments on building during 
| Osos. ee sees See Re a Se 5,000 00 
120,000 00 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, lst January, 1856_ 8,189 84 


Bee TOR AgLOd 


$643,358 84 


The following is a general view of the receipts and expenditures during the year 
1855: 


RECEIPTS. 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, January 1, 1855_. $14,159 49 
Interest on the original fund ($515,169) for 1855-_-_----_- 30,910 21 
Interest on the extra fund for the year 1855____-___-_-___ 6,044 88 
Amount drawn from Corcoran & Riggs to meet payments 
Pala pull Gums se 5-5 Fs os PL ose 5,000 00 
——————_ $56,114 18 
EXPENDITURES. 
for building, furniture, fixtures, &c --...-_.-2-----2___- $19,312 87 
For items common to the objects of the Institution_-_-___ 13,3872 71 
For publications, researches, and lectures_____. -_--_----- 7,169 95 
Moriibrary, museum, and gallery of art ......-...-.-_-- 8,068 81 
—— $47,924 34 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, on the Ist of January, 1856__-_- 8,189 84 
$56,114 18 


The following is a detailed statement of the expenditures during the year 1855: 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC. 


MeaeOUMCONLTAGis ces LL S os tel Boe oe Ee $16,200 00 
Hay of architects, draughtsmen, \&e_2__=-------.--Li2_2 . 500 00 
Misgellaneous repairs to building, &c -_------.--~- ------ 436 90 
Furniture and fixtures for uses in common -_-~---------- 1,488 04 

e fomlibratys 2242 2 Looe eee 400 00 

es fOLMMUSC Ue oe eee 200 00 
mrounase( lamps forthe walks) i= 02-1 +__- su Sesser ee 74 25 
ae neHC OnscrVvatony == == ———=—- = 13 68 

——_————_ $19,312 87 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 

Meetings of the Board of Regents and committees__.--_-- 849 65 
Pepe nadiineatine 40202 ooo. ULL be ee ee 1,022 80 
ae eee eee etnies er ee) 22 ee eee eee ene 495 41 
iroamspontationiand exchange... 22-52 oe eet eee 1,103 23 
ReemCnY INN eyes tok 5 eke al ee Ieee 411 98 
“General printing -.......-- Foe eee ae ee 827 55 
Ry LUG iG eee ee Net ee te De ee td ees ae 257 06 
SetrRmPL ay aR 8 4k we ha le eS enews 123 14 


Peeroniale Cnentl: 2. oo 8 6 Sons bosee aos Sees Ss 1,257 16 


504 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Salaries—Secretary. 2-22 5 222 eee -- $38,500 00 
Chief ‘clerk 2°02 Sau a ee Baa ee eee ele ae 1,200 00 
Book-keeper: 22 S2 2 SWB eee ee ee See 200 00 
Janitor 22222 .522 JeSs eee eS oe 400 00 
a borer/ 22222 asses eee eee ae ne 250 00 
‘Watchman (- 5222 2A See eee aan ee 365 00 
Hxtra'clerkses 20 uch waerwee ema SS Gee ee 250 00 
——_————_ $12,512 98 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
For Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge__---------- 8,562 92 
For reports on progress of knowledge___---_----- ------ 350 00 
Horother publications === anaes a ee 316 83 
Wor meteorology + seen see 2 eee 1,862 28 
On iComputnitonses ==. e ee ne aoe 50 00 
HOrNnVesticaions|= === sae ea ee 12 50 
For lectures, illustrations, and apparatus -_-------------- 40 66 
Atiendants, "Qc ees. ee Se foe ee 60 76 
ayer ieeuurers) a2 235 2 lee eee 914 00 
sec esses 7,169 95 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Taurary:. Cost; OC DOOKS.226 2-22 ot ce eee anaes $3,186 15 
Transportation for libraryo2--22 =o a 330 00 
tereoty pe system= == 2 Se Cee Tee 44 22 
Pay of “assistants 2222810 ee eS ee ee 1,740 00 
linrerdental si towllb Ta Riya = ee ene 124 31 
Museum: Salary of Assistant Secretary -----__---.-__-__ 2,000 00 
Hxplorations: 22222222 — ee  e ee See 150 00 
Collections#22. =. 222. esses peas eee AS eee 150 50 
PN COWOl Glass) | ArSs iC) sea =n ee ene ee 199 88 
Assistance, labor, and incidentals to museum ______ 890 57 
‘Transportation tor MUseUME=. ses =e eee 529 24 
Gallery: of Arts... 0%. 25. Soo me 3 ee es eee 83 18 
———_——__ $8,928 54 
$47,924 34 


It will be seen, from the foregoing statement, that the expenditures for the build- 
ing differ considerably from the estimate of the committee. At the time of making 
the estimate, they had no means of ascertaining what would be required for payment 
of the contractor. The architect had not furnished his final statement of the entire 
cost of the edifice, and it was in consideration of this that a resolution was adopted, 
authorizing the Building Committee to pay out of the special fund of the Institution 
such sum as would be required. They have accordingly drawn $5,000 on this ac- 
count from Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs, as is shown in the general statement. 

On account of the large drafts required for payments on the building, an effort 
was made to curtail the expenditures on other parts of the operations. The whole 
sum appropriated for the current expenses of the Institution during the year 1855, 
exclusive of the building, was $32,465. Of this sum there has been expended but 
$28,611.47; the remainder, $3,853.53, serves to increase the amount in the hands 
of the Treasurer, and will be appropriated to discharging the sum still due the con- 
tractor. 

Hereafter the funds of the Institution will be in a much more manageable condi- 
tion. The architect has rendered his final account, and the sum of about $6,000 still 
due on the building, being definitely known, a more precise estimate can be now 
made. If the expenditures during the present year are kept within the estimate, 
as they probably will be, the sum of $125,000 of accrued interest will be on hand at 
the beginning of 1857, which may be permanently invested as a part of the capital. 

It has been stated, in the preceding reports, that a plan of finances was adopted in 
the beginning, by which a portion of the income might be saved for the purpose of 
increasing the capital rendered necessary to defray the expense of the support of the 
large building authorized by Congress. It was at first proposed to add $100,000 to 
the original fund; and afterwards the plan was enlarged, so as to make the amount 
$150,000. This last plan, however, was based upon a limit of expenditure of $250,- 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 505 


000 for the building. The scheme would have been entirely successful, and even a 
larger saving might have been made had the building been completed within the 
estimated cost; but this was found inconsistent with a proper regard to the safety 
and durability of the edifice. The actual cost, according to the statement of the 
Building Committee, exclusive of furniture, is about $310,000; notwithstanding this, 
the sum which has been saved is $125,000. Although this is not all that could have 
been wished, it is, perhaps, more than could have been reasonably anticipated. The 
committee have been informed that Messrs. Corcoran & Riggs do not desire any 
longer to retain possession of the surplus fund, and it will, therefore, be necessary to 
urge its acceptance by Congress as an addition to the fund in the United States 
Treasury, or securely invest it in State stocks. The interest on the original fund is 
received semi-annually, and, as far as possible, it will be udvisable to make the pay- 
ments of salaries and other objects at the same time. Unless this is done, a surplus 
will continually be required, which is not drawing interest, or bills must be paid by 
drafts in anticipation of the end of the half year. While the building was in pro- 
cess of erection, it was impossible to observe a rule of this kind, since, according to 
the original contract, the payments for the work done were to be made monthly. 

It will be recollected that a portion of the Smithsonian bequest (about $25,000) 
still remains in England, as the principal of a life annuity in favor of Madame de la 
Batut, the mother of the nephew of Smithson. The annuitant is a very aged person, 
and cannot, in the ordinary course of nature, be expected long to survive. The Hon. 
Mr. Rush, to whom this matter was referred, has written to Messrs. Clarke, Fyn- 
more & Fladgate, the solicitors employed in obtaining the bequest, asking them to 
procure information in regard to this point. 

Another subject, which may require the attention of the Board, is that of the 
Wynns estate, contingently bequeathed to the Smithsonian Institution. It appears 
by a letter from Joseph H. Patton, Esq., of New York, who was engaged by the 
Board to inquire into the matter, that the widow of Mr. Thomas Wynns was married 
in 1854 to Captain Anderson, of the Royal Artillery, now stationed at Barbadoes, 
where she resides with thé child, upon whose decease, without issue, the bulk of the 
estate is to come to this Institution. 

Mr. Patton advises that the Board require from the executors security for the 
proper fulfillment of the trust. 


The committee submit the following estimates for appropriations for the year 1856: 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC. 


SP IeTOnECONTTACtS yes i eee Da te Se $6,000 00 
Repairs and miscellaneous incidentals to building ----__-_- 600 00 
HTMibuTe sess TOT Uses iN) COMMON ===. 2 - a so 500 00 
UDTARY Fo te ee et ee 300 00 
MUSEUMS Jeol ose ee LM 150 00 
MI MHCHICIONSCEVOLONY, 2-2) Ss ot eae 20 00 


$7,570 00 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meetings of Board and committees__._-_...__. -.-------- 875 00 
ianousprandrmenting. bel. 0 nse lel eee See 1,200 00 
else serena Pek A oe ee eee 400 00 
iransporiation and exchange -----—-_-_-.-------=—-=-== 1,000 00 
PAlON eC ty apeeeeee nets ee Se Ses ee ae ee ee 800 00 
Pe CMM EDH EMO ye neo kk LSE ee eas 350 00 
Emp airings eee ne seas ee ee ee 300 00 
Mahomiony piubinoupyett oso. oa lS le seas 800 00 
inerdentdsienenalsiss as) soe to Sono eee ae 500 00 
Planes ——SeCKetanyie seme woes. So Slaven sone 8,500 00 
clive fi clerk ics foe SL See ees 1,200 00 
boak-heepprasf. 252... 22 Lae ea eee oa 200 00 
euniOME aan se 52 8 ee eee 400 00 
abe hin enwese a= Clweee ee Selo SS see ee eee 550 00 
TAD ORGS ates seine oo) tee eee ee 450 00 


exmtranclenkcs yee 2 yt 5 as ee ie eee cee 2k See 200 00 


506 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge-___----__ -----. $5,500 00 
Reports on the progress of knowledge -_-__.-.----.------ 1,000 00 
Oiher publications 22-2" cs se eee ee cones 355 00 
ENFG GOT OL Gy a eee 1,000 00 
Investigations, computations, and researches____-.------- 500 00 
Juectures 24). 2 ee ee Pe fee 800 00 

——_————-__ $9, 155 00 

LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
LTibrary— 
WostrotAbooks ite ae saan eee sO See eee 8,500 00 
TP AV TOLMASSIS UALS eee eee ee ee eas cee caters 2,500 00 
DB rea TAS 0 Te Ge © ese ee 300 00 
Imeidenite aye see eee eS ot oe eee 500 00 
Museum— 

SalAEy OLA ASIStAML OCCTOLANY oom ak oo eee = 2,000 00 
REST Sap Trea CO TS eae eee ee se ee re ce 200 00 
RON Rr ae ee ee ee 150 00 
BANCO HG VON ASS | ATS ROU Cee ae ae ie ae ee 500 00 
MUG ANE SRE CALL OND pe oe a eee ee 800 00 
PXSSIStAMee CNG MAD ORE Ste a ee oe ere eee ee 500 00 
BOS SY) a Ts ee a 100 00 

————_ 10,550 00 

$39,000 00 


Respectfully submitted, 
J. A. PEARCE, 
J. G. TOTTEN, | Becsutive Committee. 
A. D. BACHE, 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1856. 


The Executive Committee submit the following report of the state of the finances 
of the Smithsonian Institution, the expenditures during the year 1856, and an esti- 
mate of receipts and appropriations for 1857. 

The whole sum appropriated for the current expenses of the Institution for the 
year 1856, including the remaining payment on the building, was thirty-nine thou- 
sand dollars. The actual expenditures for the several items do not materially differ 
from those specified in the estimate submitted by the committee and adopted by the 
Board. The whole sum expended was $38,158.90, which is less than the amount 
appropriated by $841.10. 

A committee was appointed February 24, 1855, consisting of Messrs. English, 
Pearce, and Mason, to consider the best means of investing the extra fund, Mr. Cor- 
coran having signified his intention to relinquish the charge of the money deposited 
with him. After due consultation, the committee concluded to recommend the pur- 
chase of State stocks. This being agreed to by the Board, at a subsequent meeting 
the Secretary was instructed to make the purchase under the direction of the Finance 
Committee. An account of the transaction under this resolution is given in the 
report of the Hon. Mr. English of that committee. 

It will be recollected that the extra fund amounted to one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand dollars, and from the report of Mr. English it will be seen that of this sum 
one hundred and nineteen thousand four hundred dollars have been expended in the 
purchase of State stocks ; that six hundred dollars remain in the hands of Messrs. 
Riggs & Co.; and that five thousand dollars of that fund, applied in 1855 to the pay- 
ments on the building, is now in the Treasury. There is, therefore, five thousand 
six hundred dollars of the extra fund uninvested. It is, however, not advisable to 
invest this immediately, because the half-yearly income of the Institution is not 
receivable until the first of July, and it is necessary to retain a sufficient sum in the 
Treasury to meet the payments for paper, printing, &c., for the next volume of Con- 
tributions, which cannot be postponed. 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 507 


The following is a general statement of the fund: 


The whole amount of the Smithsonian bequest deposited in the Treasury 
of the United States, (from which an annual income, at 6 per cent., of 


POM OM 4eisvdenivied, isis tet $515,169 00 
Extra fund from unexpended income, now invested in State 

stocks, yielding an annual interest of $7,380 _-___._____ $119,400 00 
Extra fund deposited with Riggs & Co., to be invested____ 600 00 


Amount in the Treasury, being part of the extra fund of 
accumulated interest, designed to be invested, and which, 
with the above sums of $119,400 and $600, will make the 
amount $125,000, appropriated for the increase of the per- 
Ey TL, CC (oA ella Rl ee 5,000 00 


f $125,000 00 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer January 1, 1857, $7,164.32, from 
which deduct the $5,000 belonging to the extra fund_-______.________ 2,164 32 


$642,333 82 


The following is a general view of the receipts and expenditures during the year 
1856 : 


Receipts. 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer January 1, 1856, of 
which $5,000 belongs to the extra fund*__________.____ $8,189 75 
Interest on the original fund ($515,169) for 1856. __------ 80,910 14 
Interest on the extra fund from Corcoran & 
fees, while onjdeposit -..-_.__.._-__-...-- $2,533 33 
Interest on the extra fund since investment in 
NTRCRUCIRCR It eo eee 3,690 00 
— 6,223 33 
—. $45,323 22 
Expenditures. 
ee puildine, furniture, fixtures, é&c. ._.-_.=--2=. ----2--- $7,891 04 
For items common to the objects of the Institution _____-- 12,859 28 
For publications, researches, and lectures-__.-_-_.----__- 7,876 28 
For library, museum, and gallery of art --__-._---.----_- 9,582 85 
| ——_————_ $38,158 90 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer January 1, 1857, of which $5,000 
Beene) ron cerorera GUNG a a ee Sete ee $7,164 32 


The following is a detailed statement of the expenditures during 1856: 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC. 


BEIMETCOTIEACTS NUCH e <2 225 as ae  L L $6,086 88 
Repairs and miscellaneous incidentals to building_-------- 1,859 23 
Furniture and fixtures for uses in common-___--_--------- 198 83 
#arniture and fixtures for library_-----.-.---.-.-.---_-- 163 16 
murniture and fixtures for museum -__.-_-___ -_....---— 88 14 
Beetio tc Observatory, = 2. = ele eK one 48 80 
SR MME Renn eo 5 aa oa ace cen 46 50 
wae $7,891 04 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Meetings of Board and committees-_______.__. -__.__ -__- 369 50 
Beenie and@hertine ==... 1,303 92 
ae EN ee oe a 696 76 
mmansportation-and exchange ____.._-...---_--------.--- 1,184 29 
RPE yee a he haps ee eee 109 67 
BepMen Rhine os Sa eee 883 25 
meppAaratus .—_.<. ..... Rea sie he ee 739 18 
2 SILO GR eed ene An neers 629 91 


* Reduced nine cents, to correct an error in last statement. 


508 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Tncidentals, general=:— oo eee eee $883 92 
Salariese—Secretary, <i. o-: 2.4 eee te 8,499 92 
chief clerkc2..2 22 -us Se eee ee ep 1,200 00 
book-keeper.22 Sas seis eee Be eo 200 00 
Jamitor so Boo eee a Ea lhe ad oh a 399 96 
Watch mpi 202 soe Mee eet Ba) ce ti 872 00 
laborers ya =o ese ee aeons seat yale a ee 636 00 
Messen er! See w ee Se ee bee ee eee lee 192 00 
extra clerks soso eee ee Gis Fs ob ake ee 109 00 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


$12,859 28: 


Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge_____--------_-- 4,355 388 
Reports on progress of knowledge_---------------------- 75 50 
Other publications. 22-22. UO witcs OC eee eee 158 20 
Mieteoroloswy == aM! Woe oo SL ee 2,279 90 
Investigations, computations, and researches____-______ ae 142 75 
Lectures— 
Mayor WWeoturers 4.805 erie bo ui ee 835 00 
Imcidentals ‘to lectures: 5. 5-2 oe eee eS 29 50 
7,876 73° 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
LInbrary— 
Cost:of (books) 2228s) 2s Jo a oe eee 8,692 05 
ipay of assistants 22-6 2.22 2 bs Ss ee eee 1,728 00 
Transportation) .24o0 3 uo See ee Lee eee 451 39 
Tneidentals. 2... a2 eee ee 152 50 
Museum— 
Salary of Assistant Secretary 2 22cecs_ sf eee 1,999° 92 
Mxplorations i222 225s 232-3 ee ee sae ee eee ee 158 25 
Collections... 22-2252. 25. eee ee 220 08 
Alcohol, glass jars,idce. 22-2 bon cee ee _ 852 64 
Transportationics5 22... 2o Sees ee a eee eee ee 849 96 
Aasistance:and labors 2.) 222 ee ae ee eee eee eee 827 00 
Gallery of artsi2 4200 2 OolS So oe oS ete ee ee eee 100 56 
— 9,582 35 
$38,158 90 
The committee present the following estimates of receipts and expenditures for the 
year 1857. 
RECEIPTS. 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer January 1, 1857, (ex- 
clusive of $5,000 belonging to extra fund) -_--------.--- $2,164 32 
Interest on the original fund ($515,169) for 1857 ~__------ 30,910 14 
Interest on the extra fund invested in State stocks_----_-- 7,380 00 
ae $40,454 46 
EXPENDITURES. 
Building, Furniture, Fixtures, §c.— 
Repairs, additions, and miscellaneous incidentals --_---_-- 1,000 00 
Furniture and fixtures for uses in common-_---~-------- 600 00 
Furniture and fixtures for librarys-2.2 5-2-2 ---— eee 850 00 
Murniture/and fixtures) for museumeses see eae 200 00 
Masnetic: observatory 2520-2 2a eee ee eee 60 00 
a $2,210 00 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Meetings of Board and committees ________-_----------- « 250 00 
Lightimgpand thoating 5. =! __ 2 See ee 1,800 00 
TPO tea 2 ne gee ee 550 00 
Transportation andsexchanre . =. 2)" eee ee ee 1,600 00 


Stationeryy = 2.0) See el do a ee a A 120 00 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


509 


ene aDeIycres — Seer Ve CE Sle ae $200 00 
SR 01S eee etree eee ee 500 00 
RSIS tee een ee 3800 00 
rises EEE A eee 850 00 
er CEA te ae 3,500 00 
pelea ee ee a es 1,200 00 
ee eG is es 200 00 
perenne ao eth t Tees eee a ee 400 00 
pavenmautiee ss Cer Ota e eee se oe 400 00 
AES ee pa 700 00 
PREUEAICIOR KS cc ooo i) Lae ee eee 500 00 
——-——__ $12,570 00 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge_-_-_----------__ 6,000 00 
Reports on the progress of knowledge--_-_-------_.----_-- 500 00 
Beepey Canons. 2 eee ea es 500 00 
Ween en se See ee ce 8,000 00 
Investigations, computations, and researches_____-_____-_ 620 00 
Lectures— 
BEECH CCIMUOISSe se == ———--— SS Seen 900 00 
BRSHCHEAISy epee ene e se oc 300 00 
11,820 00 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Benne DUONE eames oe a a ee 1,000 00 
BeEMEGEEHEGINIATS Doe os oo eee 2,000 00 
Seeronportavion for library =*~ ...-.-..--.. --=--...-_=_. 3800 00 
BEECH LAS SHOrMIDTATY) 222.2 - 22s 2 2 oo 200 00 
© ESE CTESI SENS SS Ea ee 2,000 00 
SN ee ne en en 200 00 
eee ee ee eee 200 00 
MemennON elassyats, UC. -- == 2-25 Sess nt 2-5 eee 800 00 
meansportation for museum: —— ~~... _--..-....=_-=- 350 00 
masistance and labor for museum -—+o.-...-...-.-.--.-- 600 00 
aR A Nala ee 250 00 
— 7,400 00 


$34,000 00 


From this it will be seen that the estimates of expenditure for the year 1857 are 


It is advisable thus to 


six thousand dollars less than the receipts for the same time. 
limit the expenditures for the present year, not merely because it is easier to expand 
the operations of the Institution than to contract them, but because, as the revenue 
is payable semi-annually and the accounts must be paid whenever presented, the treas- 
urer has sometimes been obliged to overdraw on the bankers of the Institution, 
whereas the six thousand dollars, reserved from appropriation and left in the Treas- 
ury during the present year, will enable the Secretary and Executive Committee to 
defray all expenditures without subjecting the Institution to charges for interest on 
overdrafts. 

The committee report, also, that they have examined all the accounts and vouchers 
and compared them with the books, and find them all correct. 


Respectfully submitted, 
J. A. PEARCE, 


A. D. BACHE, 


| ssecnto Committee. 
J. G. TOTTEN, 


510 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1857. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit tothe Board of Regents the following 
report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the 
year 1857, with estimates for the year 1858: 


RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the Treasury of 
the United States is $515,169, from which an annual income, at 6 per 


cent., 18 derived¢rotts- pe ee $30,910 14 
Extra fund from unexpended income invested as follows: 
In $75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding ------_-__- $3,750 00 
In $53,000 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding-_-._----_- 3,210 00 
In $7,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding~----._-_-- 420 00 
In $500 Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding -------_--__ ts 30 00 
In $100 Washington 6 per cent. bonds, yielding_----__--__ 6 00 
ee 7,416 00 
88,326 14 
Balance in hands of treasurer January 1, 1857 _--__--___-__-_-___-_-- 7,164 82 
SPY otra ss esc Na me ee $45,490 46. 
GENERAL STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES. 
Hor huilding, furniture, and! fixtures) -- 2 eee oe $4,062 65 
For items common to the different objects of the Institution 138,035 18 
For publications, researches, and lectures ______-__--- ---- 11,051 52 
For library, museum, and gallery of art-_--___-----_-_--- 6,999 81 
———_——-_ 85,149 16 


Balance in the hands of the treasurer January 1, 1858, of which $5,000 
helongs' fo the.extra|sund ==. ee ee $10,841 80 


—- 


Statement in detail of the expenditures during 1857: 


‘BUILDING, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, ETC. 


Repairs, de:, meident to building —-_—-_-_ --- = = $3,805 12 

Furniture and fixtures for uses in common-____-__-----~__- 8738 61 

Hurnituremand ixtures for libranyee == s—===—— == ae 163 50 

Hurnitureand fixtures! tor museums === ee ee 150 80 

BIN sce Fae 1 SEVER ms 49 62 

Grounds S222) seen eee oes Soa Rerer wae enone 20 00 
———_-——__ $4,062 65 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meetings of Board and committees ......--.------------- 281 00 
Highting and heating 2 2 be saon ee a see eee 1,244 33 
Postage: loo 2c Ee SEE Dee eines ke, Se eee ee 524 02 
Transportation and exchange 220222 eae en ae eae 2,264 74 
Stationery , 22-22 ee ee oes 847 94 
General’ printing) oo ee Poe ee ee eee ee 236 50 
AP Paratus, 2-1 - UE eee eee 191 66 
BADOTALOLY, 22 oes oo os re ee ee 341 38 
Salary, of the Secretary 2/2 pS ee a cease 8,499 92 
chiefitclerk 2-428 ees: EE Cae a ee 1,200 00 
book-keepers 220-2 iis sal ee eee 200 00 
Janitor. c= aes ee eee 400 97 
Watchmen... ic 2S ea 534 65 
laborersy 222 oe ee 794 00 
messenger 2200S es ae eee 128 00 
Hxtrajelerk-hireseee 22S o5 Sse se eee 222 00 
Ineidentalsseeneral 252 et en oy Se 624 07 


a2 S808 Bate 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 512 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


Eanisomiany Gonmtribucions) 2-28 Louse ot $6,230 02 
meeports on propress of knowledge —____._____._.________ 842 00 
eerie TE ETO een eee ont s 649 90 
NOLO 2,465 24 
Investigations, computations, and researches -____________ 250 00 
Mt CCIM ERS eee en ee ee 980 00 
Meciaentals to lectures. -----——_ -_ == 4-8 _ 134 386 

———_-——._ $11,051 52 

LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 

MnstmOLDOOKS ee sees so tt a ek 2,019 83 
(Pay of assistants __--..-.=.._ tara PR ot 9 ro os 1,194 12 
imeansportationfor library 22.2. 222/2s 2 se oa 200 00 
ely ea ee a 1,999 92 
IEDR NOTES Orie mete os ae Sen wee 57 52 
Sete en 49 78 
Alcohol, jars, and museum incidentals______--___-__-___- 445 77 
ransportation for museum, ----—---—_--- oo. ---4 =a 450 00 
Eyesistance and labor in museum .-.—__._....-_-________. 500 00 
emNROMmalGer seis. oe eee eee 82 87 

—_— 6,999 81 

RopalexponmitHres.—. .~- 25 Pe ees a ee $35,149 16 


The estimated income for the year 1857 was $38,290.14, exclusive of the balance 
in the hands of the treasurer; the actual income, exclusive of this balance, was 
$38,326.14. 

The estimated expenditure amounted to $34,000, the actual expenditure to $35,- 
149.16. The excess is due to unexpected repairs, necessary to the building in conse- 
quence of a very severe hail storm, which broke several thousand panes of glass, and 
otherwise injured the edifice ; and to the payment of the last unsettled account con- 
tracted by the architect for the gas pipes and fixtures. 

The expenditures, however, are less than the income for the year, leaving a total 
balance now in the hands of the treasurer of $10,341.30. Of this sum, $5,000 are the 
remainder of the extra fund, ($125,000, )intended to be permanently invested, and the 
whole is at present required for carrying on the operations of the Institution, until 
the receipt of the next semi-annual income. 

During the past year, the stocks purchased by the Institution temporarily declined 
in commercial value, but they are now selling at about the same prices as those at 
which they were bought. Fluctuations, however, of this character do not affect the 
income of the Institution, since the amount of interest continues permanently the 
same. 

The committee respectfully submit the following estimate of the receipts and ex- 
penditures for the year 1858: 


RECEIPTS, 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer January 1, 1858, (exclusive of 
75,000 belonging to; the extra fund )..-- =. -2<_-see st asee ns ke $5,841 380 
faterest on the original fund for 1858... =... ~.--<-.222222.2--- 30,910 14 
Interest on the extra fund invested in State stocks__._------__._______- 7,416 00 
$43,667 44 
EXPENDITURES. 


BUILDING, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES, ETC. 


PeeIrsane Taciontals oJ eae eee = $1,500 00 
Hurniture and fixtures in common —_-_..--_-------_-_____ 500 00 
for library: 22-UH2. 2 eee one 150 00 
for; MUseUMse eee eee eee 150 00 
PeereHOLCIOUSORVALOLY a2 2 oo wa a eee etic 50 00 


—— 2,350 00 


512 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meetings of Board and committees --..-.-__.-______--__ $3800 00 


Lighting and ‘heating 2.2 —- eee eo = 600 00 
Postage se. O8 SAR Se Stee eee ee 500 00 
Transportation and exchanges ee ee SS 2,500 00 
Stationery 2°. 28nt 22 is ee eee ee eo eee 850 00 
General printing soos sa Se eee ae eR host 35@ 00 
Apparatus. 2 eee See Seite seensaeey ees ere ee eee 250 00 
Laboratory: = 22222 Gee ee ee eee eee ee Sees 400 00 
Incidentals, penenal- sews ae eee ee ae 650 00 
Salaries—Seceretany ee eee ee nee! eee 8,500 00 
Chic hgC] Crk: aee sei eee aE a ee Palen ee 1,400 00 
ibookeiceeons: us en oe eis oes 200 00 
J EDTN Ae se ea ot a a a 400 00 
Watching Sane Se ee ee ee 500 00 
NaDORe rs eee es eon od oe ee 800 00 
extrarclerk-hine gases ok oon Se eee 800 00 
a — $13,000 00 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge_-_---_-.-------- 6,500 00 
IRepOTis Pes a Sa eee ee ce ee ce 1,500 00 
Ocierspublcainons =—- 2) 2202 22 ee eee eee eee 1,000 00 
Meteorology. 2 ete ee ee eee 8,000 00 
Investigations, computations, and researches__----___--_- 250 00 
MeChUrGse aa 28 es ee ee 1,000 00 
—_————-_ 18,250 00 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Gostot books, hss apse ek a et Ss a 3,000 00 
Payjofvassistante in: libranyc i tess ss eee ees et 1,200 00 
‘Transportation for libraryé+ 2.5.54 ssh aes Sea 400 00 
Ineidentals for library 2-..=--=52 ee Pee eee ee es 150 00 
Miuseum=——salaty 2c) eos duces ee eee ee 2,000 00 
Explorations) 3.22. it. On ee Os ee ee es ee 50 00 
Collectiongsi2.~..sia.c 22s buses es Eee Pn eee 50 00 
Incidentals, museum, jars, alcohol, &c. _---.--. --------<. 800 00 
AE AMS HOLA VION, MINUS CUI see yee eee eee eer 550 00 
Assistance andwabor: tise uae e see mee eae 600 00 
Gallery of arte soc ee ots Ss ee eee ee ee 100 00 
a 8,400 00 


$37,000 00 


It is impossible to make a very definite estimate of the expenditures on account of 
the museum during the year 1858, because the collection at the Patent Office is to be 
transferred to the keeping of the Institution, and the amount of expenditures under 
this head will depend upon the appropriation made by Congress for this purpose. 

In conclusion, the committee report that they have examined the books, and each 
account for the past year, separately, and find them all correct. 

Respectfully submitted, 
J. A. PEARCE, 
‘ A. D. BACHE, | saecautive Committee. 
J. G. TOTTEN, 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1858. 


513 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the follow- 
ing report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during 


the year 1858, with estimates for the year 1859: 
RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest, deposited in the Treasury 
of the United States, is $515,169, from which an annual income, at 


MERCC OLE GerIyCO Of oe od ee ee $30,910 14 
4 Extra fund from unexpended income invested as follows: 
In $75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding--_________ $3,750 00 
In $53,000 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding -_________ 8,210 00 
In $7,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding_____. ____ 420 00 
In $500 Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding_----___.______ 30 00 
In $100 Washington 6 per cent. bonds, yielding.-__--____ 6 00 
rd 7,416 00 
38,326 14 
Balance in hands of Treasurer January 1, 1858_.--...._.__._._________ 10,341 30 
$48,667 44 
EXPENDITURES. 
oe building, furniture, and fixtures._ 2. --.--+--~___- $1,107 87 
For items common to the different objects of the Institu- 
THUD IOY. oe A ap ee  L  e 9,619 03 
For publications, researches, and lectures ___.-_____-.-__- 11,956 838 
For library, museum, and gallery of art-------.-_-._-__- 9,814 29 


Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 1, 1859, of which $5,000 
belongs to the extra fund 


en a a a ae me 5 = re te wre + ee te 


Statement in detail of the expenditures in 1858. 


BUILDING, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES, ETC. 


Seema RI ICIUE NEMS Ao So i an te $566 62 
muarniiire and fixtures-_—..._..-_..___- ee sees 497 99 
PEPRECIAE OUSOPVALOUY nt 43 26 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meetings of Board and committees --_.---.-.-_-.--...-.-- 301 38 
CUI ne ae 712 23 
ey SS ee 442 35 
Perausportation and exchanges _++-)22ie-2 2.62 Seas 1,134 65 
Berra type eee eo Soe ee oo 413 00 
BE reUTE NED TO ToIT G1) Oe se en ees oye ee 192 25 
Sie WS eee nee = 266 57 
NOHO LAUR en ee ee ne ea ee 243 60 
Steins Cement be Bos ooo 2 a eo eee 876 17 
Salanicsm Se Cheri nye meee a A= aan aon ae a eee 8,500 03 

elnieivclerkvs. 20. eo S Se. Sus a ee 1,400 00 

book-keeper, janitor, watchman, &c__----___-_- 509 68 
Mmunae lerk=hiness= 2 208 aoe oe a eo 127 12 


82,498 02 


*$16,169 42 


$1,107 87 


9,619 03 


* Reduced to $16,141.36 in Report for 1859; $28.06 interest credited in advance not haying been 


received. 


33 


514 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge____------_----- $6,834 02 
iReports) On! Propress =. 05. See ee eee 1,053 79 
Other*publications! ==" -2 ous a aes eee eee 654 24 
Misteorology Es 2s s.e0 sae aU e EDN a ree eS Si 2,845 62 
Investigations, computations, and researches___-.-------- 180 00 
MUO CUUTES Ss espe SS Se eee ee eee a Sn a a 939 16 

——_———— $11,956 8% 

LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 

Costrofiiboo ks yes esi at Rees eet a Lee 8,258 51 
Pay of assistantsan librany.222 2.5.32... iat esti oe 1,000 00 
Transportation sormlibraryes sess. ne eee 439 70 
Incidentals\tomgvbriry soo 2202 Fee ee es ee 857 70 
Museummisalariespee 228 22228 ehioe aioe 2S ea 2,000 00 
EDL OT. U0 11S een eee eee es eer 114 18 
Collectionstatiee tet ie ea ee See ees 675 25 
Incidentals for museum, jars, alcohol, &c. ~-.---_---_--_- 1,074 90 
EransponiatonvtOrmMNseuMss 32.2 ool kee eee 368 26 
Assistants and labor, museum [2-2 — 2) 28) eee 404 64 
Gallenvion apts 2s 22s. ee Ra ee eee ee 121 20 

—-- 9,814 29 

Total expenditure 22.222 0 bees ee eee eee $32,498 02 


The estimated income for the year 1858, inclusive of the balance in the hands of 
the Treasurer, was $38,526.14, and the actual income was the same, no change hay- 
ing taken place in the amount received from the interest on the extra fund. 

The estimated expenditure was $37,000. The actual expenditure was $32,498. 
This difference, which is nearly $4,500, has been saved principally on the building, 
transportation, and the payment of assistants. 

The last mentioned item has been somewhat diminished by the payment from the 
appropriation of Congress for the keeping of the museum of the Exploring Expedi- 
tions which has been transferred from the Patent Office to the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion. The amount received, for the last six months, on this account has been about 
$2,000. This sum is not credited to the Institution, because the money is disbursed 
by the Secretary of the Interior. 

The amount of income above that of the expenditure was $5,828.12. This sum 
has been saved with the view of carrying out the design mentioned in the last report, 
namely, that of accumulating a sufficient sum in the Treasury to enable the payment 
of cash for all purposes, and thus to save the extra charge which, in almost all cases,. 
is made when payment is deferred. 

The amount in the Treasury at the beginning of the present year, for carrying om 
the operations until the time of receiving the next income, was $16, 169.42. Of this, 
however, $5,000 belong to the extra fund which has not yet been invested. Accord- 
ing to the statement of the Secretary, the Institution, at the beginning of 1859, had 
no outstanding debts, and hence it appears that the funds are in a good condition. 

The committee respectfully submit the following estimate of the receipts and ex~ 
penditures for the year 1859: 


Estimate of the receipts and expenditures for the year 1859. 
RECEIPTS. 


Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 1, 1859---. $16,169 42 

interest onytire Onion al frye eye ee ete eee 80,910 14 

Tntenestionitherextra funds ces es ae eee eee 7,416 00 
——————._ $54,495 56 


EXPENDITURES. 
BUILDING, FURNITURE, AND FIXTURES. 


Repairsiand incidentals 2200... 2 ee ee ee ee $1,500 00 
Furniture; and fixtures. ooo! 2 eee 500 00 
Milenetictobsery ator y nee eee ee eee eee 100 00 


——____ =, sore 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 515 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meetings of Board and committees -__________._{_-_____. $150 00 
Popsbine Amie Meniae —= eae ee 1,000 00 
a ee eee ee ee 500 00 
Transportation and exchange____~--_-.____-_____-_______ 1,500 00 
0 UEWGEIS canes DE a ce ee ear 400 00 
epee OTM Spee ee ene ee a 500 00 
Re ee et Sas een ee 500 00 
RSE EEE GY et es i 500 00 
eieeHICH Sm eMeral toe te eee Oe ee 700 00 
Salamies——secretary _.. -...__2._. -.=- ee ee 8,500 00 
einige clerk. 22. pee ee eee 1,400 00 
SRR OF Lo eee eee eR Ac 200 00 
sitions 02 So ooo ee ee ee 400 00 
CRIME see ak Se ee 500 00 
eS een eae en Coe Cee ee 500 00 
BxEnnselercoMiT®: 2. 32 aoe ee oe 250 00 
$12,500 00 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES AND LECTURES. 
Emaichsonian, Contributions. ...-=. ..=----=2 4245-4 6,000 00 
INCOR a ee eee eee eee 2,000 00 
Rp ea PO MCA OMS a ae see ce eee ae 600 00 
ettre er Gy pe ene a oe ee ee 8,000 00 
[NOSCRC NC IS See eee eee 800 00 
NITGTe CG emee meen as ee ee 1,000 00 
12,900 00 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Inbrary— 
NOs ROMO Kepemerrae Le oo ek et eee 8,000 00 
PeyeorMbnEY veussistants 2-52 2 soot ae ene eee 1,200 00 
Prancnonaionm 100 library... 2-2-8 cesses ESET 500 00 
er HTS HOT MDT ALY: fia ethic een sume oe 100 00 
Museum— 
Beaty Ou en Ssibtant) Secretary ——-..---- ==. -----=-<-- a= 2,000 00 
SESE Sat CO TSH eNOS ee a ne ee ee ee 100 00 
Beioilectionseee seers tos os bk te ee ee 150 00 
Mircidentalsvosmusecum=——— 700 00 
Be enor atin Meee on. Sane a eh ee eee 600 00 
PNSSISTAMUSEAN Owl OD LH. <= eh ects ea eae 2,000 00 
Beetle Geet ta a a i a ee 150 00 
—————__ 10,500 00 


$38,000 00 


The committee have examined all the books and accounts of .the Institution for the 
past year, and find them to be correct. 
Respectfully submitted. 
J. A. PEARCE, 


A. D. BACHE, \ Beecutive Committee.* 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1859. 
The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the follow- 
ing report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the 
year 1859, with estimates for the year 1860: 
RECEIPTS. 
The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the Treasury of 
the United States is $515,169, from which an annual income, at six per 


earider cd tee ese cc. 2 oS eee See ee $30,910 14 


* General J. G. Totten, the other member of the Executive Committee, is now in Europe. 


516 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Extra fund of unexpended income, invested as follows: 


In $75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding-_-_-________ $3,750 00 
In $53,500 Virginia 6 per cent bonds, yielding -----_____-- 38,210 00 
In $7,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding---____-___ 420 00 
In $500 Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding--____--_-____- 30 00 
In $100 Washington 6 per cent. bonds, yielding----_-_-_-- 6 00 
———-— 7,416 00 
38,326 14 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, January 1, 1859--__---_-___-- 16,141 86 
$54,467 50 
EXPENDITURES. 
Hor, building furniture, and sixtures -... 20 a ee $1,720 57 
For items common to the different objects of the Institu- 
PG ipaee se sd ne ee en ce 11,519 04 
For publications, researches, and lectures__---._---------- 11,072 32 
For library, museum, and gallery of art_---- phe = dome yi a oe 10,521 46 
: —— $34,833 39 


Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 1, 1860, including $5,000 
of ‘the extra, fund not yet invested <= — = "2s tease eee ee eee 


Statement in detail of the Expenditures in 1859. 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, AND FIXTURES, 


mepairs and incidentals, = 2 2 ee ee emo $1,054 28 
Murnitureiand: fixtures) 1m COMO eee en ee 274 28 
Murnigurevand fissures for msec se ees ee eee ee ison 
Marneticiobservatory, =. =<. 2 ee een eee 256 80 


Meetings of the Board ..... 2 ee 14 50 
Lighting andy heating. 2 -- 22 ee ee een 902 68 
Postage. 2. SEP ee ee ee 558 65 
ransportationeandsexchang-e a= sep seeps ae ae eee 1,458 34 
SSL LOTR Cygne ren 289 37 
General printing): .. 2.22225 ee ee ee es 569 60 
AD PALabUsh es oscil ee ee eee ne eee 766 13 
Maboratony Sess see eile tes ae es eee poh Ss 68 386 
Incidentals general... eee 570 06 
Salaries—Secretary 222200 te a eee 8,500 00 

Chief clerk 2. C2) 328 6 ee ee ee aoe 1,400 00 

Book-Keeper, janitor, &e2 223-62 ee 1,064 00 
dixtra clerk, hiro: 2 2-022 ooo See eee 357 35 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


Smash somiamn© Omir Ut LO MSs ee 8,964 15 
Reports on progress of knowledge ~...-------_____~..-___ 1,831 19 
Other publications... ..—....__. .__ |e 686 37 
Meteorologys 2 22. 2) S232 U2 ee ee ee 8,247 36 
Investigations, computations, and researches____-------~ Js 464 05 
Jiecturneses se See 5 ot 8 aa LL eo See 879 20 


19,684 11 


$1,720 57 


11,519 04 


11,072 82 


&) 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. o17 


LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 


Baipoaty—-OOnWwol books 2° Wo a —- $2,530 83 
ey ormascistants oo ke 1,347 00 
PPramspoOrpeiOn S22 oe 217 74 
Wraetdemimls 2s 25 00 
Museum—Salary of Assistant Secretary ---......._______ 2,000 00 
iaplonanlOnse 2722225 ee oe 815 65 
@ollections2-.—..—_ -— Se ee 16 87 

Mmeidentals; jars, aleohol, &e.-=.._--.- -._.____ 1,115 65 7 
mAssisnames:and labor 2226-7 2-6 eee 2,378 88 
ErAUSPOMAtON — - 22-2 eae ao oe ee 544 34 
PUCEMEGIC AD ome tee 82 oo see ee eee ie 30 00 

— 10,521 46 

Moramexponunpures =.= 18 = oat ene 9 SEE Eee ae $34,833 39 


The estimated income for the year 1859, inclusive of the balance in the hands of the 
Treasurer, was $54,495.56, and the actual income $54,467.50; showing a difference 
of $28.06 less than the estimate. This difference arises from the fact that in the pre- 
vious reports the whole amount of $3,210 interest on Virginia stock was assumed to 
have been placed to the credit of the Treasurer, although Riggs & Oo. retained $16.06 
for commission, &c., at the time of the purchase. 

In addition to the above, the interest for two years on the Washington corporation 
stock, amounting to $12, was considered as in the hands of the treasurer, although it 
had not actually been drawn. 

The estimated expenditure was $38,000. The actual expenditure was $34,833.39; 
showing a difference of $3,166.61 less than the estimate, due principally to a less ex- 
penditure on the building, furniture, and the publications. 

The amount of income above that of the expenditure was $3,492.75, which, added 
to the actual balance ($16,141.36) in the hands of the treasurer at the beginning of 
the year 1859, makes $19,634.11. It is necessary to mention that $5,000 of this 
belongs to the extra fund, which has not yet been invested. 

The annual appropriation from Congress for keeping the museum of the exploring 
expedition has been expended, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, 
in assisting to pay the extra expenses of assistants and the cost of preserving and 
arranging the specimens. 

An appropriation has also been continued during the past year by the Patent 
Office for the collection of meteorological statistics for the Agricultural Report. 

It is believed the expenditures under these heads have been economically and judi- 
ciously made, and that the services rendered to Government have been strictly and 
faithfully performed. 

The specimens intrusted to the care of the Institution are now undergoing a thor- 
ough examination, and, being scientifically arranged, are in a better condition to 
meet the wants of the naturalist, and to interest the public, than ever before. 

The committee respectfully submit the following estimate of the expenditures for 


the year 1860: 
Estimate of appropriations for the year 1860. 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, AND FIXTURES. 


upmiesmnangedentals = 2-2-2 ao ee 2 $1,500 00 
Meriturcuandiixpurcs’ 2Uee Lene so 5s 2a een 800 00 
Macnetic observatory.__-- -------- ---=+------=---=- -==-—— 350 00 
$2,650 00 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 

een sotto board 25 e252 eee 250 00 
Hiehting and heating__.......-----------------------=- 1,000 00 
“UP ENSG oo 2 Le ee) 600 00 
Transportation and exchange -_------------------------- 1,500 00 
BuaviOnery 222222228 oe e - 3=—==---- 52 -- == 5-2---=- 300 00 
General printing -___-.---------------- ---------------- 600 00 
BeppnAUse= se OE SS eas 2s ---- --- = 5 = 800 00 
epee ve erennnets et Sah oo. see 100 00 
Incidentals general ___------- ---.--- ---- ---------------- 500 00 

8,500 00 


Remecs —— cereiai yar sews 0 ts lS Lee eee 
Chief clerk, messenger, book-keeper, laborers, &c. 8,000 00 


ih xdrarelerk=hine =a. 3 a= sae ee ee 500 00 


12,650 00 


518 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 


Smithsonian; Contributions) s= ss ee e $6,000 00 
Reports on: progresses Sas Sea eens ea oe 500 00 
Miscellaneous Collections i= == === aman een wae ee 1,000 00 
Meteorology eet Sas Se Pie epee Siena 8,000 00 
Investigations: Cees Sosa eee eon ISS ie 700 00 
Goectures. coe PN a a eee ee ee a ee 800 00 

; $12,000 00 

LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 

Tibrary:—CostiGgbookses assesses ses oc eee 2,500 00 
Pa yPOIGASSIS tea Mis nes ees |) se eee 1,500 00 
rans pO RtatOMe eta ee el eee 250 00 
lin cidentalsse= sameeewer es Us 2S eee 50 00 
Museum—Salary of Assistant Secretary_---------------- 2,000 00 
xp lOUAtONS <= see neee eee ee eee 800 00 
@ollectionse=t het eee wat Le eee 200 00 
Tncidenttale ares a ke ee So el LL ee ee 1,000 00 
PSSISt amis ame a DOTS Aa apa ee eee eee 2,000 00 
Mramsportation: 22 J. 2522-252 ee See ee 600 00 
Grallomyeoinarbe 205 4-2 o22ee ie ete ee ee eee 300 00 

—- 10,700 00 

$38,000 00 


The committee have carefully examined all the books and accounts of the Institu- . 
tion, for the past year, and find them to be correct. 


Respectfully submitted, 
ae "BACHE, ; i Executive Committee.* 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1860. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the ‘follow- 
ing report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during 
the year 1860, with estimates for the year 1861: 


RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the Treasury of 
the United States, is $515,169, from which an annual income at six 


per’cents 1s derived, of 2.22 eee Eee ee ee oe ee ee ee $30,910 14 
The extra fund of unexpended income is invested as follows, viz: 
In $75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding -_--_--_-_- $38,750 00 
In $53,500 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding _-____-_-- 8,210 00 
In $12,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding ~---_---- 720 00 
In $500 Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding_----_--__-___-_- 30 00 
In $100 Washington 6 per cent. bonds, yielding_----_---- -6 00 

— 7,716 00 

Total incomiel 22) LS Se a A ae eee 38,626 14 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 1, 1860, $19,634.11, less 

the cost of $5,000 Tennessee bonds, $4,600 -_-----..-.-.----------- 15,0384 11 

" Total receipts. 2.2... 5- SOR ae ee ee ee 58,660 25 

EXPENDITURES. 

Hor building jfurniture, and fixtures 2222) 2-2 o> ou 2,424 76 
Horpeneralicxpensesy 2.2 2s 2h. Un ees alee raed 13,079 34 
For publications, researches, and lectures____________ -_-- 138,852 99 
For library, museum, and gallery of art--_----__-___--.- 1,781 21 

‘Petalexpendipureg!o. 22. 21s es Semeee e es LE ee eee 37,188 30 

Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January DW AGG) 2 22 ees $16,521 95 


* General Totten, the other member of the Executive Committee, is temporarily absent in Cali- 
fornia on official duty. 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 519 


Statement in detail of the expenditures during the year 1860, 
BUILDING, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES. 


Seroinpwimcidentals = 2-250 le ee $1,480 55 
Hunnitureandeixcures in weneralis ie. a7 et "619 85 
imucoiure and fixtures for museum ——2—2-----.-__.__..-. 824 36 
——_———— $2,424 76 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Pee sroaihie board)! Ol eo ee i 225 85 
Spe iimicrane Heating 202251 Oe ee Oi) 987 41 
Seg NO eee ee a i ee ee ee ee es 5387 54 
airanAsportation and exchanges - 2522 2i22 22-2 a 2,141 86 
Se eee eee ee eee ee ee eee eee ees 393 50 
Seemeramptimiimeas soos 2 So) LL SSE ae Le yee 206 18 
SGA net I a ee 784 78 
AD ORMOGy) eee ne == ee eee nae e oe 150 81 
mrmieninieeomorals 22. 2 US eee eee 755 94 
Mrcmurclancmrenecu ss. 2. LS o_o e Ee ee See ee 645 97 
Pmiiries—— secretary = 222 siU Lu el ots Lee See see 3,500 00 
Chief clerk, book-keeper, messenger, and laborers. 2,750 00 
— — 18,079 34 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
ESmibisonian Contributions = 22-22 i20 ese 5,520 59 
Pemmipiconisn Iveports = — 5.22.2 2 case 770 22 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections -_-.-------------- 1,131 48 
Sermemmubiicaliomse= 2-25 "_ =2 2S 2 2 a aaa eee 45 89 
Perec orolopyee pee See Sa eee 4,431 07 
@rancuiemilusenvatory <2: —.---_----—. ss -- 2522s sae 308 00 
ivevearches and investigations... .2.-..-----= -22<_s==-—2 753 00 
TS OT eee ee ee ree 892 74 
13,852 99 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
MiasitoL pod candy binding —<__o-- i eee ene 2,882 19 
Payson aisciaranis im library =. _------_ ++ --5-~="_ 8 _ ae 1,100 00 
‘Transportation and exchange for library----------------- 496 62 
a@erdeniaig tot WOTaAry 9-5 a Sone eet 41 86 
Miisoum, salary ==. | 22-8 2,000 00 
‘Transportation for museum -------~-------------------- 872 76 
AD Grn NC) eorarteall Sort oten TO lis UT ee ee 62 92 
Explorations for museum -_---------------------------- 476 45 
MO OMECHIONS MOMs mNUSCIINN == === ea are 111 23 
Gallery of art-.---. ----------------------------------- 237 18 
—— 7,781 21 


$37,138 30 


The accounts for the year 1860 were made up to the 11th of January, 1861, instead 
of the first of the same month as heretofore. This difference in time was occasioned 
by the delay in obtaining the appropriation and interest due at the beginning of the 

ear. 
: The balance in the hands of the treasurer at the commencement of the year 1860 
was $19,634.11; of this, $4,600 were expended in the purchase of $5,000 Tennessee 
State bonds, leaving $15,084.11. 

The income during the year from the original and extra fund was $38,626.14. The 
expenditures during 1860 were $37,138.80; leaving $1,487.84 to be added to the 
balance in the hands of the treasurer on the first of the year, making $16,521.95 im- 
mediately available for paying in cash the expenses of the operations of the Institu- 
tion as rapidly as the bills come due. 

The foregoing statement is an actual exhibit of the Smithsonian funds, irrespective 
of credits and disbursements which have been made in behalf of other parties. For 
example: the Institution has frequently advanced money to pay for the transporta- 
tion of packages for other establishments, such as the Coast Survey, Patent Office, 


520 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


&c., forwarded through the Smithsonian agents; and in all such cases the money, 
when refunded, has been credited to the appropriation from which the expenditure 
was originally made. Again: the use of the lecture-room has in many instances. 
been granted for charitable purposes, without any other charge than for the gas con- 
sumed; and the money received for this has been credited on the books of the Insti- 
tution to the account of “ lighting and heating.’’ 

The agricultural department of the Patent Office has for several years past ex- 
pended a small portion of its appropriation for the collection of meteorological 
statistics in connection with this Institution. During the past year the assistance 
from this source has been unexpectedly very much reduced; and hence, the expendi- 
ture on meteorology from the Smithsonian fund has considerably exceeded the 
estimate. 

The annual appropriation of $4,000 from Congress, for keeping the collections of 
the exploring and surveying expeditions of the United States, has been expended 
under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in assisting to pay the extra ex- 
penses of assistants, and the cost of arranging and preserving the specimens. The 
aid thus rendered has served to diminish the cost to the Smithsonian fund of the 
maintenance and exhibition of the museum, although it has by no means been suf- 
ficient to defray all the expenses of these objects, as will be seen by reference to the 
items given under the head of the museum, in the detailed statement. 

The specimens intrusted to the care of the Institution are in good condition, and 
the duplicates are in process of being assorted preparatory to a general distribution 
for scientific and educational purposes. 

The committee respectfully submit the following estimates for the year 1861. 


RECEIPTS. 

Balance in the hands of the treasurer, January 11, 1861--__-_ ----_---_-- $16,521 95. 

Enterestion ‘original fund) 1-2 222 Sue eee at Se ee Ree 80,910 14 

Interestionitheextratund ue soe ae De ee ee ee 7,716 00 
Motel aie ee ae nee $55,148 09 


Estimate of Expenditures for 1861. 
BUILDING, FURNITURE, AND FIXTURES. 


UT CLA SIM EALS (ieee eee Se ds) re SRE TRS ene iy eee ele eee $1,500 00 
Hurniturejandfixturestoi2 02 3 ee see eee eS oe 800 00 
SaEneEiaenD 2,300 00 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Meetingsiof thesBoard/ 202 eee $250 00 + 
MightinovandWhea tim cae =. 1s ks ae ee eee 1,000 00 
Postage Oe Da yety aie Lis ok NE ee ee eee ee 600 00 
Transportation, (general!) 222. Se ee ee ne eee 1,000 00 
Mi xehemges' Lert seer Ss ON a oe eee ee oe 1,000 00 
SS CCT ONT ST ye Se ene PR ee sR 800 00 
Gomera pring) 6 ee se ee ec aed 300 00 
Apparatus -____- ee A AUS BST ee a UM 800 00 
MUS NN ON HOT yes a CN i a 150 00 
ineidentals, (general).8 iis =e ue ou 600 00 
xtra clerk-hines see Sess hbo Ami Sg oe ae nee epee ae 600 00 
palaries Secretary. = 0a. cae es eee eee ee eee 8,500 00 
Chief clerk, book-keeper, messenger, laborers, &c. 8,000 00 
—— 138,000 00 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Smuithsoniany Contributor eee ee a ee eatery 6,000 00 
SmaihhbsoniamwNieports se Mee eee eee 500 00 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections _____.---- -..----- 1,000 00 
Otbermublications 0h os a ee 250 00 
Meteorolopigss 22 tS as 2 ee eg 4,000 00 
Mapnenicrobservepomiyj se ted ee ee eens 250 00 
Researches. se seek See ee Sol oe ee ee 400 00 
ST ee titres se ae UY 2A lal hme ee 800 00 


a a tS OOO 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 523 


LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 


Library—Cost of books and binding -_-_-__-____________ $2,500 00 
Pay of assistants in library-___________________ 1,200 00 
Transportation and exchange for library________ 500 00 
Ngieteretibals se eo ee ee. oo 50 00 

STI NPR ne So ee 2,000 00 
prassedents and WOR <n 1,000 00 
LDISETHED DO 227 51) «WSS re ro nO a 550 00 
Nie eos oo Pe ecu ee 1,000 00 
ISOS AION) 222 — ee elt as ws wel 400 00 

RRS SEALE Se lr ree a 800 00 

———_——__ $9,500 00 


— —_—____ 


$38,000 00 


The committee have carefully examined all the books and accounts of the Institu- 
tion for the past year, and find them to be correct. 
Respectfully submitted, 
J. A. PEARCE, 
A. D. BACHE, | saci Committee. 
JOS. G. TOTTEN, 


Report of the Executive Committee for the year 1861. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit tothe Board of Regents the following 
report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution during the 
year 1861, with general estimates for the year 1862: 


RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the Treasury of 
the United States is $515,169, from which an annual income, at 6 per 


PER BISCO eTVCO OD 2s eee Eee a SD $30,910 14 
The extra fund of unexpended income is invested as follows, viz: 
lip 75.000) Imdianay oper cent. bonds, yielding ~--__*_-____ = $3,750 00 


In $53,500 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding nothing during 1861. 
In $12,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding nothing during 1861. 
In $500 Georgia 6 per cent., yielding nothing during 1861. 

In $100 Washington 6 per cent., will be paid, but not collected in 1861. 


PLO TABIM CONN Gi St nae ae oie ee ee a een es 84,660 14 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer, January 11, 1861 ---____._____ 16,521 95 
EDEL Eh A i a ye PY $51,182 09 
EXPENDITURES. 
Mor building, furniture,.and. fixtures = ---2.-.2-.5LL< $1,734 62 
Beetenen alex pensesy == oe Sa ee 10,899 69 
For publications, researches, and lectures --__-.---------- 10,764 96 
For library, museum, and gallery of art----------------- 5,737 65 
i Ghalne a penOUthiCG) = = a= 2 so eae ete tee ee 29,1386 92 
Balance in the hands of the Treasurer January 9, 1862 --__-_-_______- $22,045 17 


Statement in detail of the expenditures during 1861. 


BUILDING, FURNITURE, AND FIXTURES. 


Paola wineidentals 222 J282_ <2 lols) 1 see eee Le 906 19 
Huarniture and fixtures in general -...-~.----=-----=. =-_-= 177 26 
Birniture and dixtures for museum 22-222 22-2 2 651 17 


mis seis Digit Weegee 


22 REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meetings ‘of the Board ls 28.2 eee ee $66 00 
hichting andheatine: 2222 2 eee Se eee eee ee 1,074 94 
PORTA GC ee wines ee eta ee eee eer 889 08 
Transportation, weneral 22 Ssh oe ee a aa an 656 24 
BRS 2) 1 es a a en 793 O7 
Byte te OT Ve ee 194 60 
General sprinting eee ee ee ee eee 50 16 
SNSy yo ELT UU US eee ae ee ee ee 711 70 
uaboratory 222 Sitee ates see wee ee een eee 161 42 
Tndidentdls: general pe ee ee ee on eee 400 38 
Hxtra clerk-hines 20. eee ee ee ee eee 434 10 
Salariés=—Seeretary: - 2 se ooo toe on ee 8 eee 8,500 00 
Chief clerk, book-keeper, messenger, and laborers_ 2,468 00 
——_———— $10,899 69 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Smuithsoniana@omtnibitlong-e = ane a ee 8,986 85 
SS raat 1s na yr a Tyee ee 915 00 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections -_---------------- 1,627 63 
SOT MeL ROMO CHONG 2. eo reek eee eae ee eee ee 310 50 
DIRS es Te res 8,059 04 
Researches and investitations--————- aoe ees Se ees 111 00 
BUSS UT ee 804 94 
——_——_——_ 10,764 96 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Mast of books and binding 2-225 ° eS eee ae ees 915 78 
Psy, Of (ASSISCATAGS DE LOTT y See eee eee 1,141 00 
Pransportation for library 222022 _ ss. Seen eee 126 87 
Inmcidentals:for libranwyes == 22-22 ee eee eee 23 12 
Museum—salary of Assistant Secretary-----.--—.-------- 2,000 00 
PUMeTUS POM HA GLOU LOL ATAU CUI ee eee eee 406 33 
Tarterdenitalls) for yr Use Unrate ees ee eee 477 35 
BER scop SAE 0S ee 432 25 
Gen Ts yap EUs oe ee ee ete 214 95 
—_—— 5,787 65 
Total expenditures 2a See ceo ee eee a ee etre eee ee $29,186 92 


On account of the delay in obtaining the interest due from the United States at the 
beginning of the year, the foregoing accounts for 1861 were made up to the 9th of 
January, 1862. ; 

It will be seen that the whole income during the year 1861 was $34,660.14, instead 
of the estimated income of $88,626.14. This difference is caused by the failure of 
Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia to pay the interest on their bonds, and by the 
Treasurer not having as yet collected the $6 from the corporation of Washington. 

The expenditures during 1861 were $29,136.92, leaving $5,523.22 to be added to the 
balance in the hands of the Treasurer on the 11th of January, 1861, making $22,- 
‘045.17 in hand for paying in cash the expenses of the operations of the Institution as 
rapidly as the bills are presented. 

The foregoing statement is an actual exhibit of the Smithsonian funds, irrespective 
of credits and disbursements, which have been made in behalf of other parties. For 
example—the Institution frequently advances money to pay for the transportation of 
packages in connection with its general system of exchange, and, in all such cases, 
the money, when refunded, is credited to the appropriation from which the expend- 
iture was originally made. Again: the use of the lecture room is, in many instances, 
granted for charitable and literary purposes without any other charge than that for 
the gas consumed, and the pay of the necessary attendants, the whole amounting to 
ten dollars each night. Half of this is credited on the books of the Institution to 
the account of ‘‘ lighting and heating,’’ and the other half paid directly to the per- 
sons employed. 

The appropriation from Congress for the preservation of the collections of the ex- 
ploring and surveying expeditions of the United States has been expended as usual, 


REPORTS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 523 


under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in assisting to pay the expenses 
of extra assistants in the museum, and the cost of arranging and preserving the 
specimens. The sum received from this source has been credited to the museum, and 
has served to diminish the amount of expenditures for that object on the part of the 
Institution, although it has by no means been sufficient to defray all the expenses to 
which the establishment has been subjected, on account of the preservation and pub- 
lic exhibition of the specimens. 

The articles intrusted to the care of the Institution are in good condition, and the 
work of the distribution of the duplicates of the Government as well as those of the 
Institution is in active progress. 

A part of the expenditure on the building is due to the introduction of the Poto- 
mac water, but a further expenditure during the present year will be required for the 
same purpose. 

Although the income of the Institution during 1861 has been nearly $4,000 less 
than was estimated at the beginning of the year, yet the Secretary, by a proper cur- 
tailment of the operations in view of the unsettled condition of the times, has 
reduced the expenditures to $5,000 less than the actual income. All the outstanding 
obligations of the Institution for works which have been commenced would not 
exceed $2,000, so that the establishment could, to-day, wind up its affairs with $20,- 
000 in cash, besides the undiminished original bequest of Smithson in the Treasury 
of the United States, and $141,000 invested in State stocks, from which it is hoped, 
at some future time, the full interest may be received. 

It is impossible, in view of the uncertainty of the future, to present even an approx- 
imate estimate of the expenditures during 1862. The committee would, however, 
submit the following, as a general guide to the Secretary : 


SRUMMRICOMNCOMO: Cree. 25 aoc oe eee cone pao Gene $84,666 14 
Estimated expenditure: 
Hor building, furniture, and fixtures__..-.-.....-__<- --- $2,000 00 
Bemeenora Wexpenses.52 0 oko ooo. ooo alt oo 10,500 00 
For publications, researches, and lectures ---.----------- 10,500 00 
For library, museum, and gallery of art ---_-------~-. -- 9,000 00 
82,000 00 


The committee have carefully examined the books and accounts of the Institution, 
for the past year, and find them to be correct. 
Respectfully submitted. 
J. A. PEARCE, 


A. D. BACHE, | ecautive Committee. 
J. G. TOTTEN, 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the 


following report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution _ 


during the year 1862, with general estimates for the year 1863: 


General Statement. 
RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithsonian bequest deposited in the 
treasury of the United States is $515,169, from which an an- 
nual income at six per cent. is derived of.......-..-..---- 

The extra fund of unexpended income is invested as follows, viz: 

In 75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding..........-..- 

In 53,500 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding nothing in 
1862. 

In 12,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. 
1862. 

In 500 Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding nothing in 1862. 

In 100 Washington city 6 per cent. bonds, yielding during 1862. 

Premium on sale of $1,875 gold, (interest) paid on Indiana 
bonds,, July 1; “at 40d. nj vclciseteicieenaeeiuere eta ee 


bonds, yielding nothing in 


Total incomescs. ce ons oe eee 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer, January, 1862....-.... 


Totaltreceiptsmes s< ass cts emee eee rete 
Total expenditure = 20S) eee rere telat iar 


Balance in the hands of the treasurer, January, 1863........ 


EXPENDITURES. 


Morbuilding, furniture; and! fixtures! ..\5 4/2). sasene ce oes i 
iHor‘eeneral expenses i>. gee ee ae tee ep aerate 
For publications, researches, and lectures..-....-.--.---.-- 
For library, museum, and gallery of art........----.------- 


Total:expenditures cc cur nee clan seme 


Statement in detail of the expenditures of 1862. 
BUILDING, FURNITURE, AND FIX'TURES. 


Building incidentals): 22-2 12). rept tesla $1,672 34 
Furniture and fixtures in general.......-....--- 80 02 
Furniture and fixtures for museum..............- 485 30 


524 


$30,910 14 | 


3,750 00 


35, 425 51 
22,045 17 


57,470 68 
27,961 07 


—- 


$29, 509 62 


$2, 237 66 
11,674 41 
7,744 44 
6, 304 56 
$27, 961 07 


$2, 237 66 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE. §25 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Meeed Orsthe board 22/55 PS. oe OL $81 00 
Beaune and Meating-- 22.255)... 2: 1,142 26 
Ee aerate elec cscs ecleg hoe eens seen ee. 353 3 
Beeeportation, eencral.. eee 733 10 
eee Ae ets. oa ata see OL YL 1,550 32 
EEN Matt oiatom s\nia sis o ssn! hee esses Ce tc eS 281 88 
SMM MEPUIEINGEN Ss. (so a eos eco esa cine seca ss 441 46 
RMR se hs oe cat sen ee cn Sets cls 119 06 
TVRs 2 as 2 EEO! ORL cl 408 45 
EES Re G1 a tA a 315 02 
umammerericiiireie ss LL SL PSR oe 405 00 
Bren PSCCLCDANY; (212 Sh Ses IT Sih 3, 500 00 
Chief clerk, bookkeeper, messenger, &c .......... 2,344 00 
— 11,674 41 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, AND LECTURES. 
Semmnsonian Contributions «/. 5... b 6 ess aeidesericns $932 97 
Medasomian Reports... . 5-562 Heiss cede bende 219 88 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections........-.. ohh aa hide 25 
eB ayer ots 2 anise) ieee wale e ce a= ie 1,963 08 
esearches and investigations. .:...02.2.222220.6. 94 75 
RIP epe pale, EE Sais Gh ats Betsig ta ea awterereh. 759 51 
—— 7,744 44 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND GALLERY OF ART. 
Basher nookpmand binding... 2... 2s. s00 2 scseane $1, 513 63 
Pep omaesistanis,in library :--......--..0.-.6.6- 1215800 
Beeausportation for library. ..-...-.-.5. «scones. 346 76 
Pee mrtionOr MDlary. 2: 2s). 22 cies tees ciesae oes 44 25 
Muscum, salary of assistant secretary......-....... 2,000 00 
Pitanspotiation forimuscum -.:.-...--...25..0-. 4°. 354 54 
Bremen asforiMuseum ... <2... -.ss2-sesese cs 146 49 
Bera nee re Weil fate <iniei fo )'=ia [nie wis (a> 5 = 2 ~ 555 29 
aeRO LANGE dcle le fala. o cc ont as civic od seo see ces os - 128 50 
: —— 6,304 56 
PS ten CAMEO IL ULES )aiale =: e/a! c¥siava a e(ate' ==. chrlotajal= = tterapes ees $27,961 07 


It will be seen that the whole income during the year 1862 was $35,425 51, 
instead of the estimated income, $34,666 14. This difference is due to the 
receipt of $759 37 as premium ou the gold in which the first half year’s interest 
on the Indiana bonds was paid. 

The expenditures during 1862 were $27,961 07, leaving $7,464 44 to be 
added to the balance in the hands of the treasurer on the 9th of January, 1862. 

The amount of bills for work already contracted for will not exceed $2,500. 

The foregoing statement is an actual exhibit of the Smithsonian funds, irre- 
spective of credits and payments which have been made in behalf of other 
parties. For example, the Institution during the past year has paid several 
bills for work done on account of the government, the amount of which has 
been refunded and credited to the appropriations from which the expenditure 
was originally made. 


526 REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 


The appropriation from Congress for the preservation of the collections of the 
exploring and surveying expeditions of the United States has been expended, 
as heretofore, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in assisting 
to pay the expenses of extra assistants in the museum, and the cost of arrang- 
ing and preserving the specimens. ‘lhe sum received from this source has been 
credited to the museum, and has served to diminish the amount of expenditures 
for that object on the part of the Institution, although it has not been sufficient 
to defray all the expenses on account of the preservation and public exhibition 
of the specimens. 

The articles intrusted to the care of the Institution are in good condition,. 
and the work of the distribution of the duplicates of the government as well as 
those of the Institution is still in progress. 

A part of the pnts on the building is due to refitting the copa 
room, and re-coverine, with tin, the northern portion of the roof of the west con- 
necting range which was blown off during the storm of February 24. 

From the foregoing statements it will appear that the financial affairs of the 
Institution are still in a prosperous condition, and that the Board of Regents 
could resign their trust to-day, with the undiminished original bequest of 
Smithson in the treasury of the United States, with over one hundred thousand 
dollars on hand or in secure investments, and with $66,000 in southern State 
stocks, from which it is hoped at some future time interest may be received. 

The committee submit the following approximate estimates for the year 1863 


Piscimated: WOCOME.... « <j <:<d02< elects eters ate eet eae ear $34, 666 1: 
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE. 

Hor building, furniture, and fixtures. Wines cca eee $2,000 — 

MorceneralexPenses -\- i -cte ae eee eee ee 10,500 

For publications, researches, and lectures.......--...----- 10,500 

For library, museum, and gallery of art...... ...-------.- 9,000 


$32,000: 


The committee have carefully examined the books and accounts of the 
Institution for the past year, and find them to be correct. 
Respectfully submitted. 
JOS. G. TOTTEN. 
A. D. BACHE. 
FrBRUARY, 1863. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the 
following report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution 


during the year 1863, with estimates for the year 1864: 


General Statement. 
RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of the Smithson bequest deposited in the 
treasury of the United States is $515,169, from which an 
annual income at 6 per cent. is derived of .............-.--- 

The extra fund of unexpended income is invested as follows, viz: 

In $75,000 Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding (less United States 
eT ee 3 boyd o Batata tho it's. 5 BES BE 

In $53,500 Virginia 6 per cent. bonds. 

In $12,000 Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds. 

In $500 Georgia 6 per cent. bonds. 


In $100 Washington city 6 per bonds, yielding........-....- 
PMO eEGIIO Rta) rosie to ticr ae atte Ae eRe Soe ee 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer, January, 1863........-- 
Pee CLE ET oo i aa a cL oi eft ohare ge eae oe eae ey 2 
EXPENDITURES. 
For building, furniture, and fixtures..........-.. Go 11t 7s 
MPS CLET AIC KCTSEN <0. cle cio nie bce cee ees 11,688 69 
For publications, researches, and lectures -... ---- 10, 761 65 
For library, museum, and gallery of art ........- T 2a9nee 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer, January, 1864...-. 


$30,910 14 


3,749 50 


6 00 


34, 665 64 
29,509 G1 


64,175 25 


31,821 35 


32,353 90 


STATEMENT IN DETAIL OF THE EXPENDITURES OF 1863. 


lular tls te ec $1,598 79 
Brmmitiroand axtures 522). 10. J... ence seat os 512 .99 
Meetings of the Board of Regents.-....---------- 104 50 
1 EDIE Pai le 5 i a is Cn 343 71 
Seerintr pee ent et ON A Laie oer soe ne 1,090 75 
eater an ee ge YS eee cw 421 46 
m@runsportation, general :..........-----5---.-0- 374 05 
IME Serre heres fel 7 Oe ioe asia emis 1,357 76 
Pare Ryaree ey Pee Nes. cama etels sess 486 09 


$2,111 78 


528 REPORL OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


General (printing << -\=/- ej!) =\- ieee eee le $3 50 
PATO ALAGULS «5 (e)5/=) = <2 a (= ee el ee oe eat 531 98 
GeO TaIbOT yi = sles ela oe tote een 129 59 
Incidentals, genetal £¢ <)-74) 7S vee eee te ae 2 584 65 
Extra clerk-hire 22-0. 22,025 eee eee ee see a 34165 
Salaries, S€Cheiarye<.c)-cieen ene eee ee oho alee. 2 3,500 00 
Salaries, chief clerk, bookkeeper, laborers, &c.. - - - 2, 389 00 

—— $11,688 69 
Smithsonian. contributions -:2 se ee ol ec ee ieee 2,545 48 
Smithsonian PepOres ey wet ete ey. cies bets, iso he ee , 683 85 
Smithsonian miscellaneous collections .......-.-.--. 3,535 88 
Smithsonian and other publications......-...--.- 441 15 
Meteorol ocwyae terse pierce iieie\ nin, «So wie ci aca ieee 2,410 97 
Researches and investigations...-...-....----.-- 150 00 
WseRRURe see see ie peptic cia wie nl nein a see en aceite 1,094 32 

10, 761 65 

Costot books aud pig ie a - joa 2).<)ajn'aehnjajamehale eee 1, 844 65 ; 
Payaorcassistants im brary, ..<j<. «;s,= \ar-yereieie = etapeheet = 1,100 00 
(cansporiaion. tor library 2. <.2> <£.- aveteeney-ie <ehte 290 35 
Himerdental stor Nibrary. (alt 2 3,5) o.-yecierct age eget 24 15 
Museum, salary of assistant secretary ........-.--. 2,000 00 
Pras pOriaiON, TOr TOUSEUM a/2fe <1. clei ete ieee 695 29 
incidentals for: museum <2) 2.) cee eee eee 355 40 
Explorations for Museum .(& <> 2) \- anita tae 762 39 
AML ry Or Art ccc cic wrote Balers Areva! 147 00 

—_—- 7, 259 23 

$31, 821 35 


The whole income during the year 1863 was $34,665 64, corresponding with 
the estimate in the report for 1862. The expenditures during the year 1863 
were $31,821 31, leaving $2,844 33 to be added to the balance in the hands of 
the treasurer at the beginning of the year. 

The amount of bills outstanding will not exceed $2,000. 

The foregoing statement is an actual exhibit of the Smithsonian funds irre- 
spective of credits and payments made in behalf of other parties. ‘The Institu- 
tion has during the year paid several bills for work done and articles purchased 
on account of the government, part of which has been refunded and credited to 
the appropriation from which the expenditure was originally made. ‘Those 
which have been refunded are as follows: $476 87 from the Surgeon General’s 
office for books purchased in Europe through the agency of the Institution ; 
and $37 from the Naval Observatory for transportation. In addition to these, 
several expenditures have been made on account of the Light-house Board for 
photometrical apparatus, and experiments in the laboratory, which have not yet 
been refunded. 

Messrs. Rice & Kendall, of Boston, have also refunded $93 80 for paper pur- 
chased of them remaining in their hands not used. 

The appropriations from Congress for the preservation of the collections and 
the distribution of the duplicate specimens of the exploring and surveying 
expeditions of the government have been expended, as heretofore, under the 
direction of the Secretary of the Interior in assisting to pay the expenses of 
assistants in the museum, and the cost of arranging, labelling, and preserving 
the specimens. ‘The sums thus received have been credited to the museum, and 
have served to diminish the apparent amount of expenditures for that object. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 529 


The estimated expenditures for 1863 were as follows: 


Seeapancdime, turniture, and fixtures..........:....0000ceesusee= $2, 000 
0 SL ECL) UN ONE eran se ns Soe 10, 500 
For publications, researches, and lectures.........-..........--- 10, 500 
Mon library, museum, and gallery of art ............2--c2cccecee 9, 000 

Ri ea cee oo I iaaoi5 coin asco a «US see $32, 000 


The actual expenditure on the building is very nearly the same as the amount 
appropriated. 

For general expenses the amount is larger than the estimate, and this is due 
to the increased cost of inaterials. 

For publications, &c., the actual expenditure is nearly the same as the 
estimate. 

For library, museum, and gallery of art, the expenditure is nearly three 
thousand dollars less than the estimate, but this is on account of the expend- 
iture on the collections of the remainder of an appropriation from Congress for 
the distribution of the specimens. 

For the year 1864 the same estimates are recommended as those made for 1863. 

The committee have examined the books and accounts of the Institution for 
the past year, and find them to be correct. 

Respectfully submitted. 
A. D. BACHE, 
RICHARD WALLACH, 
Committee. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


‘The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the 
following report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution 


during the year 1864: 


RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the treasury 
of the United States is $515,169, from which an annual income 
Of Gipereentnus derived: Of. jas 0/2 « mein a pinieein ele see isiate 

The extra fund of unexpended income is invested as follows, viz : 

$75,000 in Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1864........ 

$53,500 in Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1864........ 

$12,000 in Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1864 
$500 in Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1864 ........ 
$100 in Washington 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1864 .... 


Balance in hands of treasurer, January, 1864, and interest due 
from POVEINMENt..<'.'.. 6 sc c.ceeine wa be eee wins ie alae See etree 


EXPENDITURES. 
For building, furniture, and fixtures........-.... $2,620 77 
or general expenses. - 72-2 ips meme eleins = 14,071 50 
For publications, researches, and lectures .......- 11,907 48 
For library, museum, and gallery of art......-... 8,936 21 


— 


Balance in treasury and due from government January, 1865 


$30,910 14 


3,750 00 


6 00 


wae 


34,666 14 


32, 353 90 


67,020 04 


37,535 96. 


e_r——— 


$29, 484 08 


STATEMENT IN DETAIL OF THE EXPENDITURES OF 1864. 


BUILDING. 
Building, incidentals)... veneer eer eee $1,066 32 
Purniture and fixtures in general: soe sec. oer 804 45 
Furniture and fixtures for museum.............. 750 00 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Mechnediot the: Board... 00... jo eee se eens ieee 131 50 
iio him esad Weaning Wee 5 oe = niente eaten esete alee 1,816 36 
POBtAR Cee ia a tale = maim = sie) eo yn) eiepete mete nie 403 38 
Transporation weeneral <i... /\ = -/cielsleiateieietel-ete 868 09 
SB ie ae epee rae ata lat = foie fas) a eo) wa ele etetateeeraieel 2,753 76 
PO LALIOMOI Yes ete erste apa eeieteie alan =< alma ere 502 77 
Greneral primey ere ieelele als ale elnle lela = a aaie le wi etelerel iat 157 76 


530 


$2,620 77 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 531 


BATA cece eee nse e es ecneen 102 74 
PEON ee ee nana cece cess Seen ee Oe 160 78 
Mneidentals,;peneral -. 2... 5 ee ek ee 631 36 
SeMCINERINTOS S85. satan tena e ses Sule eee 599 00 
Membres ECICLATY <)0 26 Jo 0 occ k ce selene cee ecco 3,500 00 
Salaries, chief clerk, bookkeeper, messenger, and 
BEREGeIME oS ers cs. a tetetetees SOLIS 2,439 00 
— 14,071 50 
¢ PUBLICATIONS, ETC. 
Smithsonian Contributions..................... 2,224 57 
Brttnconian Keports...../. 2.2222 )02.2 200.02. . 547 00 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections .......... 6,449 06 
Peer publications eos)... 2 PESO 210 00 
OO meri ess ons eM 1,339 15 
ee eC PO bemita te 6 Soe sci tt Mek Oe 125 00 
Beebe terete se =) cic. < cis ssa ee 1,012 70 
—— 11,907 48 
LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. 
Wostot books and binding...........-..sss..0% 1,953 67 
Peeistaniwim Mbraryoss'. /. Joos Ns. ede ees 1,291 66 
ransportation for library ....-...........2..-- 200 00 
Museum, salary of Assistant Secretary ........--. 2,000 00 
Museum, assistants... .. latiete fe of ois EN eS dc vey 1,096 56 
MiGsenM, transportation .......--2ss cee secon 400 00 
Mnseum, meidentals.-..s......0.-sesceccsscce 1,080 31 
BP AIS INS wlaicleicic's 6 Swe es ecanle ccnecs Toned 
BpMMETNBO HTD arias clase = oss ecleses-. +S ~ se 116 25 
— 8,936 21 
Total expenditure............ aiaiaieiwelaleva)ciaiciaeioiatee $37,535 96 


From the foregoing it will be seen that the whole ineome during the year 
1864 was $34,666 14, and that the expenditures during the same period were 
$37,535 96, exhibiting for the first time, in the account of the current opera- 
tions, an excess of the latter over the former of $2,869 82. 

According to the statement of the Secretary, the cause of this excess of the 
expenditure was the constant increase in prices of all the articles used in the 
operations of the Institution, particularly in printing and paper, and the pur- 
chase of gold to defray the expense of the foreign agencies. 

To meet contingencies of this kind, however, as well as to carry on all the 
operations for cash, there had been accumulated in the hands of the treasurer at 
the beginning of the year the sum of $32,353 90. The unexpended balance, 
therefore, now in the uands of the treasurer is $29,484 08. 

The appropriation by Congress for the preservation of the collections of the 
exploring and surveying expeditions of the United States has been expended 
as heretofore, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in assisting to 
pay the expenses of extra assistants in the museum, and the cost of arranging 
and preserving the specimens. ‘The articles intrusted to the care of the Insti- 
tution by government are in good condition, and the distribution of the duplicate 
specimens belonging to government, as well as those of the Institution, has been 
industriously prosecuted during the year. 

From the examination made by the committee it appears that the affairs of 
the Institution are in a prosperous condition; that all the operations have been 


532 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


continued with unabated energy ; that notwithstanding the depreciation of the 
value of the income, the expenditures have but little exceeded the current re- 
ceipts, and that provision had been made even for this contingency by the pre- 
vious accumulations in the hands of the treasurer. 

The Executive Committee are informed by the Secretary that the remainder 
of the legacy of Smithson, amounting to about $26,000, has been received in 
coin, and deposited with the Treasurer of the United States. 

In conclusion, it may be stated that the whole amount of the Smithsonian 
fund, including the original legacy and the additions which have since been 
made to it, together with the balance in the hands of the treasurer, and the State 
stocks estimated at their present market value, amounts to about $690,000. 

The committee agree with the Secretary in opinion that, as far as possible, the 
active operations of the Institution should be continued, and the curtailments 
rendered necessary by the depreciation of the currency be made in expenditures 
for those objects which can most readily be postponed. For the year 1865 the 
same estimates are submitted as those for 1864, with such diminution as the 
Secretary may deem it advisable to make. 

The committee have carefully examined the accounts of the Institution and 
the books as posted by Mr. Randolph for the past year, and find them to be 
correct. 

Respectfully submitted. 

RICHARD WALLACH, Chairman. 

Fepruary, 1865. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit to the Board of Regents the 
following report of the receipts and expenditures of the Smithsonian Institution 
during the year 1865: 


RECEIPTS. 


The whole amount of Smithson’s bequest deposited in the treasury 
of the United States is $515,169, from which an annual income 
Emmempericentsadenived, Of . .i2)...1's saben sy ae eu oe wees $30,910 14 
The extra fund of unexpended income is invested as follows: 
- $75,000 in Indiana 5 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1865 ........ 3, 750 00 
$53,500 in Virginia 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1865........  .......--- 
$12,000 in Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1865. .-... -......... 
$500 in Georgia 6 per cent. bonds, yieiding in 1865........... 
$100 in Washington 6 per cent. bonds, yielding in 1865 $6, (but 
not collected.) 
Premium for sale of coin received as interest from the United 


eS EAE ET i, 2 sis, «abd 2, a(t ea egets spe 20, 333 79 
Interest on temporary deposits with the United States Treasurer. 478 36 
oralereceipisidaring 1865)... (2... ssc closes seeccce ees 55,472 29 
Balance in hands of the treasurer January, 1865......- 29, 484 08 
84,956 37 
EXPENDITURES. 
MeranUlcins and fUrMiture . << <<... sien seis ool cice $39, 121 77 
Berea CRCTAN CXPCHSES .2'c\s\0s)s0)s ss swe site des eee 14,149 82 
For publications and researches ........-.----- 9,528 03 
For library, museum, and gallery of art....-. .. 8,438 12 
wae 71, 237 74 
Balance in the hands of the treasurer January, 1866..--. 13,718 63 


STATEMENT IN DETAIL OF THE EXPENDITURES DURING 1865. 


Building: 
Reconstruction and incidentals ..........-.-..- $37,930 71 
SOGTHILHTS ANG TIXCULCS . ... - 2 onan ee ce cece mass 1,191" 06 
—- $39, 121 77 
General expenses : 
Meetings of the board, (hack-hire, &c.)........- 123 64 
mentine and heatine +o. .26 <2 2's 2 eee acc wonece 1,207 95 
BIRO oe se hie cece e eo a= wien lowes 568 61 
Transportation, general, (freights)..........---- 1, 084 13 
Exchanges, (books sent and received to institu- 
tions, expenses of agents, &c.) .-....--++--0- 1, 453 63 


5993 


534 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Stationery’. -icdissicih!./e ste LO ee 539 01 
General printing, (circulars, labels, &c.) -.-...-. 270 00 
Aipparatis << saeco ee eee ee 2 50 
Laboratory, (chemicals, fixtures, glass, &c)..-..- 135 26 
Incidentals, general, (hardware, tools, materials for 

cleaning, packing twine, general repairs, &c.).- . 1,683 89 
Extra clerk-hire, (copying) ie eaeeee saws eee 273 20 
Salaries, (Secretary, chief clerk, book-keeper, mes- 

senger, watchmen, and laborers)............. 6,808 00 


Publications : 


Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge ....... 5,651 18 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections........... 2,113 84 
SMMitheonianmeportsie) =) seats sc. eee See 728 00 
Other publicationsysasec hal eeieoet: eee 207 51 
Meteonola cay ::/sapetisit nails eteiceteis i ee Ra 827 50 
Library and museum : 

COstiOl DOOKS isc nj se ofl S LR ee 611 86 
Assistants.in library... [22 Rel eae 1, 300 00 
Transportation for library, (freights) ..........- 100 00 
Museum, salary of assistant secretary, and assist- 

Patswdn.mMuseniney 2's. 6 22 h:..2 eA ee ae 4,774 14 
Incidentals for museum, (alcohol, mounting speci- 

mens; Gce:)'.. Lee Nels Gen etek eRe Re eh ee 954 12 
Transportation for museum, (freights).........-. 500 00 
Gallery of art, (engravings, frames, &c.) .... -... 198 00 


14,149 82 


9,528 03 


8, 438 12 


71, 237 74 


The foregoing statement shows the expenditure during the year, and the bal- 
ance in the hands of the treasurer. The receipts, however, did not actually 
come into the hands of the treasurer in full from the government until the 11th 


of January, 1866, although credited for 1865. 


In accordance with the decision of the Solicitor of the Treasury, the interest 
on the Smithsonian fund, due 1st of January and 1st of July, 1865, and the 1st 
of January, 1866, was paid by the Secretary of the Treasury in coin, which, 


being sold at the current prices, yielded the following sums, viz: 
1865. 


April 28. Sale of $15,455 07, at 483, yielded ..... $7,534 34 
Less brokerage and United States tax... 61 64 
Aug. 8. Sale of $15,455 07, at 434, yielded ....- 6, 722 96 
Less brokerage and United States tax... 60 82 

1866. 
Jan. 31. Sale of $15,455 07, at 404, yielded -.-.-. 6, 259 30 
Less brokerage and United States tax. .. 60 35 


$7,472 70 


6,662 14 


6,198 95 


20, 333 79 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 535 


This sum is placed among the receipts for the past year, which, togethet with 
the balance in the hands of the treasurer at the end of the previous year, made 
the total available funds $84,956 37 for the year 1865. 

The incidental expenses and the cost of the care of the museum are nearly 
the same as in 1864, but in the previous year $4,000 were received from Con- 
gress to defray the expenses, in part, of the care of the government collections 
of the exploring expeditions, while, owing to the failure of the appropriation bill, 
but $2,000 were received for this purpose during 1865. 

The great expenditure, therefore, of the year has been on account of the 
building, the particulars of which will be given in the report of the building 
committee. 

The appropriation received for the preservation of the collections of the 
exploring expedition of the United States, has been expended, as heretofore, 
under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in assisting to pay the 
expenses of extra employés in the museum, and the cost of arranging and pre- 
serving the articles. The specimens intrusted to the care of the Institution by 
government are in a good condition, and the distribution of duplicates to other 
museums has been continued during the year. 

From the examination made by the committee it appears that, notwithstand- 
ing the loss and inconvenience in consequence of the fire, the operations of the 
establishment have been continued with unabated energy, and that especially 
the foreign correspondence and exchanges have been increased rather than 
diminished during the past year. 

It appears from the statement of the Secretary, and the accounts rendered by 
Riggs & Co., bankers of the Institution, that the remainder of the legacy of 
Smithson, which amounted to $26,210 63 in gold, was sold at a premium from 
105 to 1074 per cent., yielding, after deducting the cost of sale and United 
States tax, $54,165 38. This amount was expended in the purchase of United 
States bonds bearing 7,4; per cent. interest at par. The following is a detailed 
statement of the whole transaction : 


1864. 
June 11. The amount received from Fladgate, Clarke & Finch, 
attorneys, London, as the residuary legacy of James &£ sd. 
PRET ELFU AGT NEW IES a) o.ai'= aceletetevaie 6 soir e Siapalevausickn to. ees ob, 262" Ons 


This amount was deposited with George Peabody & Co., 
bankers, London, who allowed interest on it to the 5th 
ign ancl Ooit ak Ae 2 ure wejala re niaaneeinciccikleeeisis 153 19 4 


5,415 19 7 


This amount was equivalent to $26,210 63 in gold, which was sold by Riggs 
& Co., under the direction of the Secretary of the Institution, as follows: 


PINMONGEODDN At 2074. .<..+-.-.--02e0+e2ee++ $20, 725 00 
PGOMODL at 206%... cee once ee wees 31,031 25 
PAOOOVOO ati2O" <-.- 2.65 cc cce serene ccm en 2,070 00 
BUONO OMA COD: 2's one san cs corese nae na = 431 79 
26, 210 63 54, 258 04 
Less brokerage, $-..---- $65 53 
Less United States tax, x 27 13 
—_- 92 66 


Net amount realized from sale of gold...--..--- $54, 165 38 


0936 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


1865. 
February 17. United States bonds bearing 7,3; per cent. interest 
were purchased’at pur tore: 902). 25. 2 ge 54, 150 00 


Balance, which could not be invested on account*of 
there being no bonds for less than $50........ 15 38 


After the Secretary had purchased these bonds and deposited them for safe- 
keeping with the Treasurer of the United States, it was claiined by the Secretary 
of the Treasury that this money was not under the control of the Regents of the 
Justitution, inasmuch as the original act of Congress of 1846, establishing the 
Institution, referred to only so much of the bequest of Smithson as was then in 
the treasury of the United States, and that a special act of Congress would be 
required to apply this money, or the interest on it, to the uses of the Institution. 
The Executive Committee would therefore recommend that an application be 
made to Congress for such a disposition of this money. 

It is impossible to make at this time an exact estimate of expenditures for the 
year 1866. The committee would therefore recommend that $34,660, the reg- 
ular income of the Institution, be devoted to the maintenance and current ex- 
penses of the operations of the establishment, and that the $13,724 63, balance 
in the hands of the treasurer on the 1st January, 1866, together with the pre- 
miums which may be received fur the sale of coin, be applied to the reconstruc- 
tion of the building. 

The committee have carefully examined the accounts of the treasurer, and the 
books as posted by Mr. Randolph for the past year, and find them to be correct. 

Tn conclusion, it appears that the entire bequest of Smithson remains undi- 
tainished in the treasury of the United States, and that all the expenditures, 
from the organization of the establishment to the present time, have been made 
exclusively from the interest of the original sum, and from the income on ac- 
crued interest invested in State stocks. 

Respectfully submitted. 

RICHARD WALLACH. 
RICHARD DELAFIELD, 


Executive Committec. 
WASHINGTON, March, 1866 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The executive committee respectfully submit the following report in relation 
io the funds of the Institution, the receipts and expenditures for the year 1866, 
with estimates for the year 1867. 


Statement of the fund. 
‘The original amount received as the bequest of James Smithson deposited in the 
treasury of the United States as a trust fund, by act of Congress, approved 


August 10, 1846, section. 2.. Sone eet en ae telat aes $515, 169 00 
he residuary legacy of Tanee Ginitieon, Piceived in 1865, 
invested in United States 7.30 bonds...................-5- 26, 210 63 


Extra fund, derived from saving of interest, &c., invested in stock, 
viz: 


Seca Stareri/sOsbOnds 20.) Ree Peas welch, saa wba 27,939 37 
Par value Cost. Preent See 
Indiana 5 p. cent. $75,000 $63,000 00 $69,750 ...... 
Virginia 6 p. cent. 53,500 49,83250 31,565 $17,655 
Tennessee 6 p.cent. 15,000 11,167 50 GPS009F vs caste 
- Georgia 6 p. cent. 500 500 00 500 165 
Washington 6 p.cent. 100 100 00 LOO C2) ae ease 
PAST 1LOO! £24, G00 00) AE 1 Oe rate 111, 215 00 
Total productive and unproductive capital............. $680, 534 00 
Receipts and expenditures during the year 1866. 
RECEIPTs. 
Balance in hands of the Treasurer, January, 1866............. $13, 718 63 
Irterest on the original bequest of Smithson, viz., 6 per cent. on 
Seu DMMP oo S So oe on ye’ alsin aie so Sse sey miele ig SS wees 30,910 14 
Interest on Indiana stock, viz., 5 per cent. on $75, 000......... 3,750 00 
Interest on Tennessee stock, viz., 6 per cent. on $15,000....... 900 00 
Perm for SAleiOL COIN, CCC. ku scis ses <5 0:)) wees dep ie wine si 40,691 26 
Interest on temporary deposit with United Sates Treasurer..... 380 S82 
Proceeds of gale of $600, coupons, for interest due on Tennessee 
RON ee cagel ie aycin'e. sisie = 4 9/0 oi air, ssa, ova) tani safin Guat 402 00 
Total funds available for the year 1866.............. - 90,752 85 
EXPENDITURES. 
Bor building and furniture. .........-.+.:sc0ee- $36, 428 66 
Peeecnerabexpenses. ioc). .0 052. 1. eee 11,577 24 
“« publications and researches........--+...--- 13,109 95 
“ library, museum, and literary exchanges ..... 6,745 77 
— 67, 861 62 
Balance in hands of the Treasurer, January, 1867...... $22, 891 23 


037 


538 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Statement in detail of the expenditures during the year 1866. 


BUILDING. 
Reconstruction of parts injured or destroyed by fire, $33, 29f 81 
Repairs and incidentals to old parts.............. 2,181 54 
Furniture, and: fixtures) 953 ease. miciescininieiia oie sie 955 31 
—— $36, 428 66 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Meetings of the board: travelling expenses and hack 


IM? ho cay eran ere ee ai ee te ccc no ele che cil eee 127 00 
Hishiimeiand heatanece sc cc's)... = «= ss dineieeteeatee 1,555 54 
OSC ee ree rete ate ria a) =: lof ana fe hte ae 452 84 
SS CeO Tagg eens ite olga eke aei'a)2) 4 a)= ate eee eee 485 14 


Incidentals: hardware, tools, materials for cleaning, &e. 1,213 12 
Salaries: Secretary, chief clerk, bookkeeper, clerks, 


janitor, messenger, and laborers............--.- 7,743 60 
— 11,577 24 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, ETC. 
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.......... 3, 1 1Gnk¢ 
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections............ 5,702) G7, 
Smithsonian Annual Reporter. 20. smaysee meet ase lott oo 
General printing. ui. 0...) siecle eee 243 27 
IMICHEQROLORY).< a)sy2 = ia ajo ilu ae eterna eine eee olat el 1,017 90 
Apparatus for experiments and researches......-.... 496 85 
Daborsfory, chemicals, dce.. <2) 2s 93 es Selatan = tie 122 98 
Exploration «2.1.2.2 esinjsre cocker ae ee eee 372 31 
13,109 95 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC EXCHANGE. 
Oost of hooke: .o.22.62 2245-554 ogee ame seuetaee 873 24 
Assistants in library, (January to July)........... 600 00 
Literary and scientific exchanges.... ...... ---.-- 2,009 33 
Assistants in museum, and incidentals for collections, 1,568 04 
Freights on specimens, books, &c., for museum and 
MDrany sis «ooo ssn nat oe ee eee Rete eee 1,695 16 
— 6,745 77 
Total expenditures during the year 1866..........--------+- $67, 861 62 


— 
—— 


The foregoing statement is an actual exhibit of the Smithsonian funds, irre- 
spective of credits and payments which have been made in behalf of other 
parties. For example, the Institution during the past year has paid several bills 
for work done on account of the government, the amount of which has been re- 
funded and credited to the appropriations from which the expenditure was made. 

The Commissioner of Agriculture has continued to pay one-half of the salary 
of the meteorological clerk, who has been engaged during the year in preparing 


| 
\ 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 039 


the abstracts from the reports of the observers for the Monthly Bulletin of the 
Agricultural Department. 

The appropriation received for the preservation of the collections of the 
exploring expeditions of the United States has been expended as heretofore, 
under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in assisting to pay the 
expenses of employés in the museum, and the cost of arranging and preserving 
the articles. ‘This appropriation is $4,000 annually, but during the last year an 
additional sum ot $2,000 was received, due for the year 1865, which had not 
been paid on account of the failure of the appropriation bill to pass Congress at 
the usual time. 

The specimens intrusted to the care of the Institution are in a good condition, 
although on account of the unfinished state of the building much care and labor 
have been required to preserve them from the effects of dampness. 

The committee have examined three hundred and cighty-two vouchers, em- 
bracing several thousand items, for payments during the year, amounting col- 
lectively to $75,211 35. All these vouchers are for moneys actually expended, 
and for legitimate purposes of the Institution, and are in the form which has 
heretofore been in use. The committee, however, would advise that in future 
the following rules, similar to those in use by government, be adopted: 

1. Vouchers to be made out on blanks furnished by the Institution. 

2. All receipts for money paid to be signed by a principal, and not by an 
agent unless legally authorized. 

3. Each voucher to be complete in itself; no payments to be made on a run- 
ning account. 

During the year the State of Tennessee made arrangements to issue six per 
cent. coupon bonds to pay off the arrearage of interest which had accumulated 
during the war. The claims for interest to be converted into these new bonds 
were limited to amounts of not less than $1,000. As the interest due the Institu- 
tion was $3,600, Mr. Riggs was instructed to sell the odd $600 worth of coupons 
and convert the remaining $3,000 into stock. The sale of these coupons yielded 
$402, which sum has been credited in the receipts of the Institution for the 
year, and three bonds of one thousand dollars each, added to the permanent in- 
vestment. 

It is impossible, until it is known what further action the board wil take in 
regard to the disposition of the stocks, to give a definite estimate of the receipts 
and expenditures during the present year. The following, however, may be 
considered as an approximation sufficiently exact for the general appropriations 
for the operations of the Institution, and the continuance of the work upon the 
building: 

Estimates for the year 1867. 


RECEIPTS. 
Balance in hand January, 1867... ......-.- ee alo eaciareesc $22, 891 23 
Interest on original bequest. .......---.-------ee eee eee eee 30,910 14 
Probable premium on coin.....-----------++-+---225--20+- 10,000 00 


Interest on $54,150 in United States 7.30 bonds, unpaid coupons 
from February 15, 1865, to February 15, 1867..-.-.-..-------- 7,905 90 


540 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Coupons due on same’ August 157 18672 2-tess Stee see sece $1,976 47 
Interest,on Indiana’ \per cent.stock ee. .-5- 2-220 -e eee 3,750 00 
Interest on ‘Tennessee G percent. plock-- +--+ +. 2 ees eee ~ 900 00 
Interest on Washington 6 per cent. stock for 1863~’4—’5-’6 and —’7 30 0C 

Total-availabledneome. sepee ds diiei- axioms acing See ees 78, 363 74 


It is proposed to apply this as follows. 
1. For the operations and support of the Institution, viz: Publica- 
tions, researches, literary and scientific exchanges, museum, sala- 


TIGR, ANGe ener Al yEXMEUEES = 2/2 6b) + ore << ee cemiemeiscian ae eee $40, 000 00 
2. For the reconstruction of the building..............-..---. 38, 363 74 
(8,305 U4 


The income of $78,363 74 above stated does not include any interest on the 
Virginia and Georgia stocks. Their value at the present time is about $32,000, 
being the amount of the unproductive funds of the Institution. 

The Indiana stock yields but five per cent. on the par value. It can now be 
sold and lent to the United States at six per cent., which will increase the an- 
nual income from this source at least $300. 

The Georgia and Washington stocks can now be sold at par, and the proceeds 
lent to the United States will increase the annual income from this source at 
least $30. 

The Tennessee stock at present is worth about 62 per cent. on its par value. 
It pays 6 per cent. on the par value, and about 9.6 per cent. on the market 
value. 

The Virginia stock is worth at the present time about 59 per cent. on the 
par value, and pays no interest. A large amount of the debt of this State is 
secured by stocks in the railroads and other internal improvements amounting 
to many millions, and it is therefore considered most advantageous to retain this 
stock until it commands a more favorable price. 

The committee, in conclusion, have the satisfaction of reporting to the regents 
the fact that the entire bequest of Smithson remains undiminished in the trea- 
fury of the United States; that all the expenditures from the organization of 
the establishment to the present time, including nearly $400,000 on the build- 
ing, have been made exclusively from the income derived from the bequest, 
while at the same time the efficiency of the Institution has been increased by an 
‘extra fund of upwards of $100,000. 

RICHARD DELAFIELD, 
RICHARD WALLACH, 


Executive Committee. 


NoTe.—Since the presentation and adoption of this report, by authority of the Board, the 
United States 7.30’s, the Indiana, Georgia, and Tennessee stocks have been sold, and the 
proceeds added to the permanent capital, increasing it from $515,169 to $65u, 000. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 


The Executive Committee respectfully submit the following report in relation 
to the funds of the Institution, the receipts and expenditures for the year 1867, 
and the estimates for the year 1868: 


STATEMENT OF THE FUND. 


The original amount received a3 the bequest of James Smithson, 

of England, deposited in the treasury of the United States, in 

accordance with the act of Congress of August 10, 1846...... $515, 169 00 
The residuary legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, deposited in 

the treasury of the United States in accordance with the act of 


Boner, Of Webruary 8, 186722 cL soe yon c oo a ete 26, 210 63 
PioualmeqmestOfy Smithson... 2pyo. cp ayn's =e c16 sir, ue mieuntoy erat = 541, 379 63 


Amount deposited in the treasury of the United States, as author- 
ized by the act of Congress of February 8, 1867, and directed 
by the Board of Regents, derived from part of savings of income 
and increase of value of WMWESUMEMES: say. <5 ¢ =< ios mote Re 108, 620 37 


Total permanent Smithson fund in the treasury of the United 
PPI e eee 2c SS Rasher aieis cc's a «os oo ba ste eae Sa $650, 000 00 


In addition to the above there remains of the extra 
fund derived from savings of income, &c., Virginia 


emeroipercent. bonds for......-........-..+-- $58, 500 00 
Also, additional Virginia bonds issued for unpaid in- 
Peat tomattaty | TSG) 2... le oe ce eee ce 19, 260 00 
Re CEE Aah Savard Scio ba cieaiasc's ta pecs Beas © se $72,760 00 


Present value, about $30,000. 
Receipts and expenditures for 1867. 
RECEIPTS. 


Interest on the original bequest of Smithson, viz: 

6 per cent. on $515, Ie eyes co: cpaista cre 2 eiale = cpm ea $30,910 14 
Interest on the amount added to the original prin- 

cipal in the United States treasury, ‘authorized 

by act of Congress February 8, 1867, viz: Feb- 

ruary 19, 1867, $34,831 ; February 27, $30,544; 


April 1, ‘$68, V1 eR i i 6, 420 68 
Interest on United States 7-30 bonds, from February 
15, 1865, to February 19, 1867, on $54,150...-. 7,907 00 


Interest on Virginia bonds, via: 4 per cent. on 

$53,500, to December 31, 1867, (less brokerage). 2, 033 00 
Interest on Washington city bond, viz: 6 per cent. 

on $100 to July 1, 1867, (43 years).....-.---- 27 00 


541 


542 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Sales of bonds and stocks, viz: 


$54,150 United States 7-30s..... $57,468 00 
15,000’ Tennessee Gs. 2 5-2 eee 9,586 78 
70,000 Indiang532)-452 soeeres 68,906 25 
500: Georgia 'Gs- 27 22ee ee. 358 71 
100 Washington 6s .......... 100 00 
an) 136-409, 7 
Bale tof, coin amterest sn 63 eel Bis, eran: binjap anit hea 14,255 41 
Sale of publications and old and useless material . . 527 74 
Total receipisan 1867252 p ooh tn. oe tee cei s oes $198,500 72 
Balance on hand; January, 1867...... ..----ckeeracce cece 22,891 23 
Total amount available in 1867...........2.cec-ecesee 221,391 94 
EXPENDITURES. 


Amount added to the original bequest of Smithson, 
in the treasury of the United States, authorized 
by the act of Congress of February 8, 1867, and 
directed by the Regents, to increase the princi- 
pal to $650,000, viz: residuary legacy of Smith- 


ROU Ec iayon o & Siig wie'e is Ok weiss unico $26,210 63 
Additional deposits........... 108,620 37 
——_——_ $134,831 00 
Expenses for the year 1867— 
Building and furniture............ 38, 650 74 
General expenses.....25..'cteocen « 12,488 84 
Publications and researches.....-.-. 10,030 25 
Library, museum, and exchanges.... 13,905 55 
Total expenses), -dudidjele os ane tee eRe 75,075 38 
Total expenditure and investment during 1867.....-....-- $209,906 38 
Balance on hand January, 1868................--.-.-- 11,485 56. 


Statement in detail of expenditures for current operations of the year 1867. 


BUILDING. 
Reconstruction of parts injured by fire........-..- $35,102 35 
Repairs to old. partes... 2 See eee See ees 2,137 91 
Burniture and fix tutes: 2's. sla ee a cw enn ee 1,410 48 
———— $38,650 74 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
Mectings ofthe Board. .<.. .-.cees sce eee aa 256 50 
Toronprn es ee. eyes oes So oc Sa ee 204 55 
SG ar SENT ois aie) waren Sedo ose nln. « = SRL ees 808 65 
POSUERE a Uk he ae aa 50 ca ne Sa dace 714 45 
Statiomeny nse se ci les 3a ee a ea eee $892 79 
Generali printing S22 oo heck. 2.5 eee eee 194 06 


Incidentals, viz: hardware, tools, materials for clean- 
TT OCC aye alee ee ote tate fa caters tn ee ee ea 241 19 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 543 


Payment for loss of tools by the fire, authorized by 


resolution of the Board, February 1, 1867....... $500 00 
' Salaries secretary, clerks, and laborers..........-. 8,676 65 
en 8) Oe 


PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCHES. 


Smithsonian contributions, (quarto)............... $4,621 76 
Smithsonian miscellaneous collections, (octavo). ..-. 2,045 20 
Smithsonian report, illustrations, stereotyping, &c.. - 920 18 
Spree lamyemntr css. Jans 3 = as oeie = eis we 1,044 39 
Rs ie = ire Se ee ie 457 82 
BEMMGV Ree ie reie 2 ='-\-'-'='on toh ca aaa as nss tase 17 41 
RMRICE IONS lartcici ves s 4) < o's o) sieleicias tents aia'-ee aie os 923 49 
pe ee oNBO 25 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND LITERARY EXCHANGES. 
Purchase of books and binding..............-... $719 10 
Literary and scientific exchanges...............- 3,507 87 
Seeistaute ane mUSeOM. .... 2. ses Soee ates se 5,890 39 
Incidentals for museum, alcohol, benzine, &c..-...- 1,715 81 
ee see ae ole oleae eile aa 2,072 38 
13.905. 5 
PoiVexNenGUimre im! 1867 = ..ieiicecs wes ce ces ce ees scenes. 75,075 38 


The Board of Regents having directed the sale of the United States 7.30 
bonds, as also the Indiana, Georgia, and Washington bonds, the proceeds to be 
applied to the increase of the permanent capital, this was accordingly done 
through the agency of the bankers of the Institution. The act of Congress of 
February 8, 1867, passed in accordance with the memorial of the Board of 
Regents, (see report for 1866, page 74,) authorized the Institution to deposit 
with the Secretary of the Treasury, on the same terms as the original bequest, 
the residuary legacy of Smithson, together with other sums not exceeding, with 
the original, $1,000,000. From part of the ‘proceeds of the sale of the United 
States and State stocks referred to, the sum of $108,620 37, with the residuary 
legacy, $26,210 63, making $134,831, was deposited in the treasury of the 
United States; thus making the total amount of the Smithson fund perpetually 
in the United States treasury, bearing 6 per cent. interest, payable semi-annu- 
ally, $650,000. 

T'he Commissioner of Agriculture continues to pay one-half of the salary of 
the clerk employed to take charge of the meteorological statistics. 

The appropriation annually made by Congress “for the care and preservation 
of the collections of the exploring and surveying expeditions of the govern- 
ment” has been expended, as heretofore, under the direction of the Secretary of 
the Interior, and as the amount was increased for the year ending July 1, 1868, 
from $4,000 to $10,000, a part of this has been applied to the preservation of 
that part of the building devoted to the collections, and other purposes. / 

The State of Virginia has paid four per cent. interest on its stock, reserving 
two per cent. in Richmond, to be paid whenever the conflicting claims between 
the old State and the new State of West Virginia should be settled. All the 
interest due on the stock of the State up to the 1st of January, 1867, amount- 
ing to $19,260, has been funded by the issue of new bonds bearing six per cent. 
interest, none of which has, however, yet been paid. The total amount of Vir- 


544 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


ginia stock now held by the Institution is $72,760, which it is considered advis- 
able to retain for the present. 

The current income of the Institution is now deposited in the First National 
Bank of Washington, the payment of bills being by checks drawn by the Sec- 
retary, in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the Board at its last 
annual session. 

The following may be considered an approximate estimate for the year 1868. 


ESTIMATED RECEIPTS. 


Interest on the Smithson fund in the treasury of the United States, 
viz: six per cent. on $650,000, payable July 1, 1868, and 


Joi MIISGOM eke... et ee $39,000 00 
Probable premium on coin, say at 33 per cent...-............. 13,000 00 
Interest on Virginia bonds, viz.: 4 per cent. on $53,500.......- 2,140 00 

Balance on hand January 17, 1868 ..................- 11,485 56 


65,625 56 


APPROPRIATIONS. 
For current operations of the Institution..............-.----- $34,000 00 
For building, (including outstanding debts,)........-.---.---- 20,000 00 
Estimated balance January 1, 1669. ee ea ee 11,625 56 


65,625 56 


In coaclusion, the committee have the satisfaction of again calling attention 
to the fact that all the expenditures from the organization of the establishment 
to the present time, including $450,000 on the building, the publication and 
distribution of 200,000 quarto and octavo volumes; the collection of a library 
of 60,000 works ; a museum containing 1,000,000 specimens; and the distribu- 
tion to other institutions of 250,000 specimens, have been made exclusively 
from the income and its investments, and that the bequest has been increased 
by an addition this year of $108,620 37, making the total capital invested in 
United States and other securities $722,760. 

Attention is called to the expense of the National Museum, consisting of the 
collections of various government exploring expeditions. In addition to the 
appropriation by Congress for this object, from the income of the Institution 
the sum of $7,606 20 has been expended during 1867. 

‘The committee have examined 680 vouchers, embracing several thousand 
items, for payments during the year for legitimate purposes of the Institution, 
and find them correct and conformed to the rules adopted by the Regents on 
the 22d of February, 1867. 

RICHARD DELAFIELD. 
RICHARD WALLACH. 

: PETER PARKER. 
WasuHiInGtTon, April 14, 1868. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 


WASHINGTON, January 14, 1869. 
The Executive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution respectfully submits 
the following statements in relation to its invested capital, the receipts and 
expenditures during the year 1868, and an estimate of receipts and proposed 
appropriations for 1869 : 


CAPITAL INVESTED. 


The Smithson fund in the Treasury of the United States on the 
lst of January, 1869, remains as stated in the last annual 


report. .... sett ee eee eee eee eee eee eee eee eee $650,000 00 
And in Virginia State 6 per cent. bonds......-...--.- $53, 500 
With coupon bonds issued for unpaid interest to Jan- 
uary, 1867.....-.-..- sec e ee ee eee eens eee eee 19, 260 
72, 760 
The value of which at the present time may be estimated at 55 per 
BEM AGMENOMPATIVALUG. <5 65 2 cece cone se odeieenw Mae Hee cles 40,018 00 
oeibinvesiedcapital.........-20c2+-selss-.ete eck. 690, 018 00 


RECEIPTS IN 1868. 
Interest from the Treasurer of the United States on $650, 000 


at 6 per cent. for the year ending 31st December .... .. .... $39, 000 00 
Per minnnen Sale otePOld . -.:..5.-- sani seen nnn cee ees ns 14, 527 50 
Interest on Virginia 6s, old bonds, 2 per cent. on $53,500 for the 

iit Hx monthsiof 1868, less brokerage...............--<- 1, 067 33 
PEPE PSICS OL OMONCAUONS!: ........, 22:4 sits sor oie oo Sie e le cteee 385 52 
rom) sales of old and useless material.........-...--.-.---- 188 88 
Repayment of expenses of explorations froni parties co-operating 

PPMMER CN UGEILUTIOM rats cioca wiser acs 6 cid a seh arele wmaecs cue ot 698 54 
Repayment for freights incurred on account of parties sending 

Bevus ro ioupiem Wipranies.--.-- -...2--+-s2-cen em = - ew ee 100 00 
Wash balance in bank, January, 1868..........0.-0...2000 050% 11, 485 56 


Pamaoriiiienwen Oler fOr, LEGS, <<, 2.2.0.0 =: 2:0) sia ase ion ates yee eine 67, 453 33 


In addition to this amount the Institution received from, and accounted for, to the 
Department of the Interior, the sum of $5,116 31, appropriated by Congress for 
the preservation and care of the property in the museum collected by govern- 
ment exploring expeditions. Of this sum $4,000 was the appropriation for the 
year 1868~69, and $1,116 31 the balance of the previous year’s appropriation. 

The State of Virginia paid during the year 2 per cent. on its old bonded 
debt for the first six months, leaving 1 per cent. still due for that period, 
claimed to be payable by Western Virginia, as a just proportion of the original 
State debt. On its new bonds, issued for coupon interest past due, nothing has 
been paid. ‘The State proposes to sell its interest in certain canals, rail and 
other roads, to liquidate this and other indebtedness, and favorable results may 
for the future be anticipated from this investment. 


a5 545 


546 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Statement in detail of expenditures during the year 1868 
BUILDING. 


For the reconstruction of parts of the building 
destroyed by fire, completed in 1867 and paid in 


a ae Oe $18, 457 20 
Repairs of other parts of the building.........- 2,746 49 
Furniture and fixtures to meet the general wants of 
the Institution cam eciaeeemiyers ss oc 22's a mare 2,982 38 
Amount expended on the building -........ $24, 186 07 
GENERAL EXPENSES. 
For meetings of the Board of Regents....-...-... $303 37 
Lighting the building, offices, &c.-..-.-------..-- 276 35 
Warming the building, offices, &c.--.---..-------- 1, 086 50 
I Gc Oe ere ee eat alata ee lee 456 89 
PEL UIOM ORY ya eisyeehe jatieie anim. c= nie aie ota Sse eee ve aloes atte 345 92 
Printing labels, blanks, circulars, &--.. .--.---- a) CLBOEST 
Tools, materials for cleaning, binding records, &c., &e. 614 70 
Salaries of secretary, chief clerk, and assistants, labor- 
ets, and contingent labor a2 hs set senna 9,552 80 
Interest on temporary over-draft .......-.......... 72 00 


12, 898 34 
PUBLICATIONS, RESEARCHES, &c. 


Publishing transactions, researches, &c., for Smithso- 


nian Contributions, quarto << crea ariae eee $4, 633 09 
Miscellaneous collections, octavo...............--- 1,177 45 
Smithsonian reports, illustrations, stereotyping, &c., 

OG EANIO sn '5 12 jot jalaneitarsl whut a ator Aarar tl choi Sie ae cheyetene nate 1,050 75 
Meteorology, computations, &c..........-.------- 1,011 47 | 
PAPO AT AGES. oir) ol ata ye tele att holt Are ete neta 99 70 
Explorations, natural history, and archeology -.....- 1,682 57 

— 9,655 03 
LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND EXCHANGES. 
For purchase of books and binding..............- $775 42 
Literary and scientific exchanges ..........----.-- 2,801 84 | 
Assistants in museum, janitor, watchmen, laborers, and 

for labelling and arranging shells and ethnological 

SPECIMENS... 2 tts. oe ce eee kee Byoeo ute 
Incidentals for museum—alcohol, bottles, &c......- 1,488 29 
Freight on books, specimens, and other property | 

received and sent away..... Sp euale aye lover reer 2,068 88 | 

———-._ 10,361 15 | 
ri 
Expenditures during the year............-..- 57,100 59 | 


Deducting this amount from the receipts of the year 
and cash in bank on 1st January, 1868, as pre- 
WAOUS Ve SEAGC Uni afle alo le are 'e avn n'a ow eee aee ee eee $67, 453 33 


Leaves a balance in bank January, 1869, of ........ $10, 352 74 


— 


mEPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 547 


EXAMINATION OF AGCOUNTS. 


The committee has examined 576 reccipted vouchers for payments made dur- 
ng the four quarters of the year 1868. Evidence of the receipt of materials 
and property, and of services rendered, and payment to the claimants or legal 
representatives, was found for the whole amount expended during the year. An 
examination of the quarterly accounts current, bank-book, check-book, and 
ledger showed that the payments were made as required by the regulations pre- 
scribed by the regents; and the cash balances stated in the accounts current were 
in the authorized depository after the payment of all the quarterly accounts 
' charged in the abstracts of expenditures. 

In the receipts for the year 1868, the sum of $5,116 31 is noted as hav- 
ing been received through the Department of the Interior, appropriated by Con- 
gress for the preservation and charge of its property in the museum collected by 
government exploring expeditions. 'The expenditure of this sum was made and 
accounted for in strict conformity with the financial regulations prescribed by 
the regents. 


ESTIMATED RECEIPTS FOR 1869. 


Interest on the Smithsonian fund in the treasury of the United 
States $650,000, payable 1st July, 1869, and 1st January, 


med Omeino percent, in gold... '/s tes. aes ol ae els ete $39, 000 00 
copable premium on sale of coins /-. 522.0522 222252222 12,000 00 
Mmrerest on Viroinia 6 per cent. stock 2.2.0.2... .225.0---- 1,067 00 
Sales of useless property and other incidental sources during the 

Oar. -- 2-2 ee ee ee ee eee eee eee 500 00 

eoramncomein, 1869. e05 ssc Jacdecsse tea. sees eon ee 53, 507 00 


APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1869. 


It is proposed to apply the income of the year as follows: 


MONET NOXPENSES. --.5..-s0'c 2 stews ccs $15, 000 00 
envliGaiions and: Tesearcbes..-.\. 2... <s-scises<¢ 15, 000 00 
Library, collections for museum, and exchanges.. 10,000 00 
Continuing the repairs of the building.......... 5,000 00 
45,000 00 

Leaving from the yearly income a balance of. 8, 567 00 


$53, 567 00 


It will thus be seen that the Institution has paid all its indebtedness ; provided 
all needful accommodation in the gradual reconstruction of parts of its building 
destroyed by fire; published large editions of annual contributions to science; 
accumulated a saving from its income of 1868 of $10,352 74, and an estimated 
saving of $8,567 from its income of 1869—making the sum of $18,919 74 as 
an available fund in January, 1870, to enable the Institution to conduct its opera- 
tions on a cash basis from the beginning of the year, and to continue and extend 
its investigations in the various branches of physical science; at the same time 
supplying apparatus for warming the various apartments in the building. 

RICHARD DELAFIELD, 
PETER PARKER, 
Executive Committee. 
WASHINGTON, January, 14, 1869. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


WASHINGTON, D. C., February 1, 1870. 


The Executive Committee of the Smithsonian Institution respectfully 
submits the following statement of the financial condition of Smithson’s 
trust fund, and the application of the income for the year ending 31st 
December, 1869, with estimates of receipts and proposed appropriations 
for 1870: 


The bequest of Smithson in the United States treasury is.. $541,379 63 
The Regents have added to this investment from savings, 


See ete meek ere Sushi ae Aci Sein oats Fae Nae aa a et 108, 620 37 
Making the Smithson fund in the U.S. Treasury, as a per- 
petual loan, at 6 per cent., on the 1st January, 1870.... 650, 000 00 
And in Virginia State 6 per cent. registered stock. $53, 500 
With unpaid interest to January, 1867.........- 19, 260 
$72, 760 
The value of which, at the present time, may be estimated 
BGR SICK COME: core = wieta ee eke taet ate ee tae 42, 200 80 
Potalanvested capital’ ci essh2se. = seas eee ae 692, 200 80 
And a cash balance in bank of ........ eats) Seale raise eee 20, 969 65 


Thus making Smithson’s Trust Fund, on the 1st January, 
ROI cee cae ear etae et es eee haere ee oe ee 713,170 45 


= 


RECEIPTS IN 1869. 


Interest from the Treasurer of the United States, on 
$650,000, at 6 per cent., for the year ending 31st Decem- 


er, LSOO aioe cic hes cee eeniar eae ees ave ae et ee eee $39, 000 00 
Premium on sale of gold, at 343 and 193 percent. premium. 10,515 20 
Sales of publications): 7.20) a: semesters i eres 235 58 
Sales of old and useless material .....................-. 232 07 
Repayment of expenses of explorations and collections. .. 32 15 
Repayment for freights on literary and scientific exchanges. 517 56 

‘Total income for the: year 1869); ) 2.) see eee 51, 232 56 
Cash balance in bank, January, 1869................---- 10, 352 74 


Amount. available in 1869... seecne eoeeee eset .- $61,585 30 


In addition to this sum, the Institution received from and accounted 
for to the Department of the Interior the sum of $4,000, appropriated 
by Congress for the preservation and care of the property in the mu- 
seum, collected by Government exploring expeditions. 


048 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


549 


Statement in detail of expenditures during the year 1869. 


BUILDING. 


For reconstruction of parts of building destroyed 
by fire 2... )).. Grete eee as hehe oa $1,764 70 
For general repairs of the building ........... 2,345 25 
For furniture and fixtures, cases, carpets, stoves, 
MES cs ee eo a US 2,520 95 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


For meetings of the Board of Regents........ $122 00 
Bor chime the building +...:.....-.66..6.25 239 13 
Hoe warming the building.....-.............. 1,389 77 
eeemnSearergee 2°). LI ee Ee a 289 50 
MEU AMIOMeT YA) S3 31.53... ue die oe idee ose 437 18 
For printing blanks, circulars, receipts, &c.... 322 25 
For tools, materials for cleaning and incidentals. 328 89 
For salaries of secretary, chief clerk, and assist- 

POEUN Tee alec iia es ess eos Me aoe cua as ssa Ole On 


PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCHES. 


For publishing Smithsonian contributions, 4to.. $1,987 18 
For publishing miscellaneous collections, 8vo.. 3, 037 50 


For publishing Smithsonian reports, 8vo...... 1,458 55 
For meteorology, salaries of clerks and comput- 

ers, rain gauges, and thermometers. ........ 1,581 10 
For apparatus for researches................- 146 80 


For explorations, natural history, and archezol- 
ogy in Mexico, Florida, Alaska, New Mexico, 
Hudson’s Bay, Alabama, and Nova Scotia. .. 611 54 


LIBRARY, MUSEUM, AND EXCHANGES. 


For purchase of books, periodicals, and binding. $436 04 
For literary and scientific exchanges, agencies 

at Leipsic, London, Paris, and Amsterdam.. 4,860 94 
For assistants in museum, janitor, watchmen, 


RR CUe Ine LS oe) wk sleek eh ORS 5, 307 50 
For incidentals to museum, freight, alcohol, tax- 
WRETENV RUE CAS ea chet 222 so kieiae t's (a ore So alenre whee 3,513 96 


For gallery of art: Portrait in oil of the late Dr. 
Robert Hare, who gave his collection of chem- 


ical and philosophical apparatus to the Insti- 
Rl EIT ee SE yet ca. Sete wei alae ateyaia ele 100 00 


Expenditures during the year 1869.................. 
Deducting this amount from the receipts of the 
year and cash in bank in January, 1869, viz: 

A ECMINUS PEN o = SKC 5/2 a%a,s o,s'e aihwieraee = Geis 29 $61, 585 30 


Leaves a balance in bank, January, 1870...........- 


$6, 630 90 


10, 943 64 


8, 822 67 


14,218 44 
40, 615 65 


$20,969 65 


550 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1870. 
feceipts. 


Interest on the Smithson Fund in the treasury of the 
United States, $650,000, payable 1st July, 1870, and 1st 


January, 187 i atGypernCentey SOM se. :24). lobe es seh $39, 000 06 
Probable premium on sale of coin, at 18 per cent ......-. 7,020 00 
Interest on Virginia 6 per cent. stock, 1869, 2 per cent... . 1, 454 00 
Interest on Virginia 6 per cent. stock, 1870, 2 per cent. ... 1, 454 00 
Sales, of juseless;properbiy, wewrc sss <i. 22. tno eee eee 500 00 

Income for theyeardSi0. 2... ss scige cle eene alee 49, 428 00 


APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE YEAR 1870. 


For general expenses. - -- . . 2:0.) ,secije nen ee ae $12,000 00 
For publications and researches .........-..- 15,000 00 
For museum and collections, not including the 
apropriation by Congress for care and pre- 
servation of the Wilkes and other explor- 


HUF OME NSTOC CLG ONS opens ele =) =< srt orate teehee teeta tale 6, 000 00 
For literary and scientific exchanges......-... 5, 000 00 
For building and contingencies.............-. 5, 000 00 


43, 000 0D 


— 
—o 


EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS. 


The committee examined 497 receipted vouchers for payments made 
during the four quarters of the year 1869. In every case the approval of 
the secretary of the Institution is given on the face of each voucher, 
and the certificate of an authorized agent of the Institution is appended 
to each voucher, setting forth that the materials and property and ser- 
vices rendered were for the Institution and applied to the purposes 
stated in the account. 

The quarterly accounts-current, bank book, check book, and ledger 
were also examined, and showed that the payments were made in con- 
formity with the regulations prescribed by the Regents, and that the 
cash balance stated in the accounts current for each quarter was in 
deposit to the credit of the Institution in the authorized depository, 
after all the quarterly accounts charged in the abstracts were paid. 

In conclusion, the committee finds that all the expenses of the Insti- 
tution have been paid in full to the end of the year, leaving a cash 
balance in bank on the 1st January, 1870, of $20,969 65. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, by— 

RICHARD DELAFIELD, 
PETER PARKER, 
JOHN MACLEAN, 

Executive Committee. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Executive Committee of the Board of Regents respectfully sub- 


mit the following statement as their report in relation to 


the funds of 


the Institution, the receipts and expenditures for the year 1870, and the 


estimates for the year 1871. 


Statement of the fund at the beginning of the year 1871. 


The amount originally received as the bequest of James 


Smithson, of England, deposited in the Treasury of the 
United States, in accordance with act of Congress of 


August 10, 1546 


ec er eee etme eee twee eee ee ec wes wee eet oe te ee 


The residuary legacy of Smithson received in 1865, depos- 


$515, 169 00 


ited in the Treasury of the United States, in accordance 


with the act of Congress of February 8, 1867..... 


Total bequest of Smithson 


Yes ere Ree eee wee eee wee we 


Amount deposited in: the Treasury of the Uae States, 


as authorized by act of Congress of February 8, 1867, 


26,210 63 


541,379 63 


derived from savings of income and increase in ate 


of investments 


eect etree sees e eee eee ee ee eee eee ee ees Pee eee 


108, 620 37 


Total permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 
United States, bearing interest at 6 per cent., payable 


ee 


semi-annually in gold 


650, 000 00 


In addition to the above there remains of the extra fund 
derived from savings, &c., in Virginia State registered 


6 per cent. bonds, at par altos $72,760, now valued at. 


Total investments. .... 
Balance on hand January, 1871, of uninvested funds 


Total of the Smithson fund, January, 1871 
Receipts for 1870. 


Interest for 1870 on $650, 000, at 6 per cent. in gold 
Premium on $39, 000 gold, at 113 and 103 per cent.. ..... 
Cash from a friend of science, in aid of publications 
BencweimmitulicatiOnS:..-----..-+- 2 se--+ sees se0 es ses : 
Bene OL USCIESS MALeTIAIS. 2... ... 25-225 see ese ae ees wee ane 
Repayment of expenses of explorations 
Repayment of freight and postage 


eee er een etree sie were 


eee ere ae eee eee we ee eee 


Total receipts for the year 
dol 


eee neee ee ewe es OH eee ese wee 


48, 000 00 


698, 000 00 
91,477 81 


719,477 81 


$39, 000 00 
4,363 12 
1,200 00 

360 52 
64 87 
G8 40 
32 47 


45,489 38 


552 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Expenditures for 1870. 


Building and farmiture). 12 be eeeebeceen - » $4, 843 13 
General expenses .\.0. cms pe eiseteieis rs ets de 14, 840 65 
Publications and researches........... seaiele: () DD Sioa ze 
Museum and exchanges .......... .......- 9,424 22 
Total expenditures for the year. ........-....--.-. 44,981 22 


QAR See cial yale Sie dala dis Suet eRe re eee 508 16 


Besides this balance of $508 16, there was a balance of 
$20, 969 65 in bank, at the beginning of 1870, which 
makes the total uninvested and available balance men- 
tioned in the general statement of.......-...-.....--. $21,477 81 


In addition to the receipts mentioned above, the Institution received 
from and accounted to the Interior Department for $5,024, being part 
of the $10, 000 appropriated by Congress for the preservation and care 
during the year ending June 30, 1871, of the specimens collected by 
various exploring expeditions. This sum is not included in the account 
of expenditures. 


Statement in detail of expenditures—1870. 


BUILDING. 
For reconstruction of parts of building........ $860 12 
For general repairs of building.............-. 3, 852 81 
For furniture and fixtures, cases, carpets, 
BLOWER Se oth 75) ph Seeisie Steet oles onetime 130 20 


$4, 843 13 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


For meetings of the Board of Regents ......-. $178 25 
Hordightine the building ..oe. v 2. eate an 355 42 
Hor warming the building 22.7. )o.f.c. 2. ste ae 1, 566 22 
MOR MOStAe .~ . ~~ 25 2-<is/<\)s/stmnacesia eee as 770 98 
HoristatONery 2 ~)--\.4 <4 eon pie tems 829 19 
Tor printing blanks, circulars, receipts, &c..-. 389 13 
For tools, materials for cleaning and _ inci- 

COMES ero re od wrais te 2 s'S.n'oso.0r ae eee at 473 16 
For salaries of Secretary, clerks, and assist- 

IGS Pee seie lela aa's min o(c sims | os e|*'e 0, o's seein iii 10, 273 30 


14, 840 65 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCHES. 


For publishing Smithsonian contributions, 4to. $6,986 57 
For publishing miscellaneous collections, 8vo.. 3, 065 37 
For publishing Smithsonian reports, 8vo...... 283 45 
For meteorology, salaries of clerk and compu- 

ters, and for thermometers and rain-gauges.. 3, 119 00 
For apparatus for researches................. 249 70 
For explorations, natural history, and arch- 

EINER Metts a /a'c sc o/cle Seige nine se ee = =< « 1,414 13 
REC ERIE TONS ooo. 5 «0's oc.0 s/c esi cieie & i= s.0%0 ojn12,- 755 00 


MUSEUM AND EXCHANGES. 


For literary and scientific exchanges, through 
agencies at Leipsic, London, Paris, Amster- 


SMBH MER Nera) = ot «2.5 2.x a 'o'n ois) ninnnje wonre weiss $4,165 62 
For museum, salary of assistant secretary and 

assistants in museum, and for incidentals in 

addition to the appropriation from Congress. 5,008 84 
For purchase of books, periodicals, &c....-..-. 249, 76 


Expenditures during 1870 


Estimated receipts for 1871. 


From interest on Smithson fund, in Treasury of the United 
States 
Probable premium on gold, 10 per cent. on the above 
$39,000 
Sale of books, &c¢ 


wee eee er ee eee eee wreser- esses eee reneeeeeeeee tee re eene 


weoce cee eet oe ee eee eee esses esesee- eee eeee 


SRP N A ce. cate i oe eat aan del css ames sae z 


Estimated appropriations for 1871. 


GE SeNneral EXPENSES... - ~~... . oe ences ccceeececs sceses 
For publications, researches, &c 
For exchanges 
For purchase of books and apparatus 
For museum, (additional to congressional appropriation) .. 
For steam heating-apparatus fund...........---.--.----- 


ee 


weoenewocacsacerecene eee eee®eeCesceeronecuanseasdee 


5o38 


$15, 873 22 


9,424 29 
44,981 22 


$39, 000 00 


43,900 00 


$10,000 00 
20, 000 00 
5, 000 00 
2,400 00 
1, 500 00 
5,000 00 


43,900 00 


Besides the above estimated receipts, there is in bank, as before 


stated in the general account, the sum of $21,477 81. 


554 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The committee have examined six hundred and twenty-one receipted 
vouchers for payments made during the four quarters of the year 1870. 
In every case the approval of the Secretary of the Institution is given 
on each voucher, and the certificate of an authorized agent of the Insti- 
tution is appended, setting forth that the materials and property and 
services rendered were for the Institution, and to be applied to the pur- 
poses stated in the account. 

The quarterly accounts-current, bank-book, check-book and ledger | 
were also examined and found to be correct, showing a cash balance in 
bank on January 1, 1871, of $21,477 81. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

PETER PARKER, 
JOHN MACLEAN, 


Hexecutive Committee. 
JANUARY 26, 1871. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 


The Executive Committee of the Board of Regents respectfully submit 
the following report in relation to the funds of the Institution, the 
receipts and expenditures for the year 1871, and the estimates for the 
year 1872: 


Statement of the fund at the beginning of the year 1872. 


The amount originally received as the bequest of James 

Smithson, of England, deposited in the Treasury of the 

United States, in accordance with the act of Congress 

ee MTDC PMO AGA) o.oo ooo Ln cia b's surcies elects avenge Ward alae $515,169 00 
The residuary legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, deposited 

in the Treasury of the United States, in accordance with 

the act of Congress of February 8, 1867 ...... ........ 26, 210 63 


Beocguest Of Smithson . ...........0.--ccees oc ecee 541,379 63 
Amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States, 

as authorized by act of Congress of February 8, 1867, 

derived from savings of income and increase in value of 

BM OMUS Beene eke key 0i a 00; clstorese. «cin aisielcnsisss «ic. Siglsam tae 108, 620 37 


Total permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 

United States, bearing interest at 6 per cent., payable 

eee VAM AU TIN GOOLE ceo os «yo. 1a ora. 5: 4 sp 6 rays ois tis. a .ciieies Sa.0ys $650, 000 00 
In addition to the above, there remains of the extra fund 

derived from savings, &c., in Virginia bonds, at par value 

meso 20> mow, Valued. at. 2.0. 2.2.2 .2cescsecs ee nee 35, 500 00 
The cash balance in First National Bank, 

EERE ZIS (as ee $16, 315 02 
Amount of congressional appropriation for 

the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, $10,000, 

one-half of which available January, 1872.. 5,000 00 


21,315 02 


Total of Smithson funds January, 1872............ $706, 815 02 


The interest due on the Virginia bonds, instead of being paid, has 
been funded by the State, and has thus increased the amount of the 
bonds from $72,760, as stated in the last report, to $88,125.18, as given 
in the foregoing statement. The market value of this stock, which was 


555 


556 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 


given last year at $48,000, has fallen, during 1871, to $35,500, on account 
of the uncertain policy of the State. 

The balance at the beginning of the year 1872, viz, $21,315.02, is 
very nearly the same as that at the beginning of the year 1871, which 
was $21,477.81. This balance is not invested as a part of the perma- 
nent fund, because it is required in order to pay cash for bills as they 
become due, and previous to receiving the semi-annual income. 


Statement of receipts from the Smithson fund for 1871. 


Interest on $650,000, at 6 per cent. in gold .....-.. ...... $39, 000 00 
Premium on gold, June and December, 123 and 8{....... 4,192 50 


¢ 


DOUAl TECEI PES ences a's os ccuingh epee eee oe cee 43,192 50 | 


Statement of expenditures from the Smithson fund for 1871. 


BUILDING. 
Reconstruction of parts destroyed by fire, and 

LOPAITS <oie ois fe wae sh sie yn eee either ee $8, 827 12 

Hurniture and fixtures): ..2o2is- sees eee 205 29 
——— $9,032 41 

GENERAL EXPENSES. 

Meetings of the*boards.4c2piaci. J uic sceeee $127 12 

Lighting the building............ fe OS ae oe 267 15 

Heating the building © .- 4223. cen. c eee iee 79 69 

POSHARE | 12 (Soe asia ayateene eta teloks etki tekae eee 448 76 

Stationery .ssui.kG. .2se s. tae Ree eee 2 452 55 

Incidentals ........... sneNolodeoreelcheted aioe roe 354 75 

Salaries and clerk hire: 485.2: Fae she 2 9,572 62 
———— 11,302 64 

PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCHES. 

Smithsonian Contributions, quarto........--... $9, 753 68 

Miscellaneous collections, octavo ............. 608 12 

Beports, octavo on. see eee cents ae ae 739 48 

Meteorology, computations, rain-gauges, &c... 2,000 55 

Apparatus for’ researches”... . <6 <1-ci.% 5-4 744 03 

Explorations, natural history, and archeology. 1,301 07 

Wecwnres ss. ssce sees e's Te BAe ee AO. 285 00 
15, 431 93 


4 


MUSEUM, LIBRARY, AND EXCHANGES. 


Museum, in addition to the sum drawn from the 
appropriation by Congress, ($4,976). ......-. $8,132 95 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 557 


Literary and scicntific exchanges through agen- 
cies in London, Paris, Leipsic, Amsterdam, 


ATIC eaten eh cnya ste Sk a.c 2 class oe cb wielete eae $4, 201 50 

Purchase of books and periodicals........... 253 86 
$12, 588 31 

Total expenditures, (repayments having been de- 
SLIDICESEYT.) SUPRISE RIP a 0 $48, 355 29 


From the above statement, it appears that the expenditures were 
$5,162.79 in excess of the receipts; but to meet this deficiency, $5,000 
of the congressional appropriation for the museum, as was stated before, 
is still in the Treasury of the United States. Had this sum been drawn 
during the year, it would have been deducted from the $8,132.95 charged 
to the museum. 

During the past year the Institution has advanced money for the pay- 
ment of freight on specimens and articles directed to its care, and for 
fitting out the expedition toward the north pole. It has also sold pub- 
lications, old and useless material, and meteorological instruments, the 
payments for which have been deducted from the several items of the 
previous accounts of expenditures, as follows: 


From the museum, for repayments for freight...........-.. $592 92 
From exchanges, for repayments on expense of literary and 
Pete Mae LON CHAN IOS: (x fais. 2.5,6 «2-9 2)o)008 se einys bey Fees oeee sie 945 17 
From explorations, for repayments on account of Hall’s expedi- 
mon toward thenorth pole, &c..........2.-.-.5-+--+--2+ 522 27 
From Smithsonian contributions and miscellaneous collec- 
HIons, tor Sales of publications -....-....... 220.20... 0205 525 70 
Building and incidentals general, repayments for old mate- 
mepOseaee Tetunded Per. si CU SEES ae calc = 622 59 
Apparatus—sale of meteorological apparatus ........-.--.- 40 00 
Total repayments and miscellaneous credits........-- 3,248 65 


Appropriations and expenditures from Congress on account of the museum 
and care of the Government collections. 


In addition to the receipts from the Smithson fund, the following 
amounts have been received : 


From appropriation by Congress for fitting up halls for 

eee er ee th oe 52/2 s 50d sytem = oe eit $20, 000 00 
From appropriation by Congress for annual care of collec- 

tions, being part of the $10,000 appropriated for the fiscal 

year ending June 30, 1871, ($5,024 having been drawn 

PHRBMERV OAT LOT) ie iii oc) OL isis ce gees ce oe a 4,976 00 


24,976 00 


558 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The appropriation of $20,000 was expended, under the direction of) 
the Secretary of the Interior, and accounted for to that Department, in | 
ceiling, flooring, plastering, and painting the large hall in the upper’ 
story of the main building, repairing the roof, fire-proofing the west | 
wing, and fitting up the basement of the same for the preparation of) 
specimens and storage. 

The appropriation of $4,976 was expended for salaries, taxidermy, | 
labor, &c., in preserving the Government collections, and was accounted|) 
for to the Interior Department. 


The estimates for the year 1872 are as follows: 


RECEIPTS. 

From interest on the permanent fund ..-... ....-..-..-. $39, 000 00) 
Probable premium on gold, 10 per cent ..... ............ 3, 900 00" 

42,900 00. 

APPROPRIATIONS. 

TAOS OUT UUs bY? gaa eR a RAO LBB URN DM ab ya api dn Ne $5, 000 00" 
Hor peneral -Gxpenses "ca eke eine See ee eee ee 10, 000 00 | 
For publications and researches .........--...-...- wists 20, 000 00°) 
orexchan Ges 31/40. ste ew eee ee ele neve Voor 5, 000 00 | 
For books and) apparatus!-2teroa: Eee weeea acres - alg ute 900 00°) 
For museum, additional to Congress appropriation ..... : 2,000 00° 


42,900 00! 


The Executive Committee have examined seven hundred and fifty- | 
seven receipted vouchers for payments made during the four quarters 
of the year 1871, both from the Smithson fund and the appropriations | 
from Congress. In every voucher the approval of the Secretary of the 
Institution is given, and the certificate of an authorized agent of the | 
Institution is appended, setting forth that the materials and property | 
and services rendered were for the Institution, and to be applied to the | 
purposes stated. 

The quarterly accounts-current, bank-book, check-book, and ledger 
have also been examined and found correct, showing a balance in bank | 
December 31, 1871, of $16,315.02. | 

Respectfully submitted. 

PETER PARKER, 
JOHN MACLEAN, 
Executive Committee.* 
MARCH 13, 1872. 


* Major General W. T. Sherman, member of committee, absent, in Europe. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Executive Committee of the Board of Regents respectfully sub- 
mit the following report in relation to the funds of the Institution, the 
receipts and expenditures for the year 1872, and the estimates for the 
year 1873: 


STATEMENT OF THE FUND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 1873. 


Amount originally received as the bequest of James Smith- 

son, of England, deposited in the Treasury of the United 

States, in accordance with the act of Congress of August 

ORM Ra Bay ho ic) 2) )6 6 5,0) 6 Shy lapalotaneso rae deh aie pin as pte oa $515, 169 00 
Residuary legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, depos- 

ited in the Treasury of the United States, in accordance 

with the act of Congress of February 8, 1867.....-..... 26, 210 63 


moral bequest of Smithson...... ..-.--.---..--.-+---:-- 541, 379 63 
Amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States as 

authorized by act of Congress of February 8, 1867, 

derived from savings of income and increase in value of 

be aN teh et tc. ai. 2 RSet Datars slelenieroe ee Melee 108, 620 37 
Total permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 

United States, bearing interest at 6 per cent., payable 

SEmiammtaliwsmcold . . £2) Bseilst. ae lols RUE le nde 650, 000 00 
In addition to the above there remains of the extra fund 

from savings, &c., in Virginia bonds, at par value, 

ee ON MON AVALUC Ati-ic-.\..15 .0banisia ssn Siete aah 37, 000 00 
Cash balance in First National Bank, 1st January, 1873.. 17,811 36 


Total Smithson funds 1st January, 1873...-....--- 704, 811 36 


The Virginia stock has risen in value during the past year, and as 
the prospect is that the legislature of the State will make provision for 
the regular payment of the interest, the probability is that this stock 
will continue to rise. 

During the past year, the Institution has received from its agents, 
Messrs. Riggs & Co., on account of back interest on Virginia bonds, 
after deducting expenses, $3,004.90, in regard to which a detailed account 
is given in a communication of the Secretary to the Board at its meet- 
ing of January 16th. 

559 


560 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTER. 


The balance at the beginning of the year, $17,811.36, as given in the 
foregoing statement as a part of the Smithson fund, has not been invested 
because it is required to pay bills as they become due, previous to receiv- 
jing the semi-annual income at the end of June, 1873, or, in other words, 
to support the Institution during the accumulation of the first half 
year’s semi-annual interest. 


STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS FROM THE SMITHSON FUND FOR 1872. 


Interest on $650,000, at 6 per cent. in gold.............. $39, 000 00 
Premium on gold June and December, (133 and 113)..... 4,911 55 
Interest on Virginia stock, less commissions............- 3,004 90 
BY Of COND DS 2. cgeteps sin cum = ele peieley eae ee 46,916 45 

Total expenditures from the Smithson income during 1872, 
as shown by the detailed statement given below........ 45,420 11 
Balance woexpended <<) ieee te teen ete 1,496 34 


The above balance is added to the uninvested savings from previous 
years, viz, $16,315.02, making the $17,811.36 found in the preceding 
general statement of the condition of the funds. 


EXPENDITURES FROM THE SMI''HSON FUND FOR 1872. 


Building. 
Reconstruction and repairs..............-- $6, 672 35 
Farniture and fixtures: -25- 222; 2.2. 2/) 22. 1, 625 87 
= $8, 298 22 
General expenses. 
Meetings of the board .(.2.9.:.22 {jue seeniaids $155 50 
Lighting the building, exclusive of Museum. 217 67 
Heating the building, exclusive of Museum. 754 00 
Postage, exclusive of Museum............. 320 73 
Stationery, exclusive of Museum.......-... 541 62 
Incidentals, exclusive of Museum.......... 525 62 
Salaries, clerk-hire, and labor............. 11,153 83 
— 13, 668 97 
Publications and researches. 
Smithsonian Contributions, quarto........- $6, 394 17 
Miscellaneous Collections, octavo.......-... 1,661 99 
Annual reports, octavo......-...--...---- 527 50 
Mipreorology. 22 ol! [i 20 A eee 2,550 00 
APParavus 2). 3.6)... -.< raise wlan oie i Stee ete e ae 645 00 
Liabornoryes. ook Ck J eee ene 169 87 
DiC CUES ies ees alive cick'y cc ue elie ein whaieiy 600 00 


"99 SAS aig 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 56] 


Hachanges. 


Literary and scientific exchanges through agencies in 
London, Paris, Leipsic, Amsterdam, Stockholm, &c... $5, 870 32 


Museum. 


Salaries, preservation of collections, &c., paid from the 
Smithsonian income in addition to the sums drawn from 
‘the appropriations by Congress...................-.. 5, 034 07 


Total expenditure from the Smithson fund in 1872, 
as given above ......... pe senate siotater ete alctel- 45, 420 11 


During the past year the Institution has advanced money for the 
payment of freight on specimens, the purchase of apparatus for Govern- 
ment expeditions, &c., the repayments of which, together with the amount 
received for sales of publications and old material, have been deducted 
from the several items of the foregoing expenditures, as follows: 


From museum, for repayments for freight.......... ...... $610 03 
From exchanges, for repayments for freight...... ..-..-.--. 462 81 
From apparatus, for instruments for expeditions... .....-. 1,306 23 
From lectures, for advance for scientific course..........-. 082 20 
From Smithsonian Contributions and Miscellaneous Collec- 

mions, for copies sold........-..- 22. 4.0 -2-- 2-22-02 307 36 
From building and incidentals, for sale of old material...... 44 68 


Total repayments and miscellaneous credits in 1872.. 3,113 31 


The estimates for the year 1873 are as follows: 


ESTIMATES. 
Receipts. 

From interest on the permanent fund, in gold, to be re- 
ceived June 30, 1873. .........--- se eee eee eee ee eeee $19, 500 00 
To be received December 31, 1873 ...--.-------+-+-+---+- 19, 500 00 
Probable premium on gold at 10 per cent........---.---- 3, 900 00 
From interest on Virginia stock.....-----.---+-e0---+- 1, 7u0 00 
Total receipts... -...----- ee cee tee ee eee e eee 44,600 00 

Appropriations. 

POT DUUGING 201). foe. ce eee eee ewe ceeeeceses $3, 000 00 
For general expenses......------ --2eeseeec ere eee e ree 13, 000 00 
For publications and researches. ..--.-------++++++-+-+-+- 20, 000 00 
For exchanges .-..--..-2.e-e eee cee eee cece cree ence tees 7, 000 00 
For contingencies ......-. 620+ eee ee- eee cect cece eee ce 1, 600 00 


36 44,600 00 


562 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


NATIONAL MUSEUM. 


Until the year 1870, the support of the National Museum had princi- 
pally devolved on the Smithsonian Institution, only $4,000 having been 
annually appropriated by Congress for this purpose. Since that date, 
however, Congress has indicated the intention of providing for the full 
support of the Museum, as is evident from the following extracts from 
the annual appropriation acts: 


Smithsonian Institution: For preservation of the collec- 
tions of the surveying and exploring expeditions of the 
Government, ten thousand dollars.................... $10, 000 00 
41st Cong., Sess. II, Chap. 292, Stat. at Large 1869- 
71, p. 295. Act (July 15, 1870) making appropria- 
tions for sundry civil expenses, &c., for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1871. 


Smithsonian Institution: For preservation of the collec- 
tions of the surveying and exploring expeditions of the 
Government, ten thousand dollars.............-....-- 10,000 00 
41st Cong., Sess. IIT, Ch. 114, Stat. at Large 1869-71, 
p. 500. Act (March 3, 1871) making appropriations 
for sundry civil expenses of the Government, &c., for 
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872. 


Smithsonian Institution: For preservation of the collec. 
tions of the surveying and exploring expeditions of the 
Government, fifteen thousand dollars.... .. ....----. 15,000 00 
42d Cong., Sess. II, Ch. 415 Stat. at Large 1871~72, 
p.361. Act (June 10, 1872) making appropriations for 
sundry civil expenses, &c., for the fiscal year ending 
June 30, 1873. 


It should be noted in regard to the above appropriations that the fiscal 
year of Government is not the same as that of the Institution, the 
former ending on the 30th of June, and the latter on the 31st of Decem- 
ber. From this fact it follows that although the last appropriation of 
Congress is $15,000 for the care of the Museum, yet the amount available 
from this appropriation, in 1872, was only $7,500, or the first half of 
the appropriation for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1873. 

Besides this, however, there was drawn the whole appropriation for 
the fiscal year ending 30th of June, 1872, viz, $10,000, the first half of 
which should have been drawn the previous year, and thus have dimin 
ished the expenditure from the Smithson income for the Museum in 
1871. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 563 


The following is therefore a statement of the receipts and expenditures 
for the care of the National Museum in 1872: 


Appropriation by Congress for the first half of the fiscal 
year ending 30th June, 1872, viz, July to December, 1871. $5,000 00 
Appropriation by Congress for the first half of the fiscal year 


ending 30th June, 1872, viz, January to June, 1872....... 5,000 00 
Total for fiscal year ending 30th June, 1872.......... 10, 000 00 

Appropriation by Congress for the first half of the fiscal year 
ending 30th June, 1873, viz, July to December, 1872... ..- 7,500 00 
Total from congressional appropriation....... ...... 17,500 00 

Also from Smithson income for 1872, as shown in the preced- 
BON SUM COMET a 95, /8s)2)-)~ 021% emiclayaats Sm lassi = 15 /=fare oe ornate 5, 934 07 
Making a total for the care of the Museum.......... 22, 534 07 


This large expenditure was necessary for the preservation of a num- 
ber of perishable specimens, the mounting of the large casts of fossils 
presented by Professor Henry A. Ward, of Rochester, N. Y., the prepa- 
ration of numerous skeletons, the transfer of the Mineralogical and Geo- 
logical Museum of the Government from the General Land-Office to the 
Smithsonian building, and the preliminary examination of the speci- 
mens of which it consisted. 

The cost of the reconstruction of the building after the fire of 1865, 
exclusive of furniture, was $136,000, the whole of which was paid from 
the funds of the Institution for restoring the main building, and not for 
fitting up the rooms wanted for the further extension of the Museum. 
For the latter purpose Congress has made provisions in the following 
acts: 


Smithsonian Institution: Toward the completion of the 
hall required for the Government collections, ten thou- 
sand dollars...... MVS SR RAN ot Sa yc eit eae a $10, 000 00 
41st Cong., Sess. II, Ch. 292, Stat. at Large 1869~71, 
p. 295. Act: (July 15, 1870) making appropriations 
for sundry civil expenses, &c., for the fiscal year end- 
ing June 30, 1871. 


Smithsonian Institution: For the completion of the hall 
required for the Government collections, ten thousand 
aI AE RRA ENO Ree D aw 5 oe heist gels siuisie tele aos 10,000 00 
41st Cong., Sess. III, Chap. 114, Stat. at Large 
1869-71, p. 501. Act (May 38, 1871) making appro- 
priations for sundry civil expenses of the Government 
for the fiscal year ending June 380, 1872. 


564. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Smithsonian Institution: To commence the proper fitting 
up, in a fire proof manner, of the vacant apartments in 
the Smithsonian Institution building, for the proper dis- 
tribution and exhibition of the Government collections 
of natural history, geology, and mineralogy, five thou- 
sand dollars... sak gasses Pee mere yelet Ws. 2 cea ee $5, 000 00 

42d Cong., Sess. II, Ch. 172, Stat. at Large 18712, 
p. 131. Act (May 18, 1872) making appropriations to 
supply deficiencies in the appropriations for the service 
of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 
1872, and for former years. 

Smithsonian Institution: For the completion of the hall 
required for the Government collections, ten thousand 


dollars Staser see be fers. 2a are ee a - 10,000 00 © 


42d Cong., Sess. II, Chap. 415, Stat. at Large, p. 361. 
Act (June 10, 1872) Saree appropriations for sundry 
civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1873. 


Of these appropriations, $20,000 were expended in 1871 on account 
of ceiling, flooring, plastering, and finishing halls for the extension of 
the Museum; and in 1872, $2,962.50 for cases for the geological hall, 
leaving available for the first half of 1873, for finishing these cases, and 
for commencing those for the large hall in the second story of the main 
building, $12,037.50. 

The foregoing expenditures for fitting up rooms for the Museum, 
$2,962.50, as well as those for the care and preservation of the collec- 
tions, $17,500, have been accounted for to the Secretary of the Interior, 
as in previous years. 

The Executive Committee have examined thirteen hundred and ninety- 
five receipted vouchers for payments made during the four quarters of 
the year 1872, both from the Smithson fund and the appropriations 
from Congress. In every voucher the approval of the Secretary of the 
Institution is given, and the certificate of an authorized agent of the 
Institution is appended, setting forth that the materials and property 
and services rendered were for the Institution, and to be applied to the 
purposes stated. 

The quarterly accounts-current, bank-book, check-book, and ledger 
have also been examined and found correct, showing a balance in the 
First National Bank, 1st of January, 1873, of $17,811.36. 

Respectfully submitted. 

PETER PARKER, 
JOHN MACLEAN, 
W. T. SHERMAN, 
Executive Committee. 
JANUARY 20, 1873. 


Ca 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Executive Committee of the Board of Regents respectfully submit 
the following report in relation to the funds of the Institution, the re- 
ceipts and expenditures for the year 1873, and the estimates for the 


year 1874: 


Statement of the fund at the beginning of the year 1874. 


The amount originally received as the bequest of James 
Smithson, of England, deposited in the Treasury of the 
United States, in accordance with the act of Congress 
ComOtmoAmeUst, 1846)... Joi -9 shes Sec ble wee b-He 

The residuary legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, de- 
posited in the Treasury of the United States, in accord- 
ance with the act of Congress of 8th February, 1867... 


Potalibequest:of Smithson... 032). 2: <-)o2e0. 02 4.0 


Amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States, 
as authorized by act of Congress of Sth February, 1867, 
derived from savings of income and increase in value of 
PES OMNES thers aa S aia Qoisy- Se. Hawk So fee he oe eee 


Total permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury 
of the United States, bearing interest at 6 per 
cent., payable semi-annually in gold...... .....- 

In addition to the above there remains of the extra fund 
from savings, &c., in Virginia bonds and certificates, 
viz, consolidated bonds, $58,700; deferred certificates, 
$29,375.07; fractional certificate, $50.13, now valued at. 

Cash baJance in United States Treasury at the beginning 
of the year 1874, as a special deposit, for current ex- 
THEGET Ut eee een cee racemes ae 

Amount due from the First National Bank, (present value 
unknown) .....- Eek SAN ots Vaio, Sh feet $5, 757 41 


Total Smithson funds, January, 1874......-.-.---- 
565 


$515, 169 00 


26,210 63 


541, 379 63 


108, 620 37 


650, 000 00 


33, 000 00 


12,226 68 


695, 226 68 


566 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The Virginia bonds originally puchased by the Institution were as 
follows : 

Five bonds of $10,000 each, (Nos. 146 to 150;) one bond of $5,000, 
(No. 201,); three bonds of $1,000 each, (Nos. 3497 to 3499 ;) one bond of 
$500, (No. 658;) two bonds of $100 each; making in all $58,700. 

On the 9th December,il871, the above bonds were exchanged for Vir- 
ginia coupon-bonds, consolidated debt, (see Report, 1871, page 105,) as 
follows: 


Fifty-eight bonds, at $1,000 each, (Nos. 11521 to 11578)........ $58, 000 
One Dendy sUU FONG: SOO) « 2..- j0.0 + 2 pire ents ace 500 
Two bonds, at $100 each, (Nos. 4192 and 4191)............-.. 200 

58, 700 


These bonds are in the cashier’s vault of the United States Treasury, 
in charge of General Spinner. Coupons due July 1, 1873, and January 
1, 1874, are still attached to these bonds. 

In addition to the above bonds the institution holds a certificate of 
indebtedness, (No. 4,543,) deposited with Riggs & Co., from the State of 
Virginia, (dated July 1, 1871,) for one-third of the amount due for prin- 
cipal and interest surrendered under the provisions of an act of the leg- 
islature of 30th March, 1871, this amount having been reserved until an 
adjustment is made between the States of Virginia and West Virginia 
as to the old debt of Virginia, amounting to $29,375.07. 

There is also a certificate of indebtedness (No. 2,969) for $50.13 for an 
odd amount of interest. 


The uninvested balance in the First National Bank at the beginning 
of 1873 was $17,811.56. This balance would this year have been in- 
creased by a saving of $172.73 had it not been for the suspension of the 
First National Bank in September last, in which $5,757.41 still remain 
unpaid, and will probably be, to a considerable extent, a loss. 


In accordance with the law of Congress, the interest on the Smithson 
fund is payable semi-annually, on the 1st of July and 1st January, and 
from the beginning of the operations of the institution this semi-annual 
interest was deposited with Messrs. Riggs & Co., until at the meeting of 
the Board of Regents on the 22d February, 1867, a resolution was 
adopted directing the deposit of the income in “ a national bank which 
was an authorized Government depository.” In accordance with this 
direction of the Board, the money was deposited in the First National 
Bank, which proved, however, to be an unsafe curator of the funds. 
The whole amount on deposit at the time of the suspension of the bank, 
19th September, 1873, was $8,224.87, on which, however, a dividend of 
30 per cent., or $2,467.46 was paid on the 11th November last, leaving, 
as stated above, $5,757.41 still due. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 567 


Statement of receipts and expenditures in 1873. 
RECEIPTS. 

From interest on $650,000, at 6 per cent. in 
Baer OMee EME ARS oo). te Ss 2s ke dls wad $39, 000 00 

From premium on gold, June and December, 
BIO) ie cian pelo awe vind 5,191 87 

From interest on Virginia stock, (sale of 
coupons due January 1, 1875*)...... Lane 1,091 83 


FRO EAIBREECIDUSS «.0.0cccmemerics sec sce cect eee ae ae $45, 283 70 
EXPENDITURES. 


Total expenditures from the Smithson income during 1873, 
as shown by the detailed statement below......-...... 45,110 97 


Balance unexpended, which is included in the cash 
Barancein. bbe TTr6asury. ic... sce sce See cee bee Wes 172 73 


Statement of expenditures in detail from the Smithson fund for 1873. 


BUILDING. 


Repairs of the building ............ WS ate $3, 252 23 
PEOENUGMTS ANG fXLtULCS. «2 6.6. oscsaie nie sees s 386 26 
—_ $3,638 49 


GENERAL EXPENSES. 


Miecunesiof the board...-....\-.---.-...--- $300 75 
emir tne DUNCING........ ..0..00.0000- 322 65 
Pe CNSR DOL GING... c..- 20.5. <2 eee vennes 554 38 
Pepa ia dois a es aati e ene ess 971 10 
AM TEC UNIR o oofo.o) Soke Sinie.cjaninas) oases = 394 91 
WAT UST onion ore Wiens cede vie eae. 1571 47 
Salariespmdcclerk Nire.......--.--+++.-+0- 12, 429 96 
Purchase of books and periodicals......-.-.. 411 34 
—- 16, 142 56 
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCHES. 
Smithsonian contributions, quarto.......- - $8,706 08 
Miscellaneous collections, octavo.....--.-.- 4,514 46 
PRODOLUS, OCLAVO......--- +2. -° PA ae 593 55 
*Interest on $58,700 coupons at 3 per cent.........-.....------- $1,761 00 
Deduetion of one-third for West Virginia......-.-.... $587 00 
MIGANCUION TOL State tAX.- 0.0... -eens csnece nerece mean 73 37 
Deduction for charge of Riggs & Co.’s commission .... 8 80 
Le as 669 17 
Netrumountirecelvied eeeaces cn cecreamanereteeise a= pee Ne sere $1,091 83 


568 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Meteorology and researches................- $3, 232 81 
APP ATALUS .0)03% 2 eek cis ote a eitl eke eee re civ 815 09 
MaAvWOLatOry~ .S 2.0: we ole Kiosks ctuhe eRe eee tae 109 88 
Explorations ¢,. 4s s).)2\s\-,. heres Seas 228 00 
Hhechures: So e/-'Na's Setaele e eens s Nye, gual 600 00 
———— $18,799 87 
EXCHANGES. 
Literary and scientific exchanges through agencies in Lon- 
don, Paris, Leipsic, Amsterdam, Milan, &c. .......... 6,251 74 
MUSEUM. 
Incidentals in addition to Government appropriation. .... 278 31 
Total expenditure from Smithson fund in 1873..... 45,110 97 


During the past year the Institution has advanced money for the 
payment on account of the Government for freights on specimens, pur- 
chase of apparatus for Government expeditions, &c., the repayments 
of which, together with the amount received for sales of publications, 
&c., have been deducted from the several items of the foregoing ex- 
penditures, as follows: 


From museum, for repayments for freight..........-...... $967 46 
From museum, for repayments for labor, &c............... 510 60 
From exchanges, for repayments for freight ..............- 196 95. 
From apparatus, for instruments for expeditions..........- 394 67 
From postage, for repayments. ....-...-..-.---/--..-.-- 2 37 45. 
From building, for repayments ...-....----.--+----- +--+: 1, 258 37 
From heating, for repayments... > -2.)5- 2262 225 ee sane 325 21 
From cost of books, for repayments .....5.2..5-522-222--2. 33 00 
From Smithsonian contributions, from sales......... ----.- 99 07 
From Smithsonian miscellaneous collections, from sales.. -. . 119 95. 
From Smithsonian reports, from sales..-..-.-.----- “ctor 16 00 
From incidentals, from sales old material......--.-.-.--- oe 39 30 


Total repayments and miscellaneous credits in 1873.. 3,993 48 


NATIONAL MUSEUM. 


For several years past Congress has made an annual appropriation 
of $15,009 for the support of the National Museum, under the care of 
the Smithsonian Institution, and it has also in the last two years appro- 
priated $25,000 tor the completion and fitting up of the halls required 
for the Government collections, and $12,000 for the introduction of 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 569 


steam-heating apparatus. The following is a tabular statement of the 
condition of these funds at the present time: 


Appropriation for preservation of collections 
for fiscal year ending June 30, 1874. (Stat- 


mies at marge, vol. 1%,p. 518)... 222.222...) $15, 000 00 
Amount expended to 31st December, 1873. 
(See Museum journal A, p. 55) ............ 7,500 00 


Balance for support of museum to June 
BU MPROME acs ofc Akins emis hae eae ee atlas k, $7, 500 00 


Appropriation for completion of the hall re- 
quired for the Governmentcollections. (Stat- 
mies at Wares, vol. 17, :p.361.):.5020.22.052: 10, 000 00 


(The whole of this has been expended. See 

Museum journal A, p. 509.) 
Appropriation for fitting up the new halls re- 

quired forthe Government collections. (Stat- 

utes at Large, vol. 17, p. 518)......-....-.. $15, 000 00 
Amount expended to 2d January, 1874. (See 

Masecum gournal, A, p. 519)... ..< - «<0 «<i. 9,449 08 


Balance unexpended, but due on con- 
MEDIO orate bays lore a harny = aia) © =) ola fof se oysiefu mois 42) J >/sloaeatc 5, 550 92 


Appropriation for steam-heating apparatus. 

(Statutes at Large, vol.17, p. 518).........- 12,000 00 
Amount expended to 31st December, 1873. 

(See Museum journal A, p.533)..........-. 8, 537 97 


Balance unexpended, but due on con- 
FEDER oes folie sntalis aia) oiav'evelehelee scelsmin etaie wtaerare ae 3, 462 03 


Balances, January, 1874 .........--...------------ 9,012 95 


Previous to 1873 all the disbursements on account of the appropria- 
tions of Congress for the support of the National Museum were made 
directly by the Institution and afterward refunded by the Department 
of the Interior; but during the past year as strict a division of the 
accounts as possible has been made, and those relating to the muse- 
um have been paid directly by the disbursing agent of the Department 
of the Interior. 


570 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ESTIMATES FOR THE YEAR 
1874: 


RECEIPTS. 


Interest on the permanent fund, receivable 30th 


June, 1874, in Poldyc! meee cay Bess = areas $19, 500 
Interest on the permanent fund, receivable 31st 
December, US 7a mye Oldie, oa) is yaie! oe sige ses 19, 500 
Probable rca on! gold, 10 per cent ..-5.-j. <5 3, 900 
dnterestion. Virginia bonds... 2.2.2.2... .7- as 2, 000 | 
$44,900 | 
APPROPRIATIONS. 
BV OL OMI eee ieyn epniey> woes we eo elo te ole ope oe oe 2, 000 
For general expenses....--....-....- hee aratatte a 14, 000 
For publications and researches ...........-.... 20, 000 
Or OXCHANSES). . o<\<,coiey yj. joe cjaciele wile oslo ein eit ie 7, 000 
For books and apparatus sia Ut ase hacen al ene 500 
HOP CONLMMBECNCIES - se). Bcelaemie 6 once elaine ane alata 1, 400 


44, 900 


The executive committee have examined eight hundred and eighty- 
five receipted vouchers for payments made during the four quarters of 
the year 1873. In every voucher the approval of the Secretary of the 
Institution is given, and the certificate of an authorized agent of the In- 
stitution is appended, setting forth that the materials and property and 
services rendered were for the Institution, and to be applied to the pur- 
poses specified. 

The quarterly accounts-current, bank-book, check-book, and ledger 
have also been examined and found correct, showing a balance in the | 
care of the Treasurer of the United States, 13th January, 1874, of | 
$12,226.68. 

Respectfully submitted. | 

PETER PARKER, | 

JOHN MACLEAN, 

W. T. SHERMAN, 
Executive Committee. 


JANUARY 24, 1874. 


REPORT ON THE APPROPRIATIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE NA- 
TIONAL MUSEUM. 


Since the foregoing report was presented to the Board of Regents and 
accepted by them, as authorized by a resolution of the board, January 26, 
1874, the undersigned, members of the executive committee, have exam- 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 57TI 


ined the accounts of appropriations and disbursements for the National 
Museum for the year 1873, and find for each disbursement a voucher 
approved by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and a certifi- 
cate of an authorized agent of the Institution appended, setting forth 
that the account is correct, the articles or services charged therein were 
required, and furnished on account of the objects specified, and that 
the same were necessary, and the charges reasonable. 

The undersigned have also examined the journal and ledger of the 
National Museum, and find the balances remaining, on the 1st of Jan- 
uary, 1874, of the appropriations of Congress for Smithsonian building 
and for preservation of collections in the National Museum to corres- 
pond with the certificate of the 2d February, 1874, of the disbursing 
clerk of the Interior Department, viz: Smithsonian building, 1874, 
$9,012.95, (see page 518, journal A;) preservation of collections, 1874, 
$7,500, (see page 55, journal A;) total balance, $16,512.95. 

The other member of the committee (Dr. Maclean) was obliged to 
leave the city previous to this examination. 

Respectfully submitted. 

PETER PARKER, 
W. T. SHERMAN, 
> Executive Committee. 
WASHINGTON, February 5, 1874. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


The executive committee of the Board of Regents respectfully sub- | 
mit the following report in relation to the funds of the Institution, the 
receipts and expenditures for the year 1874, and the estimates for the | 


year 1875: 
Statement of the fund at the beginning of the year 1875. 


The amount originally received as the bequest of James 
Smithson, of England, deposited in the Treasury of the 
United States, in accordance with the act of Congress of 


Wogust 10, 1646..0.0. 0.00.2 ee $515, 169 00 


The Peete legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, depos- 
ited in the Treasury of the United States, in accordance 


with the act of Congtess of February 8, 1867......-.... 26, 210 63 | 


Total bequest of Smithson .... -..... .... AAS e- 541,379 63 | 


Amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States, as 
authorized by act of Congress of February 8, 1867, de- 
rived from savings of income and increase in value of 


investments ...... paisa eae te ae siey Sheaves aie ae feyat eaercaee 108, 620 37 
Amount received as the bequest of ae Hamilton, of 
Oarlisle; Bacay tee eeiatela.c ee araletsee «patie ciaretetorete 1,000 00 


Total permanent Smithson fund | in the Treasury of the 
United States, bearing interest at 6 per cent., payable 
semi-annually rol Sy ticcee Sak jeloimeen ce eke ee eres 651, 000 00 
In addition to the above there remains of ie extra fund 
from savings, &c., in Virginia bonds and certificates, 
viz: Consolidated bonds, $58,700 ; deferred certificates, 
$29,375.07; fractional certificate, $50.13: total, $88,125.20; 


now Tee abe Un 2 ere che eet telateretaie peo fostal eet eee 35, 000 00 
Cash balance in the United States Treasury at ane begin- 
ing of the year 1875, for current expenses .......-....-- 15, 909 99 
Amount due from First National Bank, cman 
$4,112.43, (present value. unknown)o252 0.2.55. 05. 2-6 ee ee eee 
Total Smithson funds 15th January, 1875 ......... $701, 909 99 


572 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 573 


The coupons on the Virginia bonds held by the Institution were sold 
on the 19th May, 1874, by Riggs & Co., with the following result : 


$1,200 Virginia coupons, at 77$ ...--...-.-..------ A ee, $925 50 
$2,322 Virginia coupons, at 77 ............ Keueseceye eee 1,787 94 
9,713 44 

ESO ALPOS I. 2 oe eee ec ees os SKE IRC eee 17 61 


$2, 695 83 


This amount was deposited with the Treasurer of the United States 
on account of: the current expenses of the Institution for the year. 

The value of the Virginia bonds held by the Institution has increased 
during the year about $2,000. 

Coupons due July 1, 1874, and January 1, 1875, are still uncollected, 
and will form part of the income for the year 1875. 

It was stated in the last report that at the time of the suspension of 
the First National Bank of Washington, (19th September, 1873,) where 
the current funds of the Smithsonian had been deposited, there were 
$8, 224.87 to the credit of the Institution; and that on the 11th of No- 
vember, 1873, a dividend of 30 per cent., or $2,467.46, had been received, 
leaving a balance of $5,757.41 due. A second dividend on this deposit 
was made on the 7th of April, of 1874, of $1,644.97, still leaving 
$4,112.43 due the Institution, which it is hoped will be received at least 
in part during the coming year. 


Statement of the receipts and expenditures in 1874 


RECEIPTS. 


Interest on $650,000 from the United States, 6 per cent., 


RepennMCR Tiles 8 ALY REY A RENN, BM ratelee Palencia ~ $39, 000 00 
Interest on $1,000 from the Hamilton bequest, from 24th 


February, 1874, to 3lst December, 1874 ......---...--- 50 88 
Premium on gold 30th June, 1874, 1107,; and 31st Decem- 
per, 1374;,1127 (less commission) '/2 21.).000). 6220 ve 4,308 35 


Interest on Virginia stock, coupons sold, (9th May, 1874). 2,695 83 
Twenty per cent. dividend from First National Bank, (7th 
April, 1874) ...... PRED src S TN INR RE See a 1, 644 97 


atalMreCeNpes! js) isp isan & 52S eae cle eeleeraekee aise ae 47, 700 03 


EXPENDITURE. 
Total expenditure from the Smithson income in 1874...... 44,016 72 


Balance unexpended of the annual income which is includ- 
ed in the cash balance in the Treasury, ($15,909.99) .... 3,683 31 


574 REPORT OF THE EXECUIIVE COMMITTEE. 


Statement of expenditure in detail from the Smithson income, 1874. 


Building. 
Repairs of the building ............. ets Siting $3, 507 66 


Marniture andsnxtures eee ee eee ee eee WAT he 
——_—-—— $4, 225 39) 


General expenses. 


Meetings of the board....... BEES Bis sc ja che wae 312 87 
Lichting- the: DamGime es ees ki oie wa 5'se ects es 523 15 
Heating the bunldimge feces. c= ee ecies cian win sale 305 47 
POstare 33 shinee ence eie 2 on + eles sie emee 81 07 
RS CA ULOMOIY cys eee ois oicisin saa, auch « ah koran cee 492 64 
CUM CIAEANS eee ae es yates nl v5): 6 oe ce OTS ene es ae SLi AG 
Salaries and clerk hire...........-..-. i see ees 12,730 00 

Porchaseon ook ss: o o0isjesieie wales ms teicneeleicewe 457 43 

—-—-— 15,719 80. 

Publications and researches. | 
Smithsonian Contributions.............. a gets 7, 022 98 
Miscellaneous collections ..2. --...00..0.25... 7, 363 67 
IREDOLES oop scl a bee Se erat eee een ame 664 92 
Other publications =). 2/2202 yeas eee wie ot 93 40 
Meteorology and researches .....-........-... 881 97 
PAPPATALUS . ~ sae Seo see Seis aca oie sae aebie at ast. 1,142 60 
A WOTALOLY ~ isla elev era = ale eieton ee adel pees eee eerste 9 10 

MGC CTUTOS eee oO SS aeRO ee She ieee ts 600 00 j 

—-——-— 17,778 64 

Exchanges. | 

Literary and scientific exchanges, & .........-....--...-. 5,589 89 | 

Museum. 
Incidentals in addition to Government appropriation...... 703 00 | 
$44,016 72 | 


As usual, the Institution has during the past year made temporary | 
advances for the payment of freight on Government collections, pur- | 
chase of instruments for exploring parties, &c., the repayments of | 
which, together with the amount received from sales of publications, 
have been deducted from the several items of the foregoing expendi- 
tures, as follows: 


Repayments. 
From exchanges, repayments for freight, &c...... sense ees $1, 205 14 
Prom postage, repayments oo sons see oa enol cleans 45 45 
From researches, repaymetts .- 3)... SSeS aii © Resco ess oe 95 76 
From Smithsonian Contributions, sales.............-...-.. 115 60° 
From miscellaneous collections, sales..........-. -.-.------ 157 67 | 
From salaries, repayment of advance......-...-...2---.--- 40 00 | 
From incidentals, sales of old material.......... sail iaeets TT a 


wee 


$1,666 89 | 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 575 


The following are the estimates of receipts and appropriations of the 
Smithson fund for the year 1875: 


Estimated receipts. 


Interest on the permanent fund, receivable 30th 


rR Fett POC a ow eee se ia .cia niente oie eins aie $19, 500 
Interest on the permanent fund, receivable 31st De- 
Perea Lote. TE POL «ia ioe oeiasi a0) 210 de cevatle tars 19, 500 
Interest on the Hamilton fund.................-.. 60 
Probable premium on gold, 10 per cent.........-.. 3, 906 
eniterest oni Virginia bonds........-.--...-.--.--- 2, 000 
——_ $44,966 
Provisional appropriations. 
MMP CEES cso oan ie o wats ee eyateideja sors walbilys $2, 000 
For general expenses.....-.. sr aaron pees fees bap tM aban oS 14, 000 
#or publications and researches ........-..-..--- 20, 000 
BEG SSCS aa )..5. ain vis atein np earmiaieies sisi es oe 7, 000 
For books and apparatus. -.--.-+++-+eeee eres eee 1, 000 
For contingencies... .........2.....-- fat tatte toe As 966 
—— $44, 966 


NATIONAL MUSEUM. 


The annual appropriation of Congress for the preservation of the 
Government collectious intrusted to the care of the Institution has 
been continued during the past year, and an additional sum of 
$10,000 has been granted for the fitting up and completing the cases in 
the new halls required for these collections. 

The latter appropriation has been expended in the construction of wal- 
nut table-cases with glass tops and sides, for the exhibition of the smaller 
ethnological speciwens in the upper hall, and for large cases for mam- 
mals and fishes in the lower hall. The latter cases have also been so 
constructed as to serve as bases or platforms for restorations of the. 
megatherium, hadrosauras, glyptodon, &c., thus utilizing a large space, 
and forming a very striking and imposing feature of the collections. 

The following is a tabular statement of the condition of the Museum 
funds: 

For preservation of the Government collections. 


Balance unexpended of appropriation for the 
fiscal year ending June 30, 1874. (Statutes at 
Large, vol. 17, p. 518) See Report for 1873, 


CAE ee 5 2 oho yn, psa n 2 oer $7, 500 00 
Amount expended to December 31, 1874. (See 
Maseum) Journal AY’ p.- 75.) - = -s 5 siiseeies <5 7,500 00 


Balance...... - auidé So lieici teete. ce eee be de ec Nothing. 


576 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEZ. 


Appropriation for fiscal year ending June 30, 


1875. (Statutes, 1874, -p. 218) ....520) 0.32. $20, 000 00 
Expenditure from July 1, 1874, to January 11, 
1875. (See Museum Journal A, p.106)...... 12,011 38 
Balance unexpended |) "eesgee. 0c. . G. ee ee $7,988 62 : 


Lor fitting up halls for Government collections. 


Balance unexpended of appropriation for fiscal 
year ending June 30, 1874. (Museum Journal 


AyD O19) anne e eee oe eae $5, 550 92 
Expenditure on this account in 1874. (Museum 
JOUEMAT PAL UD D2 Witt. 2 e's Sains ne pe 5, 550 92 
Balemnce tee, Sa, See ea Nothing. 


Hor steam-heating apparatus for Museum. 


Balance unexpended of appropriation for fiscal 
year ending June 80,1874. (Museum Journal 


JS OED 0) APRS rar SS a a PUN a ea REY AN 3, 462 03 
Expenditure on this account in 1874. (Museum 
Journal A p.O21) ceo ceeds ces eee: 4 Bd cen Eye aye 3, 462 03 
Balance oes eau Biel feta 2 bio” ape ear fon ee Nothing. ° 


For fitting up and completing cases Jor collections. 


Appropriation for fiscal year ending June 30, 


1875. (Statutes, 1874, p. 216)... 0.000202. 10, 000 00 
Expended on this account in 1874. (Museum 
Journal A 5p. MOG) phecnde st ella bu eh. 10, 000 00 
Balance ei sane on ati ee, ate me a et ae Nothing. 


— 


From the above statement it appears that of the congressional appro- 
priations for the National Museum, the only amount unexpended and 
now available for the collections is $7,982.62. The estimates submitted 
by the Institution to Congress for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 
1876, were as follows: 


For the preservation of the collections........ $25, 000 00 
For fitting up and completing the cases..... -- 10,000 00 
Lotalyamount required ic a I $35, 000 00 


We have no reason to doubt that this sum, or the greater part of it, 
will be appropriated by Con gress during the present session. 
All the payments on account of the National Museum have been made 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 577 


during the past year, directly by the disbursing officer of the Depart- 
ment of the Interior, on the presentation of vouchers approved by the 
' Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


The executive committee have examined five hundred and seventeen 
_ receipted vouchers for payments made from the Smithson income 
during the year 1874, and four hundred and seventy similar vouchers 
for payments made from the congressional appropriations for the Na- 
tional Museum, making a total number of vouchers of nine hundied and 
eighty-seveu. 

All of the vouchers have the approval of the Bere of the Institu- 
tion, and a certificate setting forth that the materials and property and 
tices rendered were for the Institution, and to be applied to the pur- 
poses specified. 

As authorized by a resolution of the board 26th May, 1874, the com. 
mittee have also examined the account-books of the National Museum 
and find the balance of $7,988.62 to the credit of the appropriation for 
the “preservation of the collections” remaining on the 11th January, 
1875, to correspond with the certificate of the disbursing clerk of the 
Department of the Interior. 

The quarterly accounts current, bank-book, check-book, and ledger, 
have also been examined and found to be correct, showing a balance in 
the care of the Treasurer of the United States 15th January, 1875, of 
$15,909.99. 

Respectfully submitted. 

PETER PARKER, 
GEO. BANCROFT, 


Hxecutive Committee. 
WASHINGTON, January 23, 1875. 


37 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 


The executive committee of the Board of Regents respectfully submit 
the following report in relation to the funds of the Institution, the 
appropriations by Congress for the support of the National Museum, | 
the receipts and expenditures for both of these departments for the l 
year 1875, and the estimates for the year 1876: | 


FINANCES. 
Statement of the condition of the funds at the beginning of the year 1876. 


The amount originally received as the bequest of James 

Smithson, of England, deposited in the Treasury of the 

United States in accordance with the act of Congress of 

PAarorust HO. SAG asa Sc ocetaln cia cottectefaseriney= tale te aaa $515, 169 00: 
The residuary legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, depos- 

ited in the Treasury of the United States, in accordance 

with the act of Congress of February 8, 1867.....--.... 26, 210 63 


Total bequest of Smithson............--......- -. 541,379 63. 
Amount deposited in the Treasury of the ee States, 
as authorized by act of Congress of February 8, 1867, 
derived from savings of income and increase in value of 


PM VESTIGES yc se etcic ee tte te telat vais ee ane chases ae a eres 108, 620 37 
Amount received as the bequest of James Hamilton, of 
Carlisle, Pa. Hebtuary 2401814 Jo eee ces ie ate 1,000 00 


Total permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 
United States, bearing interest at 6 per cent., payable 
semi-annually ime Cold oso) seit oie Sehnert 651, 000 00: 
In addition to the above there remains of the extra fund 
from savings, &c., in Virginia bonds and certificates, 
viz: consolidated bonds, $58,700; deferred certificates, 
$29,375.07; fractional certificate, $50.13; total, $88,125.20, 


now ued Bib ele Grech tales bees Alcan ata iaeo) i A emnt eye 42,000 00: 
Cash balance in the United, States Treasury at the begin- . 
ning of the year 1876, for current expenses. -.-...-.---- 20,555 82 


Amount due trom First National Bank, $2,056.22, (vaiue 
TLD EMONGED) Wome cho ata 5/45) Sete lerelanmmemernnt Foie aie ten nae be ee ee 


Total Smithson funds 20th January, 1876 ........- 713, 555 82 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 579 
Statement of the receipts and expenditures during 1875: 
RECEIPTS 


Interest on $650,000 from the United States, 6 per cent., 


MeN in SEC. foe win wing x sltacerns $39, 000 00 
Premium on above June 30, 1875, at 1164, $3,107.81; and 

January 1, 1876, at 11213, $2,474.07, (less commission). - 5, 581 88 
Interest on Virginia bonds, coupons sold June 14 and De- 

SIRE FEEL Or Oye =) 2) ia: eA IRS spelt) fase aya ale ele Meare wae" dims 4,750 11 


Dividend from First National Bank, 10 per cent., May 5, 
1875, $822.48; and 15 per cent., December 27, 1875, 


MO oe eae oan fa.0'a, Spne she Me rareds eye's 0 wel tyayn de ae so 2,056 21 

MUPERENQUNING soo os wid oS ae arch a ol aed a srs cial 51, 388 20 
EXPENDITURES. 

Total expenditure from the Smithson income in 1875..... 46, 809 98 


Balance unexpended of the annual income, which is in- 
cluded in the cash balance in the Treasury, ($20,555.82) .. 4,578 22 


HAMILTON BEQUEST. 


By the will of the late James Hamilton, of Carlisle, Pa., the sum 
of one thousand dollars was left to the Institution, the interest of 
which was to be expended biennially for the advance of knowledge. 
This bequest was received on the 24th of February, 1874, from the ex- 
ecutors of Mr. Hamilton, and to secure its safe investment the money 
was immediately deposited by Professor Henry in the Treasury of the 
United States, (see Smithsonian Report for 1873, page 159,) on the same 
terms as the original bequest of Smithson, in accordance with the act 
of Congress of February 8, 1867, which authorizes the increase of the 
permanent fund to a sum not exceeding one million dollars. 

The following is a statement of the interest received on the Hamilton 
bequest, which will be appropriated in accordance with the terms of the 
will: 


Interest on $1,000 from February 24, 1874, to December 31, 


eT a eRe N NS a. dish rar nc cins cel Se eee a RE ea MR ee ts $50 88 
Interest from January 1, 1875, to December 31, 1875, 6 
BEMGENE, INCOM WAR wie sor ktgnseee EE ger: $60 00 
Premium at 11238, less commission .............--. 7 61 
——_ 67 61 


580 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


VIRGINIA BONDS. 


Previous to the year 1867, the savings from the income of the Insti- 
tution were invested in State stocks, as shown in the following table: 


Cost Jan.,| Sold Feb., é 
Amount. | Rate) ~““yo57 °°” 1867. Gain. Toss. 
Indiana 5 per cent. bonds.....-..-..--- $75, 000 00 84 | $63, 000 00 | $68, 906 25 |$5, 906 25 | ----.._-- 
Tennessee 6 per cent. bonds. .--....--- 15, 000 00 94} 11,167 50 9586) 78) ||: <bsceese $1, 580 72 
Georgia 6 per cent. bonds ...........-- 500 00 | 100 500 00 398) TL ||somecsees 141 29 
Washington 6 per cent. bonds...-...-- 100 00 | 100 | 100 00 |- 100:'00),| 22-222. | Seer 
90, 600 00 |.----- 74, 767 50 | 78,951 74 | 5,906 25] 1,722 Ol 
INCU Gain seeeee earn eeseeeeeas sect aeen che vale Sa|aetce scan aee teases moe 4,184 Q4n yr ses Sere 
Virginia pencenteer reer eesee cesses 53, 500 00 93) 49°832'00). 20.22... -252|ecseeneeen| eee ees 


In accordance with the authority given in the act of Congress of 
February 8, 1867, to increase the Smithson fund in the United States | 
Treasury, the regents disposed of all the State stocks held by the Insti- | 
tution as shown above, with the exception of the Virginia bonds, which 
were at the time so low that it was thought advisable to retain them, 
with the expectation that they would enhance in value, which expecta- 
tion has been realized. The following table, however, shows that the 
value of these bonds has fluctuated: 


HGTV iu Xa eae a S31 HES 1872 hye ae 35, 500 
DS GSR spa set eeu aes 30/000,|,1878 wees. to ae Ree. 37, 000 
BSGOS 0,22 see ee A0vOIS KIST4 Cee & Bh eee 33, 000 
PS AO ae >. uae 499004 1876s ue 35, 000 
AS71220. NOOO TON e Oey oat sae ,... 42,000 


Under the provisions of an act of the legislature of Virginia, of 30th 
March, 1871, the accumulated interest on these bonds was funded by 
the State; that is, the interest was added to the principal, and for two- 
thirds of the increase new bonds were issued, and certificates of indebt- 
edness were given for the remaining one-third. 

These funds are, therefore, of two classes, one known as “ consolidated 
bonds,” due from the State of Virginia, and the other as “ deferred cer- 
tificates,” the payment of which is reserved until an adjustment is made 
between the States of Virginia and West Virginia as to the settlement 
of the State debt prior to their separation. 

The income which the Institution has received from this source is en- 
tirely from the sale of the coupons of the consolidated bonds. 

The bonds and certificates now belonging to the Institution are as 
follows: 

Consolidated bonds. 
58 bonds, Nos. 11521 to 11578 inclusive, for $1,000 each... $58,000 00 
1 bond eNo: 1380, for ‘$500 2.2. fee ee: eee 500 00 
2 bonds, Nos. 4191 and 4192, for $100 each.............-. 200 00 


58, 700 00 
(These bonds are deposited in the Treasury of the United 
States.) 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 581 


Deferred certificates. 


Beate IUly LEST. ss ow ee eb cl oe baes back ee $29, 375 07 
No. 2969 eaters Ne) soiey erate: a aie siera at eteetar ote PON ae ae 50 13 
(These certificates are in charge of Messrs. Riggs & Co.) 


Total par value of Virginia securities ..............- 88,125 20 


The State of Virginia has made only partial provision to pay the in- 
terest on its debt, but, as the coupons of the consolidated bonds are 
receivable for taxes, they have a commercial value, and were sold, by 
direction of the Institution, during the year by Messrs. Riggs & Co., as 
follows: 

Coupons on $58,700, due July 1, 1874, and January 1, 1875; sold June 
14, 1875: 


moe at SOs...) ls. RU es ee $2, 685 00 
mi at SOF... ..:. Re I SR een tec A5T 73 
3,142 73 
Less $ per cent. commission .-...........- 17 55 
3,125 18 
12, at 894, less commission ............- 10 68 
$3,135 86 
3,522 
Coupons on $58,700, due July 1, 1875; sold 31st Decem- 
ber, 1875: 
Bea AG Ages Sake. so wa. =, ole wl sles» o1stetesinlona evehers $1, 488 04 
Less 3 per cent. commission.... .-.. Be 8 80 
—- 1,479 24 
In addition to the above, the Institution had in its posses- 
sion coupons for one-third the interest due on the Ist ot 
January and 1st of July, 1872, amounting to $1,174, the 
remaining two-thirds ($2,348) having been collected by 
Riggs & Co. and sold for the Institution, according to their 
statement of November 9, 1872. (See Smithsonian Report 
for 1872, page 81.) This amount, $1,174, above referred to, 
was sold by Riggs & Co. on the 14th June, 1875, with the 
following result : 
$1,174, at 12..... OE anak eile s srahSiblioke Wie ke Raa $140 88 
ESS COMIMISSIOM) sc e.cyel= eee etal ealerale 5 87 
a 135 O1 


Total amount realized from sale of Virginia coupons in 
SGOT oe ede cte Bass heap hcay chk Satoh eed EI EH Sen cS chp he. 18 4,750 11 
There still remain unsold the coupons on the $58,700 bonds due Ist 
January, 1876. 


082 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


FIRST NATIONAL BANK DEPOSIT. 


At the time of the suspension of the First National Bank, of Wash- 
ington, (19th September, 1873,) in which the current funds had been - 
deposited by direction of the board, there were $8,224.87 to the credit 
of the Institution. The following dividends have been received on this 
deposit : 


1. LL NOV: W873, 50, per COM poo. 2...’ <= -tasacieneeee -.+-- $2,467 46 
2a) epADT I AS 14520) CT ACOING ceyelote =e) «)-\=\ Be elector 1, 644 97 
3. O May Sian DEIRCOMt 2.6 4— oo cysicisisesels Me chelate che 822 48 
47) 20 Deer el S 7b, 10 Mer COME ie)... +/4 ce = eee ee eee 1, 233 73 
75 6,168 64 

Leaving a balance still due of.............2.--.+--- 2,056 23 

8, 224 87 


STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES IN DETAIL FROM THE 
SMITHSON INCOME, 1875. 


Building. 
Repairs and improvements. ...--2.--./---2-+.ss¢ $1, 802 94 
Wurniture and fixtores.s-< 2. Spe ects eee eer 412 17 
$2,215 11 
General expenses. 

Meetings of the boarders. cic te tote cee $227 25 
Lighting the building. 22-22 2... <eieee IE 792 25 
Heating ithe ‘burdldine? ss. 205. 2. a eens ces 953 30 
Postage’... keen PSs lhistal nial s Sele ett et ave ote ets 366 25 
Sbaliomery: . ihe s Wels cceletssletels Mtoe bepertate eyafere irae 413 56 
Incidentals, ice, brushes, insurance, soap, tele- 

GTAmMs, WO. see sp aicie < siete saree elects ei 836 08 
Salaries and clerk-hire........-.. Ueteglaatelee eicbaeyets 13, 161 50 
Purchase of books and periodicals.............- 203 37 

———-—— 16,953 56 
Publications, researches, Ge. 
Smithsonian Contributions... .................- 12,518 31 } 
Miscellaneous collections ... 2.0... -2s/sieccsscaus 288 45 
Annual report, (illustrations and translations).... 1,453 26 
Meteorology and researches..........-.2.-..-.. 1, 4a2 2 
ApPPAralOS eters iciie Veisiek ae oS boebertiate saat 235 60 
Ma bOnatenya weiss eka cis cin wwe emcee ee Eee 41 72 
Te @tBe shee, ee is rhe en's cise va aero eee Reese 400 00 


16, 370 06 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 583 
Exchanges. 
Literary and scientific international exchanges ...........- 6,748 80 


Museum. 


Expenditures in addition to the Government ap- 


PMPMM CUI pate cfs 2s st sh eSeldins Sad ay sedaraae) L908 4D 
Advanced for construction of laboratory of natural 
SMV) i nicicl)o wise ce secs Be Tee eter le sare 9 <a s'a, 2,614 00 


kB GD as 


Total expenditure from the Smithsonian income in 1875.. 46,809 98 


The Institution, as in former years, has made temporary advances for 
the payment of freight on Government collections, &c., the repayments 
of which, together with the amount received from sales of the publica- 
tions of the Institution, have been deducted from the several items of 
the foregoing expenditure, as follows: 


Repayments. 
From exchanges, repayments for freight, &c .............. $1,097 01 
Prom postage, repayments... ..-.00.--05 --.00 sie weisa cemiees 31 23 
Primi researches, repayMents. .. 2c s2. secs sc cece ecwe cee = 98 37 
From Smithsonian Contributions, sales........-.-..--...-- 181 09 
From miscellaneous collections, sales.........--..-.------- 648 43 
From reports, sales.......-.......--.-- oa Sis take pelt Sag aah 7 50 
From incidentals, sales of old material ............-....--- 16 12 
rom cost.of books, repayment... .. 2. ..cies 0c 2 be je cinear oe 7 75 
From museum, repayment of advances.... ....-...-..---. 2,676 05 
4,763 55 
Estimates. 


The following are the estimates of receipts and appropriations of the 
Smithson fund for the year 1876: 


Estimated receipts. 


Interest on the permanent fund, receivable 30th 


IER ELS GAIN OOO! t5 2) cicfecs acess, s\ehei> sepaiafe a = $19, 500 
Interest on the permanent fund, receivable 31st 

December, 1876, in gold.....- .-..--------.--- 19, 500 
Interest on the Hamilton fund..........-.. jane 60 
Probable premium on gold, 10 per cent.......... 3, 906 
Interest on Virginia bonds..... "aah deme tote eceie etic 2, 500 


$45, 466 


584 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


Provisional appropriations. 
Bors MU Mey.) eon ee ete ere ve ete el $2, 000 


For peneral expenses io) be. o egeee see ere se See 14, 000 
For publications and researches .............--. 20, 000 
Mor exchanges... 2212 ci iia eye ete Lies bene ee 7, 000 
For books and apparatus 2220-2 nae: 22. 2 et 1, 000 
For COntINSENGIES 4 2)-veia eerie Sale a iovsioneniee 1, 466 


— $45,466 


NATIONAL MUSEUM. 


The National Museum still continues to be in charge of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, Congress making an appropriation annually of $20,000 
for the care and preservation of the collections. 

The number of specimens is, however, every year increasing from the 
publie surveys and explorations, and the sum appropriated by Congress. 
has never been sufficient to meet the demand for their proper care and 
exhibition. During the past year it has been found necessary to erect. 
an additional building for the use of the Museum taxidermists and pho- 
tographer, toward the expense of which $2,614 have been advanced 
from the Smithson income. In addition to this, $1,908.45 were also 
required to meet the current expenses of the Museum, making a total 
of $4,522.45 expended during the present year from the Smithson income 
beyond the appropriation by Congress tor the Museum. 

The appropriation made by Congress for fitting up the halls has been 
expended in the construction of additional walnut table-cases with glass 
tops and sides, for the exhibition of ethnological specimens. 

At the session of the Board of Regents, January 23, 1875, a resolution 
was adopted to request Congress to make an appropriation of $2,500 to 
increase the heating capacity of the apparatus used to warm the rooms 
occupied by the Government collections. . 

The subject was presented to the appropriate committees of Congress 
and the desired appropriation was granted without dissent. Atter esti- 
mates had been procured, a contract was made with the firm of Baker, 
Smith & Co., of New York, to substitute larger boilers and pipes tor 
those then in use, and the work has been satisfactorily accomplished for 
the amount of the appropriation. 

The following is a tabular statement of the condition of the Museum 
funds: 


Balance unexpended of appropriation for preservation of 

the Government collections, for the fiscal year ending 30th 

June, 1625." (Statutes for 1874) p: 206) 20 eee ae ae $7, 988 62 
Expenditure from January 1, 1875, to July 1, 1875. (Museum 

JOUPH A ACD GO) eo. uls sw aici soo ns epee eee acelin eee 7,988 62 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 585 


Appropriation for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1876. 
_ (Digest of Appropriations, 1876, p. 105.) 


For preservation of collections..........--...- $20, 000 00 
mor aitine up mew halls) .:.-......-..-..5.6-- 10, 000 00 
For completing heating apparatus ...........- 2,500 00 — 


$32, 500 00 
Expenditure from July 1, 1875, to December 31,1875. (Mu- 
SemrrTies OU AOAC. 1.) LG)! ceperae ata oes e302 Sayles --. 22,881 32 


SemEMmeceS UNEXPENGeO « .- 2a )a7 Saline eee ee sew as esl. 42-0) GOLCIS. OS: 
Required for the six months ending 30th June, 1876. 


The estimates submitted by the Institution to Congress for appropri- 
ations for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1877, were as follows: 


For preservation of the collections of the surveying and ex- 


ploring expeditions of the Government ................ $25, 000 00 

For fitting up apartments for mounting and photographing 
SE WERMCANC Me eye aoe ate feie! alata m= eleven sy eee oan See 5, 000 00 
30, 000 00 


This sum is $5,000 less than the amount asked for the previous year. 


All the payments on account of the National Museum have been 
made, during the past year, directly by the disbursing-ofiicer of the 
Department of the Interior on the presentation of vouchers approved 
by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 


SUMMARY. 


The Executive Committee have examined five hundred and ninety- 
eight vouchers for payments made from the Smithson income during 
the year 1875, and three hundred and forty-six similar vouchers for 
payments made from the Congressional appropriations for the National 
Museum, making a total number of nine hundred and forty-four vouchers. 

All of the vouchers have the approval of the Secretary of the Instita- 
tion, and a certiticate setting forth that the materials and property and 
services rendered were for the Institution, and to be applied to the pur- 
poses specified. 

As authorized by a resolution of the Board of Regents, 26th May, 
1874, the committee have also examined the account-books of the Na- 
tional Museum and find the balance of $9,618.68 to the credit of the 
appropriation for the ‘*‘ preservation of the collections” remaining on 
the 1st of January, 1876, to correspond with the certificate of the dis- 
bursing-clerk of the Department of the Interior. 

The quarterly accounts current, bank-book, check-book, and ledger 
have also been examined and found to be correct, showing a balance in 


586 REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 


the charge of the Treasurer of the United States 19th J anuary, 1876, of | 
$20,555.82. | 


Respectfully submitted. 
. PETER PARKER, 
JOHN MACLEAN, 
GEO. BANCROFT, 


Executive Committee. 
WASHINGTON, January 24, 1876. 


JOURNAL AND REPORTS 


OF THE 


BUILDING COMMITTEE 


OF THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 


From 1847 to 1868. 


587 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1847. 


The committee submit to the Board, as a complete record of their proceedings from 
the date of their appointment, on the 5th of February last, to the lst of December 
current, a copy of their journal. 

By reference to that journal, the Board will perceive that the committee, in dis- 
charge of their duty, were led into a somewhat extended field of inquiry, especially 
as regards building material; and that they have been enabled to collect, and have 
duly recorded, a large amount of detailed information on this subject essential to 
their own guidance, but, also, they believe, important to the public generally, and 
especially to the Government, if Congress should decide to erect any other public 
buildings in this city. They caused to be examined the various marble, and granite, 
and freestone quarries within a moderate distance of Washington, having been for- 
tunate enough to engage the services of a gentleman of practical experience as a 
geologist, and who tendered these services gratuitously, his necessary traveling and 
other expenses only being paid. 

The examination embraced the chief marble and granite quarries of Maryland ; 
the freestone quarries of Aquia creek, Virginia, whence the material has been drawn 
for the construction of the Capitol, President’s house, Treasury building, and other 
public structures in this city ; and the freestone quarries of the Upper Potomac, 
chiefly in the vicinity of Seneca creek, on the banks of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
canal, and about twenty-three miles from the city. 

The results of this examination, as contained in reports made by the geologist, and 
which will be found spread at large on our journal, were briefly these: 


1st. That the marble quarries of Maryland, chiefly in the vicinity of the village of 
Clarksville, about thirteen miles from Baltimore, on the line of the Susquehanna 
railroad, contain two qualities of marble: one fine-grained and of beautiful uniform 
color, approaching the character of statuary marble; the other, of inferior quality, 
similar to the Sing Sing marble employed in New York, in Grace church, and other 
public structures, of a somewhat coarse and highly crystalline structure, and known 
to the quarrymen here under the name of ‘‘alum limestone.’? The former was con- 
fidently recommended as a building material equal in durability to any in the world; 
the latter was pronounced inferior, both in beauty and durability, yet capable of fur- 
nishing a very lasting material if the selection was made with care. Being less tough 
than the finer-grained variety, it was thought less suitable for ornaments having bold 
projections, and somewhat liable to chip off where there was much undercutting. 

2d. That the granite quarries of Maryland, in the vicinity of Woodstock, on the 
line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and about sixteen miles beyond the Relay 
House, furnish a granite equal to that of Quincy, and not excelled for beauty of 
appearance, compactness of structure, and uniformity of color, texture, and compo- 
sition, by any granite in the United States; splitting, also, with remarkable facility, 
so that on a block twelve or fourteen feet in length the face of cleavage may not vary 
more than a single inch from a true level; in short, a building material of unsur- 
passed durability and uniformity, and to which, as to the finer-grained marble in the 
Clarksville quarries, no possible objection, except on the score of expense, could be 
found, unless, indeed, it be considered one, that in this material the effect of light 
and shade from projecting surfaces is in a measure lost, while in marble and good 
tinted freestone every shadow is sharply marked. 

3d. That the Aquia creek freestone, heretofore used in public buildings in Wash- 
ington, is a material not to be trusted to, being pervaded by dark specks of the pro- 
toxide and peroxide of iron, which, in peroxidating, acquire a yellowish or reddish 
color, and having occasional clay holes, such as disfigure the Treasury and the Patent 
Office. A portion of this freestone was, indeed, considered durable and free from 
material blemish; but the chance of actually procuring it free from disfiguring spots 

-and stains was considered so uncertain, that it was recommended to refrain from 

using it in the Institution building. 

4th. That the freestone of the upper Potomac, in the vicinity of Seneca creek, and 

589 


590 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


found in quarries close to the line of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, is the best and 
most durable of all the Potomac freestones. 


The lilac-gray variety found in the Bull Run quarry, twenty-three miles from 
Washington, was especially recommended, and pronounced to be equal, if not supe- 
rior, to that supplied for Trinity church, New York, from the quarries of New 
Jersey. 

In aped to this latter material, it was stated that it possessed a quality that should 
especially recommend it to the attention of builders. When first quarried it is com- 
paratively soft, working freely before the chisel and hammer; but by exposure it 
gradually indurates, and ultimately acquires a toughness and consistency that not 
only enables it to resist atmospheric vicissitudes, but even the most severe mechanical 
wear and tear. Thus, on the tow-path of the aqueduct, near Seneca creek, over 
which horses and mules have been travelling almost daily for upwards of twenty 
years, this freestone was found still unimpaired. Even the corners around which 
the heavy lock-gates swing, showed no signs of chipping or decay ; and on the per- 
pendicular wall of the aqueduct, where the water is continually oozing through the 
joints and trickling down its face, forming an incrustation of carbonate of lime, this 
freestone was observed, where the calcareous crust had scaled off, with the grooves 
and ridges of the surface still nearly as distinct as when the blocks first came from 
the hands of the stone-mason, more than twenty years ago. 

The rare and valuable quality possessed by this freestone, of hardening by expo- 
sure to the weather, and which may be due to iron in its composition, passing from 
a lower to a higher degree of oxidation, is occasionally found in building stone on 
the continent of Europe; as, for example, in a calcareous freestone which has been 
excavated for centuries from St. Peter’s mountain, near Maestrich, in Belgium. It 
is highly prized wherever found, as this peculiarity permits the freestone to be 
wrought at considerably less expense than either granite or marble, and imparts to it 
a durability increasing with age. 

Further to test the durability of these various building materials under exposure 
to the vicissitudes of the seasons, specimens of each, and also of other building stones 
from New York and elsewhere, were handed to a gentleman, of this city, experi- 
enced in chemistry, and, having a laboratory at command, he was requested to 
subject these to a process recommended by Brard, a French chemist, and described in 
the ‘‘ Annales de Chimie et Physique;’’ according to which, the crystallization of 
the sulphate of soda is substituted for the freezing of water; and thus, by artificial 
means, the action of the elements on these materials—the alternate freezing and 
thawing to which the external component of a building is in this climate annually 
subjected—is in a measure imitated. The result—which, however, in consequence of 
the short time which could be allowed for the process, must be considered an approx- 
imation only to the truth—is given in a report from the gentleman in question. The 
specimens were reduced to inch cubes; and it was found, after four weeks, that a 
cube of granite had lost about one-third of a grain; a cube of the fine grained mar- 
ble, about one-fifth of a grain; a cube of the best quality of the ‘‘alum-stone,”’ or 
coarser-grained marble, half a grain toa grain and a half; and a cube of freestone 
from the Patent Office, which, however, was judged not to be a fair average speci- 
men of the Aquia creek freestones, lost eighteen grains and a half. Freestone from 
Trinity church lost from two-thirds of a grain to about a grain and a half. The 
brown Connecticut stone, freely used in New York, lost from fourteen to nearly 
twenty-five grains. Coarse-grained New York marble, from Mount Pleasant, lost. 
nearly a grain; NovaScotia coarse-grained sandstone, about two grains; while Penn- 
sylvania blue limestone lost little over a quarter of a grain. 

As to the relative cost of the Maryland granite, Maryland marble, fine-grained 
and coarse-grained, Aquia creek freestone, and Seneca creek freestone, it was found, 
from the report of the geologist and from actual offers made to the committee by 
owners of quarries, and which will be found recorded in the journal of the commit- 
tee, to be, per cubic foot of dimension stone delivered in Washington, as follows : 


Ist. For coarse-grained marble with large crystals, commonly called ‘‘ alum stone,’’ 
from fifty to sixty cents, according to quality. 

2d. For fine-grained marble the lowest offer was seventy cents. 

8d. For granite, forty-six cents. 

4th. For Aquia creek freestone, forty cents. The materal used in the public build- 
ings in Washington, in blocks of ordinary size, has cost from forty to fifty cents. 

5th. For Seneca freestone, the lilac-gray variety, from Bull Run quarry, twenty 
cents. A contract has been made by a gentleman of Washington, not connected 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 591 


with the Institution, to have stone from the Seneca creek quarries delivered to him 


in the city at that price. 


East Chester marble was offered at seventy-five cents. 

The committee ought here to state, that the proposals by owners of granite and 
marble quarries in Maryland, to deliver material for our building, were at a consid- 
erably lower rate than they otherwise would have been, in consequence of the liber- 
ality evinced by the directors of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and of the Balti- 
more and Susquehanna Railroad, towards the Institution. The chairman of the 
committee had an interview with Mr. McLane and Mr. Howard, the presidents of 
these railroads, and the directors of both companies passed resolutions, that if we 
decided to use Maryland marble or granite, they would transport it at the rate of 
two and a half cents per ton, per mile, instead of fowr cents, the usual charge for the 
transportation of similar materials. As it happened, the committee had no occasion 
to avail themseives of this liberal proposal; but it doubtless materially influenced 
the amount of the bids subsequently put in for the erection of the building in mar- 
ble and granite. 

Such is a brief summary of the measures adopted by the committee, and of the 
information collected by them, and which will be found in detail on their journal, on 
the important subject of building material. While engaged in collecting that infor- 
mation, they caused to be inserted in the city journals, advertisements, inviting from 
contractors proposals for the erection of the Institution building; the external walls 
to be of upper Potomac freestone, or of marble or of granite, or of blue gneiss; and 
separate proposals were requested in each of these materials. Meanwhile the archi- 
tect and superintendent attended in the office of the Institution, with specifications, 
ready to give the necessary information to all applicants. 

The day originally set as the last on which bids would be received, was the 10th of 


March; but as the specifications were delayed by the printers several days beyond 


the time appointed by the public advertisement for the inspection of bidders, the 
committee extended the time for receiving bids to the 15th March. 

On the 16th of March the bids were opened, in the presence of the Building Com- 
mittee and of the architect and superintendent. A number of these were found to 
be proposals to deliver materials only, or to execute a small portion of the work, as 
the brick work, alone; the stone cutting at so much per foot, &c. These are spread 
on the journal of the committee, and will be found to contain much valuable infor- 
mation as to prices. 

The bids to erect the building were found to be fourteen in number, and to vary in 
amount from $196,000 to $318,000—the lowest being that of James Dixon & Co., of 
Washington, and the estimate being for Seneca freestone, laid up in rubble masonry. 
The bids by the same firm, as given in the explanatory correspondence of the same 
date and in a personal communication on the 18th March, for ashlar finish, were also 
the lowest put in, namely: 


Horsmarbleiashlarhawe eel ie Mee ee eek ee Se a ee $228,500 
Wadyior| Seneca treestoneashlarick 212 se uel sere ee 205,250 


After a careful examination of the subject, the committee decided that, to the par- 
ticular design as adopted by the Board, with its numerous vertical lines often closely 
approaching each other, the finish of regularly coursed ashlar was the best suited 
and would make a more substantial job than broken rubble. 

They concluded, also, that with a complete conviction on their minds of the dura- 
bility of the Seneca freestone, and with a doubt whether it did not assort even better 
with the Lombard style of architecture adopted than marble, it was inexpedient to 
expend twenty-three thousand dollars additional to obtain the latter material. They 
informed James Dixon & Co., therefore, that their bid of $205,250 for the erection 
of the building in Seneca stone, finished in coursed ashlar, was accepted. 

The result, your committee think, has proved that their selection of material was 
a judicious one. 

On inquiry the committee found that the firm of James Dixon & Co. consisted of 
James Dixon, of Washington, and Gilbert Cameron, of New York. The latter gen- 
tleman executed a portion of the work on Trinity church, and was a contractor on 
Calvary church, New York. 

A contract was signed by the committee, and by Messrs. Dixon and Cameron, on 
the 19th of March. It will be found, accompanied by the specifications, which make 
part of the same, on the journal of the committee. It includes a portion, but not 
the whole, of the furniture; the portion included, however, being the most expensive 
part of it, and comprehending the shelving cases, desks, drawers, and tables, in the 


592 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


laboratory and apparatus room; the book-cases, large tables and alcove desks, in the 
library ; the glass cases in the museum; the seats in the lecture rooms; the elevators, 
with sheaves and counter-weights ; water-closets, completely fitted up; rain-water 
cisterns ; and the chairs and table in the Regents’ room. Flues for heating and ven- 
tilation are provided for, but the expense of heating and lighting is not included. 
‘Cess-pools are included, but no provisions for draining, according to the municipal 
regulations of the city. 

The foundation walls, under the main central towers, are twelve feet thick at bot- 
tom, gradually diminishing to five and a half feet at the surface of the ground, and 
are sunk eight feet deep. ‘The foundations of the rear central tower, excavated to 
the same depth, are ten feet, diminishing to five feet ; of the campanile and octagonal 
towers also ten feet, diminishing to five and six feet deep. The thickness of the walls 
of the main building above the water table, is two feet and a half in the first story, 
and two feet in the second, exclusive of buttresses, corbel-courses, and other similar 
external projections, and exclusive, also, of an internal lining wall of brick, of the 
thickness of a single brick, tied at intervals to the wall, and intended to plaster to. 
The walls of the wings are two feet thick. The central towers are three feet and a 
half thick in the first story, diminishing to two feet in the highest story. 

Inverted arches of hard brick, are turned under all the openings of the foundation. 
Groined arches are turned under the central towers, the campanile the octagonal 
tower, and the tower of the west wing. 

The ashlar facing of the building is to be laid in courses from ten to fifteen inches 
in height, with a bed of nine inches, and the joints to be nowhere over three-eighths 
of an inch. 

The basements, to contain the heating furnaces, also the janitors’ rooms and the 
room to receive Smithson’s personal effects, are fire-proofed. A pine floor, covered 
two inches thick with cement, is carried under the roofs of the whole building. The 
floors, where they are not fire-proofed, have a deafening of lime, clay, and sand. 

The central stair-cases, front and rear, are to be of stone to the museum floor. The 
floor of the gallery of art, embracing the west wing and its connecting range, of the 
laboratory, including the east wing and part of its connecting range, of the central 
hall and the vestibules, also the floors of the basement under the laboratory, under 
the central towers, under the campanile and other towers, together with the cloisters, 
are to be flagged with North river flagging. The floor of the principal lecture room 
will also be flagged with flags, supported on brick cross-walls. ‘The floors of the 
library and museum are to be of pine; and it is not proposed that either of these two 
rooms should be artificially lighted. 

The laboratory wing is to be roofed with slate—the rest of the building, as the con- 
tract now stands, with sheet tin; but the committee propose to roof the main build- 
ing and west wing with slate, paying the difference. 

It was made a condition of the contract that the erection of the building should - 
occupy a period of five years from its date, that term ending on the 19th of March, 
1852. It was also agreed that the building should be erected in such proportions, 
during each year, as the committee might direct, but so that the payments to the 
contractor, in each of the first four years of the contract, should not exceed an annual 
amount of $41,000; and so that the wings and connecting ranges should be com- 
pleted in two years from the date of the contract. Fifteen per cent. on the archi- 
tect’s estimates is kept back until the completion of the building; but interest is to 
be ultimately paid on this percentage, calculated from the dates of the several esti- 
mates. 

On the suggestion of one of the Regents, not a member of the committee, and of 
the Secretary of the Institution, a supplement was appended to the contract, by 
which it was stipulated, that if the Board of Regents should hereafter determine to 
make important alterations in the plan of building, or in the time of its execution, 
then the contractor was to be paid pro rata, according to the prices in the contract, 
for work executed, and reasonable damages, if the nature of the case should justly 
demand it. In case of dispute as to the amount, the matter to be referred to the 
architect of the Institution, or any other architect selected by the committee. 

The contractors gave as security for the faithful performance of the contract, W. 
H. Winter, of Washington, and Horace Butler, of New York. The security was 
approved by the committee ; and a bond, with a penalty of fifty-two thousand dol- 
lars (being one-fourth of the amount of the entire contract) was executed accord- 
ingly. 

The corner-stone of the building was laid on the 1st of May. The details of the 
ceremonies upon that occasion, including the address delivered, in accordance with 
an invitation from the committee, by the Chancellor, and which ceremonies were 


m 


, REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 593 
. 


witnessed by six or seven thousand persons, will be found at large on the journal of 
the committee. 

The contractors proceeded for sometime with the work in partnership; but on the 
first of June Mr. Dixon informed the Board that the work would thereafier be con- 
ducted by Mr. Cameron alone; and since that time, it has been entirely managed 
by that gentleman. 

Mr. Cameron has since proceeded in the work with spirit, and has executed it, upon 
the whole in a manner satisfactory to the committee. Occasional departures from 
the letter of the contract have been pointed out to him, and he has promptly reme- 
died whatever was complained of. He is now covering in the east connecting range, 
and hopes still to cover in the east wing, also, before he shall be arrested by frost; 
though he has been very much retarded in his operations, and has suffered some 
pecuniary loss by the breakage in the canal, caused by the late freshets. Since the 
7th of October, when the first damage was done, until now, the canal has been closed, 
and not a perch of stone has been received. In another week or fortnight there is a 
fair prospect that the damage may be repaired, and water let into the canal. But for 
this accident the contractor would already have covered in the east wing of the build- 
ing. He has now some twelve or fifteen thousand feet of stone lying ready quarried, 
and awaiting the re-opening of the canal. 

The chairman of the committee recently visited the quarry and found the stone 
that had been quarried of excellent quality and color, the tint somewhat lighter than 
the average tint of the present building. It quarries with remarkable facility, and 
the supply is unlimited. 

The contractor has commenced to lay the foundations of the west wing and west 
connecting range, but nothing whatever has yet been done towards the erection of 
the magn building. 

The style of architecture selected by the Board seems to meet with general approval. 
It may be taken as one evidence of this, that a church now in progress of erection 
in Stuyvesant square, New York, and of which the cost will reach some hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars, is built in the same style; as, by a perspective view of 
the same herewith submitted, the board will perceive. 

The lot belonging to the Institution has been fenced in with a paling fence, white- 
washed, which will last at least until the termination of the contract for the build- 
ing. No measures have yet been taken for the erection of a permanent fence. 

Water has been conveyed to the site of the building by tapping the fire plug at the 
engine house in Market Square. The pipe is a strong, leaden one, of inch bore, laid 
two feet below the ground, and the water is conveyed across the canal in an iron pipe 
of two inch bore. 

The contract for the fence was taken by Joel Downer, and that to convey the water 
by Caleb Buckingham, both of Washington. A copy of their respective contracts 
will be found on the journal. After completing the work in a satisfactory manner, 
both of these gentlemen applied to the committee for extra compensation. Mr. 
Downer stated that the fence erected by him cost much more than the amount at 
which he contracted to complete it, and which was paid to him ; and at one time dur- 
ing its progress—to wit: on the 22d of May—he offered to relinquish to the commit- 
tee all he had done, if they would release him from the contract. This, however, 
they declined to do. 

Mr. Buckingham handed in a bill of his expenses, showing a larger amount 
expended than that which, in accordance with the terms of his contract, was paid to 
him, and alleged that he had laid down a heavier pipe than, by the contract, he was 
required todo. On these grounds, he put in a claim for additional compensation. 
The committee declined to allow it, but informed Mr. Buckingham that the matter 
would be by them referred to the Board of Regents. 

The Board will find the particulars of this case, and of that of Mr. Downer, in the 
minutes of their thirty-fourth meeting ; and the committee beg to refer both cases to 
the Board, for their decision as to whether, in either case, relief ought to be granted. 

The total amount expended on the building, and on the fencing of the lot, up to 
this date, the lst December, including superintendence and all incidental expenses 
therewith connected, is $25,002.67, namely : 


He eion@ ameroneCONLLACtOn = == ees = a eae eee ee ees, | 20,640) 00 
Buckingham, supplying water to building_-.._--_-__ ..-----_--. -.---- 650 00 
Downer, for fence, $400; additional rail subsequently added, $60; 

Ry aiLewasnine the: Same, OO. <=... sokee eee ee oe 520 00 
ecEeue MLC US eO ld Cmts as 24 oe ee ae Re geet ee ee tel 200 00 
Bererel NLT rh emer ere ey of Ny, OS en eee er OE eco ee 10 00 


38 


594 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


@Worneér-stone'. 2 2b) 28 LO ee ee eee Ne eee $9 00 
Superintendence, including incidentals therewith connected, and allow- 
ance to architect for original Diguseeeteeeeen =) one eee 2,773 67 


Total toast Decembersilss/aee Se ee ee ee eee $25,002 67 


The committee has made a careful estimate of the probable expenditure for the 
building and lot, all incidentals included, from the Ist December, 1847, to the 19th 
March, “1848, being the end of the first year of the building contract, and set it down 
at $10, 467, 50, thus: 


Payments to\contmactor, boutons 2 0. 52 ok a eee $9,500 00: 
Superintendence and contingencies, about .--------------------------- 967 50 


Total from 1st December, 1847, to 19th March, 1848, about ----_- $10,467 50: 


These two sums added together will give the total amount expended and to be 
expended for the above objects, from the commencement of operations to the end of 
one year from the date of the contract, about $35,470.17. 

It will be observed that the amount paid and to be paid to the contractor within 
that year, will be less than thirty-one thousand dollars; that is, upwards of ten thou- 
sand dollars less than the annual payments to which, by the contract, the contractor 
is restricted. 

The item of superintendence, with its incidentals, is a considerable one. It is 
larger this first year than it will be in any subsequent one: first, because of an allow- 
ance of about two months’ salary to the architect, not in payment of his desigh, but 
to repay the actual expenses incurred during these two months and previously, in the 
mechanical execution of plans and sections of the building, including those which 
embodied the modifications of the original design suggested by the committee 
appointed on the 9th September, 1846, and subsequently adopted by the Board ; and, 
secondly, because it was necessary to engage the services of the architect and super- 
intendent about a month before the actual signature of the contract. 

The annual expense of superintendence is necessarily increased by the circumstance 
that the architect does not reside in Washington. The committee could not afford to 
offer him a salary which might have induced him to abandon his New York business; 
and as in consequence he could be present during a portion of his time only in this. 
city, the alternative was presented to them either to leave the work, during his 
absence, under the control of the contractor, trusting wholly to his judgment and to 
his scrupulous observance of the contract, or to engage the services of a superin- 
tendent who might be always on the spot, to see that no faulty materials nor insufli- 
cient work was admitted into any portion of the structure. They considered this 
latter the more prudent course, and engaged as superintendent a gentleman of much 
experience as an architect and builder, at a salary of $1,000 a year. ‘To the principal 
architect they gave eighteen hundred a year and his traveling expenses—which, as. 
he usually passes between New York and Washington once a month, amount to: 
about three hundred a year—together with actual expenses for stationery, being from 
fifty to a hundred dollars annually. 

In connection with this item of superintendence, the committee remark, that the 
labor and expense of preparing working plans in a style so novel as the Lombard, 
and for a design so irregular as that which has been adopted, are very much greater 
than if the style were one common in this country, or the design characterized by 
greater regularity. 

The expenses necessarily incurred by the Building Committee—which, however, 
are small, as one member only of that committee is a non-resident of Washington— 
are not included as part of the expense of the building ; both because a considerable 
portion of their attention was directed to objects other than the building, hereafter 
to be mentioned, and with which they were charged by the Board, and also because: 
they consider the information embodied in their journal, herewith submitted and in 
this report, to be more than an equivalent, in its value to the public, for the small 
sum to which their expenses amount. 

In regard to the probable expense of completing the building, including its fitting 
up and furnishing, its lighting, heating, drainage, &c., the laying out, planting, and 
permanent fencing of the lot, and all other expenses therewith properly connected, 
as compared with appropriations heretofore made for these objects, the committee 
report as follows: 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 595 


It will be within the recollection of the Board that, on the 28th of January last, 
resolutions were passed by the Board making the following appropriations : 


muncontract, for the building not to exceed _.___. --__-__. = $231,000 
maaume upand furnishing thesame, ‘ - ---.______-__- 3 20,000 
Warming and lighting the same a ao is nc 5,000 
seemanent fence around the grounds “  ----_.--___. 8 ae 10,000 
man outand planting the grounds), **  ___ 4,000 

plovetherpeseer in 22. 2 terme ec nek ole 2. GL ue et el eae $270,000 


No special appropriation was made for superintendence; but the committee was 
empowered, by resolution of the 28th January, in accordance with the fifth section 
of the act organizing the Institution, to ‘‘ employ one or more persons to superintend 
the erection of the building,’’ and they were required to cause the work to be done 
‘to the entire satisfaction of said superintendent or superintendents.’’ The commit- 
tee believe that there is no example in this country of the superintendence of a build- 
ing as extensive as that of this Institution, costing, including all remuneration to 
the architect for the original design, and all incidentals appertaining to the architect’s 
office, less than $3,000 a year. The salary paid to a resident superintending architect 
of such a building, when it is his own design, is usually, without reckoning inci- 
dentals, either $2,500 or $3,000 a year. The committee are justified, then, in setting 
down the entire item of superintendence, pet included in the above appropriations, ) 
with its incidentals, at $3,000 a year. In consequence of the principal architect 
residing in New York, it actually costs a trifle more. 

Nor was any appropriation made to supply the building with water. This item, 
under a favorable contract, has cost $650. 

The item of drainage, also, wasomitted. In consequence of the municipal regula- 
tions of Washington city, it will cost from $1,000 to $1,500. The committee has put 
it down at $1,350. 

If we add to the appropriations specifically made, these necessary items, it will 
appear that the scale of expenditure to which, by the action of the Board, the Build- 
ing Committee have been limited for the completion of the building and grounds, 
all incidentals included, was about $287,000, thus: 


Special appropriations, already enumerated ._..----_--__---__- .------__- $270,000 
Superintendence, including incidentals, say five years, $3,000 a year -__-_ 15,000 
PSEC MAA gS See oe ena Shen ne ne eee 1,350 
meine water ¢o the, building .<- 2 2202 eee sone 650 

$287,000 


The contract, however, for the building, has been taken at a rate much lower than 
the Board seem to have anticipated; at a rate, too, to the credit of the architect it 
should be stated, $15,000 below his estimates. And the contractor has proceeded so far 
with the erection that the committee has had a good opportunity to judge of his com- 
petency and willingness to complete the whole under the conditions of the contract. 
Unless prevented by accident not to be foreseen or anticipated, they do not doubt 
that he will do so. Under these circumstances, although the committee is aware 
that, in the execution of so extensive a work, many contingencies must be expected 
necessarily to present themselves, that will add to its cost; yet they contidently 
believe, that by judicious management and strict economy, the entire expenditure 
for the erection of the building, including the fitting up and furnishing of the same ; 
supplying the same with water ; laying out the lot in grass and planting it with trees 
and shrubs; fencing the same, both with the present temporary fence and the ulti- 
mate permanent one; also all expenses for superintendence of erection, including the 
cost of architect’s office and other incidentals, so as, in fact, to cover all expenses 
whatever that have been incurred, or are to be incurred, on the building and on the 
lot on which it stands, until the completion of the building and of the preparation 
of the lot, up to the 19th of March, 1852, need not exceed $250,000, being $37,000 
less than the sum total, according to the scale of appropriation, heretofore adopted 
by the Board. 

So confident is the committee of the accuracy of the above opinion, that they are 
willing to see passed by the Board stringent resolutions rescinding former appropria- 
tions for these objects, and restricting the committee, in their entire operations, to the 
above amount. 


596 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


By a resolution of the Board of the 5th of February last, the preparation and 
publication of a work to be entitled ‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,” and to contain, 
among its illustrations, views and plans of the Institution building, was intrusted to 
the committee ; and an appropriation of $1,000 was made for that purpose. 

In carrying out that resolution, the committee made with Messrs. Wiley & Putnam, 
one of the most respectable publishing firms in New York, a contract, of which a 
copy will be found on their journal; according to the terms of which, the committee 
agrees to furnish the entire illustrations, which it is stipulated shall not be of less 
value than $1,000; and the publishers, without further cost to the committee, agree 
to furnish a thousand copies of the volume bound in cloth, provided the letter-press 
does not exceed one hundred and fifty pages. 

In order to give increased value to the work, the committee applied to several pub- 
lic bodies, having control of edifices of which the architecture is of reputable char- 
acter, for plates of the same. In the case of one of the New York churches they 
were successful, and they hope to obtain in the same way plates of one or two other 
public edifices. The particulars of these applications will be found at large on their 
journal. 

The committee hope to make this treatise; of which a portion of the manuscript is 
prepared, a work of practical importance, and of national interest. Among the reso- 
lutions on the journal of the committee, several will be found relating to this subject, 
and providing, among other things, that the forthcoming work should include a com- 
parative review of the advantages, economy, and facility of adaptation to modern 
purposes, of various styles of public architecture, particularly the Grecian, Roman, 
modern Italian, Gothic of different ages, and Norman; giving the actual cost, com- 
pared to extent of accommodations, of some of the principal public edifices in the 
United States, in the various styles, including some of the public buildings erected 
in Washington, and elsewhere, by the General Government; also, that, so far as the 
funds permit, the work shall contain illustrations, in the best style of art, represent- 
ing such among the public buildings of the United States as exhibit the purest speci- 
mens of architecture, in various styles, including two perspective views of the Smith- 
sonian Institution on steel; and including, also, one or more perspective views of 
the best designs for the Institution, offered in competition. 

To execute such a plan as this in a reputable manner, the illustrations, including 
numerous wood cuts, essential to a proper elucidation of the text, will, the committee 
have ascertained, cost more than the sum heretofore appropriated. The two steel 
engravings of the Institution building in perspective cannot be obtained, executed in 
the best style of art, for less than $350 to $400 for the two. The committee ask, 
therefore, of the Board an additional appropriation of $1,000. By reference to a 
supplement recently made to the original contract with Wiley & Putnam, and of 
which a copy is given in the minutes of the forty-first meeting of the committee, the 
Board will perceive that such an additional appropriation, expended on illustrations, 
will entitle us to an additional hundred pages of letter-press ; making in all two hun- 
dred and fifty pages. This the committee consider important, as it is doubtful whether 
the number of pages to which, by the original contract, the volume was restricted, 
will suffice for the purpose of the work. 

It will require six months, properly to execute the illustrations of this work; so 
that it cannot be published before next summer or autumn. The committee will pro- 
ce in its preparation as rapidly as is consistent with the proper execution of the 
work. 

It is the purpose of the committee to add to this work, as an appendix, the result 
of the experiments heretofore (to wit, by resolution of the first of March last) author- 
ized by the Board, to determine the economical value of the different building 
materials used in the United States. This will give to the work additional value for 
builders, carpenters, and mechanics, generally. 

For further particulars regarding the various subjects touched on in this report, 
the committee beg to refer the Board to the copy herewith submitted, of their 
journal. They think it would be useful to make that copy a portion of the annual 
report of the Board to Congress. 

They submit also, herewith, the original contracts with Dixon & Cameron, Joel 
Downer, Caleb Buckingham, and Wiley & Putnam; and the security bond signed 
by Dixon & Cameron, Winter, and Butler. 


All which is respectfully submitted, 
ROBERT DALE OWEN. 


W. W. SEATON. 
JOS. G. TOTTEN. 


DrEcEMBER 7, 1847. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 597 


Journal of the Building Committee from the 17th February to the 1st December, 
1847. 


First Meeting, February 17, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. (Mr. Owen, Chairman.) 

On motion of Mr. Hough, it was— 

Resolved, That Robert Mills, architect, be superintendent, at the rate of $1,000 per 
annum, to commence at this date, and continue at the pleasure of the committee. 


Mr. Renwick, architect, being present, was requested to see Mr. Mills and engage 
his services. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That 100 copies of the specifications prepared by the architect be printed, 
for the use of contractors. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Second Meeting; February 23, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter from the Hon. Louis 
McLane: 
BALtTImMorE, February 22, 1847. 


Dear Sir: I understand from our chief engineer that Mr. Howard will recom- 
mend to his board of directors, on Wednesday next, to agree to transport the marble 
on their railroad at 2} cents per ton per mile; and if that rate be adopted,-I should 
recommend the adoption of a similar charge upon the road of this company. My 
final answer, therefore, must await the action of the other company. 

I am, dear sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
LOUIS McLANE., 

To the Hon. Ropert DALE OWEN. 


On motion of Mr. Hough, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Renwick be allowed annually the sum of $1,800 for superin- 
tendence, besides his necessary traveling expenses between New York and Washing- 
- ton, and the neeessary incidental expenses of the architect’s office ; the said salary to 
commence on the day his plan was adopted by the committee of five. 

The chairman laid before the committee a letter from Philip McGaughlin, dated 
Point of Rocks, Frederick county, Maryland; in which he informs the committee 
that a quarry of the very best marble, and of great extent, is to be found there, close 
to the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, and has been examined by himself, and asks the 
committee to send some suitable person to examine the same. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 

Resolved, That Dr. Owen be requested to proceed to visit the said quarry, and also 
the marble quarries in the vicinity of Baltimore, and to report thereon to this com- 
mittee; also, that he be requested to aid Mr. Renwick by preparing the drawings for 
the chemical department. 

The chairman stated to the committee, on the part of Dr. Owen, that any services 
performed by him for the Institution would be gratuitous; his actual traveling and 
other necessary expenses only being paid. 


On motion, the committee adjourned. 


Third Meeting, March 1, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 
The chairman laid before the Board the following letter from Mr, Samuel Worth- 
ington, of Maryland, brother of the ex-member of Congress of that name: 
BALTIMORE County, February 26, 1847. 
To the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. 


GENTLEMEN: I willagree to furnish, and have placed on cars at Cockeysville, any 
quantity of marble for rubble work, from the quarry, undressed other than broken 
as near the required size as practicable, at $1.25 per perch; or, if by the ton, at $1 
per ton. Any marble that may be wanted other than the above, I will deliver on 


598 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


cars, as above, at 70 cents per cubic foot for all sizes under forty feet, and for all 
above forty feet 85 cents per foot. 
Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
SAM’L WORTHINGTON. 


The chairman laid before the committee a reply prepared by him to the above let- 
ter, as follows: 

WasHINGTON, Mareh 1, 1847. 

Str: I yesterday received your letter of the 26th of February, addressed to the 
Building Committee of our Institution, and shall lay it before the committee, which 
meets to-day. 

Will you have the goodness, in addition to the proposals contained in your letter, 
to state to us at how much per perch of twenty-five feet, measured in the building, you 
would be willing to rent to us the quarry-right for so much marble as we may require 
for our building—say about five thousand perches in all. 

I think the Maryland marble, including the specimens I ‘have seen from your 
quarry and from others in the neighborhood, is of very fair quality, and only needs 
a reputation to bring it into general use. But it is necessary for us to get the quarry 
right low, or else the New York marble, which is also of excellent quality, will come 
into competition with it. The owner of the Hasting’s quarry, on the North river, 
has offered the quarry-right, for the sake of the reputation it will obtain if selected 
by our Institution. But I think the freight from there may be a trifle higher than 
that by railroad, if the railroads come down, as I think they will, to 2} cents per ton 

er mile. 
: Whatever material and quarry we may select, the particulars regarding it will be 
published by us in connection with the plans of the building, and a copy sent to every 
literary and scientific society of any importance not only in this country, but through- 
out Europe. The reputation of the quarry we may select will therefore be known 
all over the world. 

If we contract for the quarry right, we shall have to do so subject to the decision 
of the two railroads to reduce their freight to 2} cents per ton per mile. 

This will be handed to you by my brother, Dr. Owen, a geologist, who is instructed 
by our Board carefully to examine the various Maryland quarries, including one at 
the ‘‘ Point of Rocks,’’ from which specimens have recently been sent tous. You 
will oblige the committee by affording Dr. Owen every facility to examine your 

uarry. 
" If vo agree to rent of you the quarry right, we should expect to go into the quarry 
where you are at work. But this need not at all embarrass your own operations. 

If we agree to pay half the expenses of a railroad to connect your quarry with the 
York road, so that the cars could be loaded in the quarry, will you agree to pay the 
other half? Please reply to this. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
Chairman of Building Committee. 
SAMUEL WORTHINGTON, Esq. 


The reply was approved by the committee. 


The chairman laid before the committee a letter from Wm. Robinson, owner of a 
Maryland quarry of ‘‘ white primitive stone,’’ which he offers for the Smithsonian 
building. 

Referred to Dr. Owen. 

The chairman laid before the Board a letter from Peter Gorman, stating that he 
had found a quarry superior to any other he had visited, (Samuel Worthington’s,) 
and which could be rented on cheap terms. 


The chairman informed the committee that he had seen Mr. Gorman since the 
receipt of this letter, and he (Mr. G.) stated that Mr. Worthington was willing to 
rent his quarry for the purposes of the Institution at twenty cents per perch quarry 
right. 

‘Letter laid on the table. 

The chairman laid before the committee the following letter from Mr. Howard, 
President of the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad : 


OFFICE OF THE BALTIMORE AND SUSQUEHANNA RAILROAD CoMPANY, 
BauLtimoreE, February 24, 1847. 
Dear Srr: In compliance with your request, I submitted, to-day, the proposition 
that we should unite with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in transporting 


9 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTER. 599 


_ rough marble for the Smithsonian Institution, from the quarries in Baltimore county 


to Washington, at a charge of 23 cents per ton per mile for the whole distance. 

I regret that I cannot yet give you an answer. The period has now arrived for 
the appointment, by our legislature, of directors of the company on the part of the 
State, who will constitute a majority of the whole board. 

Expecting every day to hear of such appointment being made, the directors have 
not deemed it expedient to enter at this moment into a contract which will last for 
several years, and thereby forestall the action of their successors, should the Legisla- 
ture think proper to make any changes in the board. 

This question will probably be settled before this day week, when I hope to be 
prepared to give you the decision of the company. 

Hoping that this unavoidable delay may not be productive of any inconvenience 
to the Regents of the Institution, or to the committee of that body with which you 
are acting. 

I am, very respecfully, your obedient servant, 

CHARLES HOWARD, President. 

Hon. Ropert Date Owen, Chairman of Building Committee. 

The letter was laid on the table. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That, as the specifications were not furnished by the printers by the time 
appointed by public advertisement, for the inspection of bidders, the time for receiv- 
ing bids for the work specified in the advertisement of the Building Committee be 
extended from the 10th to the 15th instant. 


On motion, the committee adjourned. 
Fourth Meeting, March 6, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 
Mr. Seaton laid before the committee a letter from Mr. Peter, owner of a quarry on 
the margin of the canal, near the mouth of Seneca creek, as follows: 
MonTE VIDEO, NEAR DARNESTOWN, 
MontaomeEry Co., MaryLanp, December 9, 1847. 


Dear Sir: Yours of the 5th instant was received by yesterday’s mail, in which 
you state that the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution have in their possession a 
specimen of red sandstone, taken from my quarry, on the margin of the canal. I 
am unable to determine from which particular quarry the specimen they have in their 
possession was taken, as several have been opened, and there is a continuous line of a 
mile in length of similar stone, equally convenient to the canal. 

The aqueduct at the mouth of Seneca creek, and many of the locks, both above 
and below, are constructed of stone derived from my land. 

The jury, in condemning the quarries for the use of the canal company, allowed 
me twenty-five cents a perch for the backings; that is, all stone intended for cut 
work, twenty-five cents—all calculated for hammered work, twelve and a half cents 
a perch ; and for these prices would I grant permission to obtain stone for any pur- 

ose. 
, The excellence of the material—for it is capable of withstanding any exposure— 
the facility with which it is obtained, and the ease with which it may be transported 
by the canal to the spot where required, would, I should suppose, give it a decided 
preference over any stone which could be brought in competition with it, for the pur- 
poses of the Institution. 

As to quantity, it is unbounded, and in texture and shade a great variety ; and in 
such a building as, I have no doubt, the Smithsonian Institution will be, would pre- 
sent not only an appropriate, but a pleasing contrast with the other public edifices in 
Washington. 

It would afford me great pleasure to see it selected by the Regents as the material 
of which the edifice shall be constructed ; and the very liberal price at which it is 
offered, may, I hope, have its influence in securing its adoption. 

It will afford me pleasure to answer any inquiry the Regents may desire to make 
in relation to the stone, and to afford every facility to an agent, should they think 
proper to send one, in making any examination. 

Yours, very respectfully, JOHN P. C. PETER. 

W. W. Seaton, Esq. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 

Resolved, That on the return of Dr. Owen from the marble quarries of Maryland, 


600 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTER. 


he be requested to visit the different sandstone quarries in the vicinity of Seneca 
creek, and make a report on their extent, and their general character and fitness for 
furnishing a suitable material for the Smithsonian building. 


Mr. Owen submitted the following letter : 

BALTIMORE County, March 6, 1847. 

Sir: Yours of the 1st instant has been duly received, and, in reply, I would state 
that I am almost entirely uninformed as to the sizes of the stone required, and am at 
a loss how to propose for the material. 

If you would do me the favor to send me, immediately, a specification of the stone 
wanted, I will then propose for the stone, whether the rubble stone is to be worked 
and made ready for the mason, or in the rough state from the quarry. 

You may have misapprehended my former letter; that was for the rough and the* 
ordinary size building stone. As to the quarry-right, the price would depend much 
on which quarry you might want the right to quarry into; Ihaveseveral. I should 
be much pleased to furnish you with whatstone you may want, should you determine 
to use our stone, and think the material to be as good as any in our neighborhood. 

Please write immediately on the reception of this, in order that I may have time 
to propose by the 20th instant. I was this day with some of the directors of the Sus- 
quehanna road, and I think they will agree to take the proposed amount—that is to 
say, 2} cents per mile. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL WORTHINGTON. 


Hon. R. D. Owen, Chairman of Building Committee. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 

Resolved, That the reply to the above be postponed until the return of Dr. Owen 
from Maryland. 

The chairman laid before the committee the following report from Dr. Page, 
appointed to make examination of building materials: 


To the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, on the action of frost 
upon certain materials for building. 


Of the twenty-five specimens of stone submitted to me for examination with 
reference to their relative properties in resisting the disintegrating action of frost, I 
have been able to investigate but twenty-two; the remaining specimens, marked, re- 
spectively, 1, 9, 5 D, being too small to submit to the test. It was thought desirable 
to ascertain their specific gravities, with a view to determine if any connection existed 
between their densities and liability to dilapidation. The result leads us to infer that 
such relation does not exist, and that the texture of the stone, without reference to 
density, determines the frangibility under the influence of frost. Resort was bad in 
these experiments to an imitation of the operation of freezing water after the pro- 
cess described by Brard, a French chemist, in the ‘‘ Annales de Chimie et Physique,” 
vol. 388. The details of the process will presently be given. 

The absorption and subsequent freezing of water within the stone would have been 
a more energetic mode of action; but the undertaking would prove one of consider- 
able practical difficulty, and, on the whole, not so reliable as an experiment, unless, 
perhaps, the circumstances were such as to admit of their exposure to natural freezing 
under favorable circumstances. 

The process of Brard consists in substituting the crystallization of the sulphate of 
soda for the freezing of water, and has met with the approval of many French archi- 
tects and engineers, as the results accord with their experience. In the freezing or 
crystallization of water, the expansion is such, that the crystals float; while in the 
crystallization of sulphate of soda, and other soluble salts, the crystals sink in the 
solution ; but, notwithstanding, the exertion of the crystalline forces of these salts is: 
sufficient to produce decided impressions upon the hardest of building materials in a 
few weeks. 

The specimens of stone furnished me by your Board were all numbered as accord- 
ing to the subjoined table; and it may be proper to remark, that their localities and 
respective values, as usually estimated, were unknown to me until after the results. 
of the experiments had been laid before you and approved. 

Six numbered specimens were also handed to me by Mr. Dewey, and are marked, 
respectively, 1 D, 2 D, &c. The specimens were cut into inch cubes; three of the 
whole number being of insufficient size, were laid aside, as above mentioned. The 
cubical blocks, suspended by strings, to which the respective numbers upon labels 
were attached, were first immersed in a boiling solution of sulphate of soda, saturated 
when cold; and after remaining half an hour in the boiling liquid, they were 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 601 


removed and hung upon a frame over half-pint bowls, containing also a quantity of 
the cold saturated solution. ' 
In the course of 24 hours a considerable efflorescence was found upon the surface 


of each specimen, consisting of the crystals of the salt mixed with comminuted 


. 


portions of the stone. These were washed off daily, by simultaneously immersing 
the stones in the solution in the bowls, and suffering them to remain there for a few 
minutes. This proceeding was repeated daily for one week, when it became necessary 
to deviate from Brard’s directions, and to keep them in a moderate temperature, 
instead of a cold cellar, as he advises. It was obvious that the investigation would 
be exceedingly protracted unless the crystallization of the salt were promoted by 
moderate warmth, as by this time the detritus from some specimens was hardly vis- 
ible. 

After the change, the process went on with greater rapidity; and at the end of 
four weeks the dipping was stopped, and the sediment or deposit in each bowl was 
earefully weighed, and furnished the results as given in the table. In some cases thé 
comminution of the stone was exceedingly fine; and in the washing and decanting 
process, ample time was allowed for the deposit to settle after each washing, and the 
utmost care used in the subsequent operations of decanting, drying, and weighing. 
The time of one week for the operation of dipping the stones in the solution was not 
deemed sufficient, as the deposit from the marbles and some other varieties was hardly 
apparent; and it was, therefore, continued, as above stated, four weeks, and thus the 
slight errors of manipulation, if any occurred, are proportionally diminished. 


Disintegrating effects of frost upon stones used for Building Materials. 


Specimens Specific ee yi 
arked. gravity. jin grains. 
No. 1] Not tested; the’specimen being too small. 
No. 2 | Symington’s close-grained marble (similar to Worth- 
MMP POMUS eo 2 oe sk eee ee ees eee a eed 2.884 0.19 
No. 8 | Connecticut sandstone, coarsest grained quality.*_-----|_----.--| 14.36 
No. 4] Dark red Seneca sandstone (similar to Peter’s) -------- 2.672 0.70 
ony 5) Symineton’s large crystal marble -_-._____- -_-----=__- 2.857 0.50 
ose 6: | oymington’s blue limestone -22-_"=- - =~ 2-2 2.613 0.84 
No. 7 | Coarse, large crystal marble, Mt. Pleasant, New York-| 2.860 0.91 
Bee OMe ort, Deposit eranite—2u2 22h fk ee ee 2.609 5.05 
No. 9] Too small to examine. 
No. 10 | Trinity sandstone, fine grained and light colored *___~_|---- ---- 1.58 
No. 11 | Connecticut sandstone, finer grained quality_---------- 2.583 | 24.93 
No. 12 |} Nova Scotia sandstone, coarse grained .___-~ ---------- 2.518 2.16 
No. 18 | Light Seneca sandstone, dove-colored ~~-~-- ---------- 2.486 1.78 
No. 14 | Pennsylvania marble, close-grained__--~- --.--------- 2.727 0.85 
ier 15 |) Pennsylvania blue limestone _-_-_.---__--...--_-____- 2.699 0.28 
4 T C | Trinity Church light colored, close grained sandstone, 
INiegvA Orbe vies sees Meee in EA e 2 ey cae eee ee 2.482 0.62 
Peon Patent Office light sandstone =-_---=__- <--L=_=_ == 2.23 18.60 
Sebel oot brick==== sean SOE So hs BIS ee ee 2.211 16.46 
em eiandeprickyes ee Been ee eaten De eee vee 2.294 1.07 
1’) | Granite from Potomac Great Walls*__.--—-—-- --_-___-|_----_=- 0.85 
2 D | Dark coarse sandstone, of Seneca aqueduct, Peter’s 
QUAL y ts les nares ee ee 5.60 
8 D | Sandstone, four miles above No. 2 D, Peter’s, next 
West ObMscaner Gath QUATTY === sneer 1.58 
4 D | Dark sandstone, from quarry near Wood’s residence*__}-------- 3.94 
5 D | Not tested, specimen being too small. 
6 D | Lower stratum, Beaver dam quarry*-_--------------- vos 1.72 


* Specifie gravity not ascertained. 
Respectfully submitted, by CHARLES G. PAGE. 
WasuHinaton, D. C., March 5, 1847. 


Laid on the table. 


602 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That Mr. Hough be a sub-committee to revise the details of the specifica- 
tions, with a special reference to the solidity, security, and economy of the building, 
and to report thereon to this committee; specifying what changes, if any, he may 
deem necessary or expedient. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, the following resolution was adopted : 


Whereas the Board of Regents did, on the 5th day of February, pass the following 
resolution, to wit: 


‘* Resolved, That the Building Committee, in conjunction with the Secretary, be 


authorized to publish, in such form as they may deem most appropriate, one thousand: | 


copies of a brief treatise, to be entitled ‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,’’ and to be 
illustrated with designs of the plan of the building adopted for the Smithsonian 
Institution, and at the option of the committee, with any other designs that are the 
property of the Institution: Provided, That the cost of the same shall not exceed one 
thousand dollars, which sum is hereby appropriated for that purpose ;’? Therefore— 


Resolved, That Mr. Owen be a sub-committee to prepare, after consultation with 
the Secretary, the said treatise, and to contract for the necessary illustrations; pro- 
vided he submit the same to this committee before publication. 


The chairman submitted a table of the value of different kinds of plank and scant- 
ling—Mount Crawford, Rockingham county, Virginia. 


Referred to the architect. 
On motion, the committee adjourned. 


Fifth Meeting, March 12, 1847. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter from the chief engi- 
neer of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company: 


ENGINEER’s OFFICE, BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD, 
Bautimor#, March 1, 1847. 

Str: I have been requested by Mr. McLane, the president of this company, to 
communicate to you that the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad Company has not 
yet decided to join this company in the transportation of marble, in the rubble form, 
to Washington, for the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution, at the rate (2} cents 
per ton per mile) suggested by you. The president of the Susquehanna Company 
informed me to-day that he would apprize you by letter of the reasons of the delay 
on the part of his company. 

I have only now, by Mr. McLane’s desire, to repeat that the Baltimore and Ohio 
Company is ready, upon reasonable notice, to enter into the transportation, whenever 
the Susquehanna Company is prepared to unite with it in the operation, at the rate 
which has been mentioned. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

BENJAMIN H. LATROBE, 
Chief Engineer. 

Hon. Robert Date Owen. 


Laid on the table. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter from the President of 
the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad Company, relative to rates of freight: 


OFFICE BALTIMORE AND SUSQUEHANNA RAILROAD Co., 
BALTIMoRE, March 8, 1847. 


Dear Sir: I am now authorized to say that the president and directors of this 
company will unite with those of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in an 
agreement to transport the limestone or rough marble for the building of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, from the quarries on the line of the railroad of this company to 
‘Washington, a distance of 53 miles, for 2} cents per ton of 2,000 Ibs. per mile. The 
company will agree to carry 75 tons per week whenever required. 

From the communications I have had with the officers of the Baltimore and Ohio 
Company, I feel well assured that no difficulty will be experienced in making such 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 603 


an arrangement with the two companies as will be entirely satisfactory to the Build- 
ing Committee of the Regents, and to the person with whom they may contract. 
*Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
CHARLES HOWARD, President. 
Hon. Ropert DALE OwEN, 
Chairman of the Building Committee. 


Laid on the table. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter, containing proposals 
to furnish marble from the State of New York: 


New Yor«, March 6, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: I will furnish white marble from my quarry, at Hastings, on the 
Hudson river, for the Smithsonian Institution, as follows: 


110,000 feet of rubble facing, one foot thick, at 80 cents per foot, measured 


aCe Rwy; et lee eens aa Oe be SRE ee ee See bl see ike 30 cents. 
20,000 cubic feet dimension, one foot thick, for cutting, at 98 cents per 
CUbIGHOOtoesaeoa Lt ee meres eee ce ete coe ant a eee 98 cents. 


Delivered in the city of Washington. 
Very respectfully, 
JOHN B. GLOVER. 
A. R. RayMonpD, Bondsman. 


Hon. Rosert Date Owen, 
WiiiaM J. Hoven, | pusaing Committee. 
W. W. Seaton, 


Laid on the table. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter, making proposals to 
furnish marble from Massachusetts : 


West StTocKBRIDGE. 


Dear Sir: I understand from Mr. Hooker, of New York, that your plan has 
been adopted for the Smithsonian Institution, and that you are receiving proposals 
for marble for buttresses, blocks, caps, coping, and ornamental bands. I submit the 
following proposition for your consideration : 

I propose to furnish you blocks of marble, for all sizes under 4,000 tbs. weight, for 
eighty cents per cubic foot, trimmed near the size, and delivered at Washington. 

I have not the plan before me. Mr. Hooker states that there will be from twenty- 
five to thirty thousand feet of said stone; if that is the quantity, I will pledge myself 
to furnish it in two years from the date of contract, or comply with your terms in 


regard to time. 
Yours, &c., MILO M. PARRISH. 


Surety—Thomas Milligan, Wm. Milligan, Gilbert Milligan. 
Mr. Renwicr, Architect. 


N.B.—Furthermore; I think that it would be advisable to try Stockbridge mar- 
ble; it can be worked for some six cents cheaper than any other marble in this 
country. 

Mr. Thomas Milligan was one of the firm of Leonard and Milligan, who had a 
contract on the water-works at Dobb’s ferry. 


Laid on the table. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter, making proposals to 
furnish lumber, from Philadelphia : 


PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: I do hereby propose to deliver all the lumber required in the erec- 
tion of the Smithsonian Institution, including hemlock, white pine, yellow pine, 
(including the flooring,) for the sum of twenty-six dollars per thousand feet, and will 
give security for the faithful performance of the contract. 

I consider my bid as worthy the notice of the committee, and would be glad to 
confer with them on the subject, should they deem it advisable. 

I have on hand a large supply of seasoned lumber, and arangements for the supply 
of any quantity wanted. 

I would respectfully refer the committee to the Hon. James Buchanan, Secretary of 


604 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


State, should they desire information as regards my ability to perform any engage- 
ments I may enter into. Please address me at this place if you wish me to go on to 
the city of Washington. ’ 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
SAM’L M. LEIPER. 


To the BuILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 
Laid on the table. 


The chairman submitted, from Dr. David Dale Owen, the following report on the 
Baltimore county quarries : 


To the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution : 


GENTLEMEN: In conformity with your instructions, I have examined a number 
of quarries in the vicinity of Baltimore, and also one at the Point of Rocks, with a 
view to ascertain the extent and quality of the building material they furnish, and 
report as follows: 

Extensive quarries of white crystalline marble commence about twelve and a half 
to thirteen miles from Baltimore, near a small village called Texas, or Clarksville, on 
the line of the Susquehanna railroad. 

The first quarry visited is that owned by Fell and Robinson, who are largely 
engaged in lime burning. It lies on the west side of, and only a few paces from, the 
main track of the railroad. The surface layers are, by barometrical measurement, 
forty feet above the level of Cold Spring creek, a small stream running through this 
quarry ; and ledges of marble extend down to the banks of that stream and form 
its bed; varying, however, at different heights, somewhat in texture and appearance. 

The purest variety in this quarry is of a coarse and highly crystalline structure, 
varying in tint from a pure white to a faint shade of bluish or grayish white, as may 
be seen by inspection of the various specimens. It is known to the quarrymen under 
the name of ‘‘ alum limestone.”’ 

The course of this purer variety is northwest and southeast, with an average width 
of 150 feet, and extending 525 feet back to Fell and Robinson’s west boundary line. 
Taking the average depth of this quarry at 18 feet, its solid contents may, therefore, 
be estimated at 18 & 150 & 525 = 1,417,500 cubic feet, or 56,700 perches, in this 
single quarry. 

North of this white crystalline marble, the rock gradually assumes a shade of blue 
or gray, as may be observed by inspecting specimen No. 4. 

The upper layers at Fell and Robinson’s quarry are banded with kight gray veins. 
Below this are at least three feet of pure, highly crystalline, white limestone. Judg- 
ing from specimens detached from the inferior projecting layers, there is evidently a 
great body of the same kind of rock beneath, with probably some banded beds, sim- 
ilar to the upper beds previously described. 

On the east side of the railroad and close to it, some four hundred or five hundred 
yards from Robinson and Fell’s quarry, Griscom and Borrough have opened quar- 
ries. The rock here is of the same character as that in Robinson and Fell’s quarry, 
and equally good; see specimens Nos. 2 and 2a. Some nests in this quarry are of a 
closer grain than the main beds; see specimen No. 2ad. 

The ledges of this rock, wherever it projects through the soil, and has been exposed 
probably for ages, have a dark appearance on the surface, apparently from incrusta- 
tions of lichen; but when broken, the discoloration is seen to be superficial, not 
extending at all into the substance of the rock ; see No. 5d. 

The dip of the beds seems to be generally to the southwest, at an angle of perhaps 
20° to 25°. 

There is no difficulty in draining these quarries, since there is twenty to forty feet 
of rock entirely above the level of water drainage. 

The top layers are sometimes in detached and more or less rounded masses; owing, 
no doubt, to the corrosive influence of water containing carbonic acid, or some 
organic acid, percolating through the superficial soil, corroding and dissolving the 
accessible edges of the calcareous layers. 

Over the upper beds lies usually ferruginous earth of deep red color, forming a 
remarkable contrast to the snow-white marble beneath ; indeed, this appearance on 
the surface might, perhaps, often serve as a guide to the detection of the white mar- 
bles of this region. 

Symington’s quarry lies in the same vicinity, about three hundred to four hundred 
yards from the main track. The owner of this, as well as the other quarries here, 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 605 


intend to have switches (that is, lateral branch railroads) running into their quar- 
ries. 

The rock here is of a rather finer crystalline structure than that of the preceding, 
with a slight cast of blue; see specimens Nos. 8 and 8a. A solid bed is exposed, of 
nearly uniform texture, about nine feet thick. Blocks weighing several tons are now 
lying in the quarry. At the top of the quarry there are some beds with gray mica 
disseminated ; such must, of course, be rejected. The dip is here as at the other 

uarries. 
i Thirteen and a half miles from Baltimore and half a mile east of the railroad, and 
about one mile northeast of the previously described localities, is a quarry on 
land owned by Chisilla Owens. The rock here is also a white and highly crystalline 
marble, of a good color, similar to that in the vicinity of Texas; but the quarry is 
not yet opened; the surface indications are, however, very favorable for a body of 
good ‘‘alum limestone.’”’ For sample of this material, see specimen No. 6. : 

In the vicinity of the same railroad, a little further to the north, in the neighbor- 
hood of Cockeysville, fourteen to fifteen miles from Baltimore, are several other 
marble quarries. 

The first visited was on land owned by Messrs. Taylor, and situated about a quar- 
ter of a mile west of the railroad. The rock exposed here differs from that of the 
Texas quarries, in being rather closer grained and the surface layers more granular ; 
see specimen No. 5. At this locality a block was got out upwards of seventeen feet 
long, which was presented to the Building Committee of the Washington Monument 
at Baltimore ; out of this block the statue on the summit was sculptured. 

Loose blocks of similar character to that in the quarry are seen all over the surface 
of the adjacent hills. 

The lower beds are not exposed in Mrs. Taylor’s qaarry. 

Four hundred to five hundred yards nearer the railroad, a better cemented and 
rather more compact marble crops out to the surface; but no quarry is opened here 
to enable one to form a correct judgment as to the extent, thickness, or uniformity of 
the beds. Still, from the persistency of the same material throughout this region, 
one may predict, with tolerable certainty, that there is here, deeper seated, a great 
mass of valuable material. 

Part of the marble employed in the construction of the Washington Monument at 
Baltimore was obtained at this quarry of Mrs. Taylor’s, and part of it from Scott's 
quarries, five miles further to the North. The latter is said to be of an inferior 
quality. Of this I had no opportunity of judging personally, as I did not visit the 
quarry, thinking it was too far out of the way. 

Three quarters of a mile from the railroad, and a mile and a half or two miles 
northeast from Texas, is another quarry, on Mrs. Taylor’s property. This quarry has 
been wrought for fifteen years, and supplied Baltimore with a great deal of marble. 
The upper layers, (see specimen No. 56,) at this place, are, from some peculiarity, 
either of texture or chemical composition, much disposed to crumble to calcareous 
sand, which has been employed to advantage as a mineral manure on land. The 
inferior beds are of a sounder material, and lie more regularly than usual, but the 
rock is not of as pure a color, being banded with gray stripes; see specimen 5c. Dip 
very slight to the south. 

One hundred yards south of this is another quarry, on Chisilla Owen’s property. 
This rock is of a beautiful texture and good color, as may be seen by specimens No. 
5d and No. 7. It lies in tolerably distinct strata, and nearly horizontal, but it is 
traversed by minute cross-fissures, which detract much from the value of the mate- 
rial, inasmuch as large, solid blocks cannot be got out, at least from the exposed lay- 
ers; a sounder material may, perhaps, be obtained lower down. 

A little northwest of this is Baker and Conly’s quarry, near Beaver Dam creek. 
This quarry is well opened, presenting a perpendicular face of fifteen feet or upwards ; 
four and a half to five feet in this quarry, as far as opened, is tolerably good marble, 
(see specimen No. 8;) but the upper beds are of inferior quality, being contaminated 
by a thin interlamination of mica in the interstices of the stratification. 

Nests of sulphuret of iron also occur here, which would render necessary a very 
careful selection. There are, at present, in this quarry several blocks that would fill 
a room of ordinary size. 

Between this quarry and Chisilla Owen’s quarry, on Beaver Dam creek, and about 
two hundred to three hundred yards from the last described, Mr. Baker has quarried 
out a considerable quantity of white marble of very superior quality. Unfortunately, 
the ledges of rock here are but little above the level of Beaver Dam; it is said, how- 
ever, that when this quarry was worked, it was easily kept drained by a one-horse 
pump. The fact of good marble occurring at this low level on Beaver Dam, renders 


606 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE, 


it more than probable that good marble will be found in the adjacent quarries just 
mentioned at a considerable lower level than where they are now worked. 

On the northwest branch of Beaver Dam, between fifteen and sixteen miles from 
Baltimore, and rather more than a mile from the railroad, are Mr. Worthington’s 
marble quarries, and saw-mill for cutting it into dimension stone. 

The rock in this vicinity is mostly composed of small aggregated crystals, of less 
size and finer texture than the ‘‘alum-marble.”’ 

The old quarry was first visited. It is situated on a hillside, fifteen feet, by the 
barometer, above the drainage level of the northwest branch of Beaver Dam. The 
top rock here is not pure, nor even bedded; but beneath, at the above level, com- 
mences a marble of snowy whiteness, passing into one with a blue tinge; see speci- 
mens 10w and 1001. This marble spauls with ease and precision, nearly as well on 
the edge as the bed, and is free to work in every way. This is also the case with the 
marble taken from Baker’s lower quarry ; and indeed all the finer marbles have the 
same property, unless they are laminated and schistose. The marble here admits of 
being split out of considerable length, twenty or even forty feet. The face, however, 
when thus split, is more or less irregular, varying four to six inches or more from a 
true level surface. 

On the other hand, the facility of spauling enables it to be brought to the desired 
dimensions with comparatively little labor. The blue-tinged variety quarried here 
is but little inferior in appearance to the virgin white. Both varieties, though they 
do not admit of receiving a high polish, like the best quality of Carrara marble, can 
nevertheless be wrought into very fine ornamental work, with a beautifully sharp 
arris, as may be seen by the specimen with raised lettering, and that cut into a cap- 
ital carved by Mr. Parkie, of Baltimore. 

The lower beds are not exposed on the quarry face, but outcropping ledges can be 
seen in various places around the slopes of the rising ground; also in the bed of the 
creek, and everywhere in the bottom, where ditches have been dug two or three feet 
deep; all indicating that a region of country of three quarters of a mile square is 
underlaid by rock of similar character. 

Mr. Worthington has opened a new quarry on a hill about half a mile southwest, 
and by barometrical measurement 40.8 feet above the level of the northwest branch 
of Beaver Dam creek, at the stone saw-mill. This quarry is about three quarters of 
a mile on the east side of the railroad. The upper masses are alone at present 
exposed. 

They are rather more disposed to crumble than the best quality of the old quarry 
rock, but it is far superior to the upper beds at that locality, and there is every 
reason to believe that the best quality of rock is not yet reached; indeed, probe- 
holes have been already sunk three feet into the floor of the present quarry, which 
show that there are solid ledges of white marble of the same texture beneath. 

The hill on which the new quarry is situated is estimated, at the lowest calculation, 
two hundred yards square; and it may be excavated for twenty-five feet in depth 
without being incommoded with water. 

Within the last five years, at least twenty-five thousand cubic feet of dimension 
stone have been taken out of these two quarries. 

An experienced stonecutter of Baltimore, who has worked a great deal of fine- 
grained marble, thinks there may be some difficulty in procuring dimension-stone of 
that quality of greater thickness than twenty inches. The same individual is of 
opinion that Baker’s lower quarry might furnish a material of uniform color, of 
greater thickness. He has worked both the fine and the coarse crystallized marbles 
of Baltimore county; and his experience is, that the fine-grained marble dulls the 
tool more than the ‘‘ alum stone,’’ and is more difficult to saw, because, as he expressed 
it, the fine-grained rock contains most flint. He is, moreover, of opinion that the 
fine-grained is rather more apt to stain. There is a difference of opinion, however, 
on these matters. An accurate chemical analysis would throw light on this subject. 
There is also a difference of opinion as to the presence and proportion of magnesia in 
the different samples of these rocks. Some contend that the coarse crystalline mar- 
bles contain most magnesia, and that none of these Baltimore marbles have less than 
five per cent. of that alkaline earth. These are points which can be alone settled by 
minute chemical researches. Such analysis would also throw much light on their 
comparative durability ; since, in the opinion of recent writers on this subject, the 
greater the proportion of accidental magnesia, the more liable the rock is to disinte- 
grate until it reaches a quantity equivalent in proportion to the lime, and then unites 
with it to form a true dolomite or magnesian limestone; a very durable building 
material, and the same which was selected, after careful research, for the exterior of 
the new Houses of Parliament in England. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 607 


As already remarked, iron pyrites (bi-sulphuret of iron) occurs occasionally in 
these marbles, in nests, both at Worthington’s and Baker’s quarries; see specimen 
10 p. This mineral is much prone to undergo chemical changes by the action of the 
oxygen of the atmosphere; the sulphur passes into the state of sulphuric acid, the 
iron into oxide of iron, forming copperas or bi-sulphate of iron, a salt easily soluble 
in water, which is gradually removed; leaving, of course, a cavity in which water 
may lodge and freeze, whilst at the same time the oxidation of the iron spreads a dis- 
agreeable ferruginous yellow stain around the spot. For this reason great care should 
be taken, in selecting marble, to reject all masses contaminated with this mineral. 

The only locality in the neighborhood of Worthington’s quarries where a marble 
of the structure of the ‘alum stone ”’ was observed, is in the immediate vicinity of 
his dwelling house; here, for a short distance, a white marble of that texture occu- 
pies the surface. Three hundred to four hundred yards beyond, on Prospect Hill, at 
a height of two hundred and twenty-one feet above the bed of the northwest branch 
of Beaver Dam creek, a highly ferruginous mica slate, charged with garnets, reaches 
the surface: this seems to be the boundary of that formation on the east. This gar- 
netiferous micaceous schist may possibly serve to define the limits of the white marble 
formations, and may, perhaps, be the means of detecting these metamorphic marbles 
elsewhere. 

One mile north of Texas, close to the railroad, is a quarry owned by Chisilla 
Owens, and now worked by Mr. Cooper. The rock here is well bedded, and may be 
quarried with ease; but the beds are, for the most part, thin, and there is an inter- 
lamination of mica. Here the dip is to the northeast, in an opposite direction from 
what it is in the Texas quarries. There is a bed of white crystalline marble (‘‘ alum 
stone ’’) in this quarry, of about two to two and a half feet thick; whether it extends 
of uniform appearance and thickness through the hill, is not clearly seen in the pres- 
ent state of the quarries. The blocks lying in the quarry are of very regular dimen- 
sions, and the surface comparatively even, but they are not large, and many of the 
beds are interlaminated with mica; see specimen No. 11. 

In the vicinity of Texas is a quarry owned by Judge Nesbitt, which has afforded 
some good white marble of a rather finer grain than that of most of the quarries in 
this vicinity; see specimen No. 12. I had not an opportunity of examining this 
quarry in person. 

South of Fell and Robinson’s quarry at Texas, on land owned by Mr. Cockey, 
there is some fine, white, close-grained crystalline marble. It lies, however, low— 
not more than eight or ten feet above the bed of Cold Stream creek. The quarry is 
not open, so that one cannot judge of the bed. Mr. Cockey says the same kind of 
rock has been found half a mile west. This is the only proof of its being extensive. 

On the whole, it appears that there is a region of country extending for about two 
miles from north to south, and three-quarters to a mile from east to west, occupied 
by this marble, extending from the level of the water courses to forty to forty-five 
feet above the same, and constituting the whole of the hills within this tract of coun- 
try; not all of the purest white, but varying from a snow-white to a light blue. It 
may be estimated that about one-third is of tolerable purity, and either of the crys- 
talline texture or of the fine-grained crystalline structure, approaching in quality to 
the Carrara. 

Nor can this be considered the limit of the formation. Scott’s quarry, five miles 
beyond these, in the vicinity of the railroad, supplied a portion of the material for 
the Washington monument at Baltimore, and other quarries of white marble were 
pointed out to me from Prospect Hill, several miles off. 

It cannot be doubted that these quarries are capable of supplying an unlimited 
amount of fine building material, either of the fine-grained marble or of the ‘‘ alum 
stone.’”? Whether the former could be obtained for the entire Smithsonian building, 
of a uniform color, free from gray spots and veins, is less certain; though Worth- 
ington confidently asserts, if he be permitted to supply white and faint blue indis- 
criminately, similar to specimens Nos. 10 w and 10 0/, he can furnish far more than 
the building requires, without blemish. 

From all I have seen and heard, I incline to believe that the fine-grained marble 
will be somewhat more expensive to cut than the ‘alum stone ;’’ but, on the other 
hand, if the ornaments have bold projections, and much undercutting, the coarser 
“alum stone’ is unsuitable; it chips off more readily, and is less tough than the 
finer-grained varicties. 

The ‘‘ alum stone,” as far as I can learn, works much like the Westchester marble ; 
and if in the latter all the necessary Norman ornaments can be cut, so can they also, 
most probably, in the former. 


608 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


After the inspection of the Baltimore marble quarries, I proceeded, according to 
instructions, to the Point of Rocks, to examine Mr. McGlauchren’s quarries. 

I found them situated on Hook’s run, two and a half to three miles west of the 
Point of Rocks, or about seventy-three miles from Baltimore, embraced in highly 
disturbed, contorted, and deranged chloritic and talcose schists, and distant only 
about three miles from the brecciated Potomac marble formation. 

Nothing but hand specimens, and a few surface rock for making lime, have been 
as yet procured here, so that there is but little opportunity of judging the extent of 
the formation. The surface indications are not favorable, neither as regards uniform- 
ity of texture and composition, nor yet extent of beds. 

The chloritic schists dip here at a high angle to the south. The out-crop of the 
white calcareous rock in question lies at the base of a hill on Hook’s run, about 
twenty to twenty-five feet high, and pitches at an angle of some forty-five degrees 
into the base of the hill, which is here on a level with the bed of Hook’s run, at the 
same time inclining to the west, so that it is inaccessible except at great expense of 
labor. 

There is a somewhat better exposure of the Hook’s run marble at a little higher 
level, on a hill a few hundred yards to the south; and here the best specimens were 
procured; see No. 15. Part of the ledge is composed of white calcareous layers, 
which are said to be susceptible of a polish. The rock at both places has a ragged, 
irregular, and uneven fracture, and is so interspersed with white and green talc, that 
it cannot be considered of much value as a building-material. It is possible that be- 
neath this a purer and better rock might be reached; but the surface indications do 
not even favor that conclusion. Unless the bed should be brought to the surface by 
an upward turn of the contorted strata on the south side of this range of hills, there 
is no possibility of getting at it. Mr. McGlauchren intends to try, if possible, to 
open a quarry, with a view to ascertain more satisfactorily the extent and quality of 
this material. 

On the whole, in its present situation, this marble seems worthless for the present 

urpose. 

y During the examination of structures and monuments of Baltimore marble, both 
in Green Mount cemetery and in the city of Baltimore, with a view to ascertain the 
durability and facility of working this material, I was so much struck with the beauty 
of some of the granite vaults and fronts of buildings that I determined to visit the 
quarries from whence this material was procured, more especially as the owner, Mr. 
Green, informed me that he was confident he could furnish it at a cheaper rate than 
the white marble could possibly be supplied, and as it was only two miles out of my 
way in returning from the Point of Rocks. 

Accordingly, I stopped at Wookstock, 16 miles beyond the Relay House, and 
inspected carefully the Waterville branch and the Fox rock quarries in this vicinity ; 
both of which are well opened, and afford a good opportunity of judging the quality 
and extent of this formation. 

For about a mile square at this locality is an outburst of quartzose granite of 
magnificent quality, both as regards beauty of appearance, compactness of structure, 
and uniformity of color, texture, and composition. I have never seen anything 
superior in this country ; indeed, I doubt whether it can be excelled in any country. 
The proportion of feldspar and mica is very small. The former is only in minute 
specks, the latter is small black scales, whilst the great bulk of the rock is a vitreous 
quartz. 

In consequence of the mica being only in small regular disseminated flakes, it 
imparts to the rock an agreeable light gray, well adapted, in my judgment, to the 
Norman style of architecture. 

In consequence of the composition and texture of this granite, it must possess a 
durability not to be surpassed by any building-material. For the same reason, it 
must be difficult and expensive to cut; but in consequence of the precision with 
which it splits, not only in the lines of cleavage, but even across the grain, it may 
possibly be furnished in competition with marble. 

To give some idea of the remarkable facility with which the granite in question 
cleaves, I may state the following facts, which came under my observation: A slab 
twenty feet long and one foot square was split longitudinally into two, nearly as 
accurately as if it had been sawed. j 

Again, I observed two slabs—one measuring thirteen feet long, four feet six inches 
broad, and two feet thick; the other eleven feet long, six feet broad, and two feet 
thick—which were split in two, so as to form slabs of the same dimensions in length 
and breadth, but only one foot thick ; and so perfect were the faces of cleavage, that 
they did not deviate one inch from a true level surface. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 609 


So confident are the quarrymen of the certainty of splitting this granite in any 
required direction, when even of no greater thickness than nine inches or a foot, that 
they will, for the sake of having weight and substance in the block to retain it in its 
position while under the hammer and chisel, first dress the two outside faces, and 
trust to splitting the slab or block in two. 

Fully to appreciate the quality of this granite, the quarries themselves must be 
visited, and the huge block in mass inspected as they are removed from their original 
bed. ‘There, one may see a perpendicular face of nineteen feet presented to view, 
extending twenty, thirty, and even forty or fifty feet, without a seam or flaw, or the 
slightest variation in hue. A mass of forty or fifty tons weight may often be seen 
severed from the parent rock, by the simple but efficient means of small iron wedges. 

On some slabs, by close inspection with the magnifying glass, a few minute specks 
of iron pyrites may be seen; but none were observed visible to the naked eye. 

Mr. Green thinks nearly one-third of the freight may be saved by bringing the 
rock to its proper dimensions at the quarry. 

This granite does not spaul freely ; but, in consequence of the facility with which 
it splits, but little spauling is required. 

From the bottom of the Waterville branch quarry to the summit of the outburst 
is forty feet, by barometrical measurement. 

The Fox rock quarry is thirty-six feet from top to bottom, where now excavated. 
It might be worked some fifteen or twenty feet lower before being incommoded by 
water. Mortar adheres with such force to this granite, that, when fairly set, it 
requires as much force to separate the substance of the granite as to detach the mor- 
tar from the face. 

On the whole, the inspection of these granite quarries has impressed me with the 
belief that no locality can furnish a superior quality of granite, and that it cannot be 
surpassed for strength and durability by any building material in the world. 

The stonecutters’ bill in granite will, I fear, run up-very high on account of its 
great hardness; but, if the expense be not an objection, I do not think that there 
will be any practical difficulty in rendering in granite ornamental work so little elab- 
orate as that of the Norman style. 

An objection to the use of granite for the Smithsonian building deserves serious 
consideration. It is, that, in this material, the effect of light and shade is, in a great 
measure, lost; while every projecting ornament in marble is marked by a dis- 
tinct shadow. How far this may injure the general effect under the plan adopted, 
the committee will judge. Results of considerable practical importance may be 
obtained by an accurate chemical analysis, chiefly with reference to the proportion of 
silica, alumina, magnesia, and iron, affecting the durability, discoloration, and ex- 
pense of working. Time, however, did not permit this investigation. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

DAVID DALE OWEN, 

Wasuinaton, March 11, 1847. 


List of Specimens referred to in the foregoing Report. 


No. 1 Robinson and Fell’s quarry. 
la Robinson and Fell’s lower layer, close to Cold Spring creek. 
2  Griscom and Burrough’s quarry. 
2a Griscom and Burrough’s top layer, banded with light gray. 
2ab Griscom and Burrough’s fine grained, in nests. 
38 Symington’s quarry, large crystalled marble. 
8a Symington’s quarry, sample of large blocks. 
4 Fell and Robinson’s quarry, blue variety. 
5 Mrs. Taylor’s quarry. 
5a Mrs. Taylor’s quarry, crumbling layer. 
56 Mrs. Taylor’s quarry, (see specimen with dark color on long exposed sur- 
face. ) 

5e Mrs. Taylor’s quarry, banded with gray stripes. 
5d Chisilla Owen's quarry, fissured. 
6  Chisilla Owen’s quarry. 
7  Worthington’s (old) quarry. 
8 Baker and Conly’s quarry. 

10 Worthington’s (new) quarry. 

10w Worthington’s white variety. 

1062 Worthington’s blue variety. 

11 Cooper’s quarry, with veins of mica, 


39 


610 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


No. 12 Judge Nesbitt’s quarry. 
13 Cockey’s quarry, compact white. 
14 Mica slate, with garnets. 
15 Point of Rocks quarry, Mr. McGlauchren’s. 
16 Chloritie schist, Point of Rocks. 
17 Granite, Waterville branch quarry, near Woodstock. 
17a Granite, Fox rock quarry, near Woodstock. 
18 Granite, Fox rock quarry, near Woodstock. 


Laid on the table. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— : 

Resolved, That Dr. Owen be requested to analyze the specimens of white marble, 
especially Mr. Worthington’s and Mr. Symington’s, and report thereon. . 

The chairman laid before the committee letters recommending Mr. Richard CG. 
Murray as superintendent. 

Laid on the table. 

The chairman laid before the committee a letter from Mr. John C. Rives, recom- 
mending Mr. Jones, of Washington city, as bricklayer. 

Laid on the table. 

The chairman laid before the committee a letter from Mr. Isaiah Lukens, of Phil- 
adelphia, relative to a town clock. 

Laid on the table. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Sixth Meeting, March 18, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Owen, and Hough. 

On motion of the chairman, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Peter Gorman be requested to procure, from Bull Run quarry, 
four perch of light gray freestone, to be delivered on the canal, opposite Eighth 
street, and be put up under the supervision of the architect—one-half in broken 
rubble masonry, the other in range work—finished exactly in the manner in which 
the said architect recommends ; that the above styles, if adopted, should respectively 
be finished, so as to supply a sample wall, to which, if the above material be adopted, 
reference may be had in the contract. 

Mr. Seaton submitted a letter from I. Mudd, offering his services as superintend- 
ent; also, a letter from A. B. McFarland, regarding the specimen walls and Seneca 
freestone; also, from the same, a draught of the quarries in the vicinity of Seneca 
creek; also, from the mayor of Baltimore, and Mr. Long, architect, of that city, 
recommending Mr. Richard C. Murray, as superintendent ;* also, from Mr. M. W. 
Carter, of Fredericksburg, recommending Seneca freestone, and offering his services ; 
also from Mr. John T. Bryant, recommending to purchase one of Mr. Lukens’s 
clocks, Philadelphia; which letters, on motion, were laid on the table. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Seventh Meeting, March 15, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 

Mr. Seaton submitted a letter from Robert Barnard, offering his services as treas- 
urer and accountant. 

Laid on the table. 


The chairman submitted a letter from Governor Francis Thomas, of Maryland, 
asking an additional examination of the quarry at Point of Rocks, heretofore exam- 


ined by Dr. Owen. 
Laid on the table. 
The chairman submitted from Mr. Samuel Worthington the following offer to sup- 
ply marble for the Smithsonian building: 
BALTIMORE County, March 13, 1847. ° 


GENTLEMEN: I will agree to furnish the necessary white marble for the erection 
of the above institution—say five thousand perch of rubble stone of the size of good 


* Notr.—March 16, letters and application withdrawn. 


REPORTS OF THE BULLDING COMMITTER. 611 


building stone, carefully broken, and placed upon the cars at Cockeysville—at the 
rate of one dollar and eighty-seven cents per perch of twenty-five feet; or, at one 
dollar and twenty cents per ton, as weighed by the railroad. 

I will agree, also, to furnish the dimension stone in the block, and no block to con- 
tain less than two cubic feet, at the rate of sixty cents per cubic foot, and placed on 
the cars at the above-mentioned place; or, by the ton, at six dollars per ton, as taken 
from the quarry; if the stone should be wrought at the quarry, and the carved work 
completed there, then an addition of fifty cents per ton will be charged on all stone 
so worked, to be delivered say in the course of three years, or as may be required. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SAM’L WORTHINGTON. 

Messrs. RopERT DALE Owen, and others, 

Building Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 


Mr. Hough, from the sub-committee to whom were referred the specifications of 
the architect, (James Renwick, Jr.,) for the building for said Institution, made the 
following report: 


To the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. 


GENTLEMEN: I have carefully examined the specifications of the architect, (James 
Renwick, Jr., Esq.,) for the building of said Institution, and find them elaborately 
and minutely drawn, both in reference to detail of the work and permanence and 
durability of the structure. Few, if any,‘omissions can be discovered, and but few 
alterations seem to be required for the permanence and durability of the edifice, or 
for its better security against destruction by fire. 

It has been suggested by one of the committee, that the width and depth of the 
foundation trenches, and, as a consequence, the foundation walls, might with safety 
be diminished, the inverted arches and the concrete foundations be entirely dispensed 
with, and consequently with a considerable saving of expense. 

In such a conclusion I cannot, without further information, concur. 

Whether its foundation trenches may or may not be diminished in depth, will, in 
in my opinion, depend upon the peculiar formation or strata of the earth, which can 
only be determined by making the necessary borings or excavations. 

If, upon experiment, the strata shall be found to consist of firm indurated clay or 
gravel of sufficient depth for permanence, the depth may be diminished; otherwise, 
not. 

But in no event could I recommend a diminution of width; nor would I dispense 
with either the inverted arches or the concrete foundation ; deeming both very essen- 
tial in preventing an unequal settlement and cracking of the walls of the edifice. I 
consider the concrete much better adapted to permanence of foundation than any 
ordinary structure of rock alone, and in no respect more expensive ; and, in so pond- 
erous a structure, all architects and constructors of experience concur in recommend- 
ing inverted arches to preserve a uniformity of settling between the openings and 
solids of the building. I would, however, recommend a reservation in the contract 
for the construction of the building, of the right to diminish the depth of the founda- 
tions, with a pro rata reduction of price, in case the strata or character of the earth 
shall be found to admit of it in the opinion of the architect. It may be found, also, 
that the thickness of the walls of some of the towers, and perhaps the walls of the 
buildings throughout, may with safety be diminished; and I would recommend a 
like reservation in the contract to meet this contingency also. 

The idea of constructing the principal stairs in such an edifice with wood, does not, 
in my estimation, well comport with public opinion, either as to permanence, dura- 
bility, and appearance, or with the character of the age in which the edifice is to be 
erected. 

I recommend, therefore, without hesitation, if the funds will possibly admit of it, 
that the principal stairs of both the north and south central entrances to the princi- 
pal building be constructed of stone, as high, at least, as the museum floor. 

I also recommend that the wood tesselated floor of the museum be dispensed with, 
and that, instead thereof, there be a single floor of 1}-inch yellow pine plank, with 
the intention of covering it with stone or composition flagging at a future day; or, 
what I would deem preferable, dispense with the wood floor altogether at first, and 
raise the deafening above so as to cover the floor-beams, upon which lay a floor of 
stone flagging. This it is believed may be done at a small expense over the wood 
Mosaic, be greatly more secure against fire, and require much less expense in clean- 
ing and repairs. 

I would also recommend as a security against fire in case of the burning of the 


612 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


roof, that a rough floor be laid upon the beams above the upper ceiling, next to the 
roof, throughout the building, and covered with a suitable thickness of lime-water 
cement; over which, when dried, a covering of common salt, or a cement of salt 
and ashes, be evenly spread, carefully filling all the cracks or crevices of the cement. 

This is the French method of fire-proofing the upper part of buildings, and has 
been to some extent adopted in some sections of this country with entire success. 
This would be attended with comparatively little expense, and would, it is believed, 
render the body of the building entirely secure against destruction by fire in case the 
roof should be burnt. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

WM. J. HOUGH. 
WasuHineton, March 15, 1847. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That Mr. Hough be requested to examine into the expediency of dispens- 
ing with any portion of ornamental stucco in the building. 


The chairman submitted from Dr. Owen the following report on the sand-stones of 
the Potomac: 


After completing the report of the white marbles and granite of Baltimore county, 
Maryland, I proceeded, according to instructions, on the afternoon of the 11th of 
March, to inspect the quarries of sand-stone in the neighborhood of Seneca creek, 
Montgomery county, Maryland. 

About 213 miles from Washington city, on the line of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
canal, the taleose and chloritie schists of the Great Falls of the Potomac are suc- 
ceeded by freestone and marly beds of the new red sandstone formation. These 
deposits are of various colors, from a light, greenish-gray, or dove-color, to a deep 
red or brown. 

The first quarry visited is situated on Bull Run, 23 miles from Washington. The 
excavations have hitherto been carried on from 250 to 300 yards on the north side of 
the canal; but the ledges of rock extend down to its margin, and can be quarried 
with nearly as much facility a few paces from the canal as where operations are now 
carried on. 

The dip of the stratification slopes at an angle of 15° or 20° upwards from Bull 
Run. The beds, suitable, both as regards color, durability, and ease with which they 
can be cut, are fortunately near the surface in the ravine of Bull Run. By com- 
mencing quarrying operations near the bed of this stream, and working up the west- 
ern slope, blocks of large dimensions can be obtained with comparatively little labor. 
The beds which have been chiefly worked here are layers of a deep red color, (see 
specimen No. 18,) and layers of a purplish-gray, (No. 19,) which, by exposure, 
acquire a lighter and more pinky hue. The latter is the rock most suitable for build- 
ing purposes, its color being agreeable, and, in the opinion of men of good judgment 
and taste, appropriate for the Norman style of architecture. This rock possesses one 
property in particular which recommends it to the attention of builders. When first 
removed from the parent bed, it is comparatively soft, working freely before the 
chisel and hammer, and can even be cut with a knife; by exposure, it gradually 
indurates, and ultimately acquires a toughness and consistency that not only enables 
it to resist atmospheric vicissitudes, but even the most severe mechanical wear and 
tear. Abundant evidence of this is afforded in the buildings of the neighborhood, 
in several of the locks and aqueducts, and also in ledges and blocks exposed in the 
bed of Bull Run. The deep red varieties have been chiefly used in these structures. 
By close inspection of slabs exposed now twenty years to atmospheric agencies and 
severe mechanical friction, the mark of the dressing chisel is still sharply imprinted 
in the surface. On the perpendicular wall of the aqueduct, where the water has been 
oozing through the joints and trickling down its face, forming an incrustation of 
carbonate of lime, one may observe, where this calcareous crust has scaled off, the 
grooves and ridges of the surface still nearly as distinct as when the block first came 
from the hand of the stone-cutter. 

The angles and edges of the keystones of the arch, placed under these most 
unfavorable circumstances, are sharp and entire. Only one or two blocks of this 
work of 20 years’ standing show signs of decay ; but these seem to be such as either 
have not been well selected, or have been placed on the edge in the wall. 

Even the tow-path of this aqueduct, over which the horses and mules have been 
travelling for 20 years, is still unimpaired. Even the corners around which the 
heavy lock-gates swing, show no signs of chipping. Blocks were pointed out to me 
in the bed of Bull run, which had been rejected by the engineers as being of too soft 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 613 


and perishable a nature, and which have been exposed for 20 years to the action of 
running water and alternate thawing and freezing, which exhibit little or no altera- 
tion, except that they have become so indurated that they turn the edge of the chisel, 
and are a little dingy on the surface. 

Mr. Peter, on whose property this quarry is situated, has built a fine barn of these 
freestones. He assures me that there are stones in that barn 50 years old, which have 
been in three buildings. On one corner-stone, where the figures ‘‘ 1824’ had been cut 
in that year by the point of a penknife, the rock now is so hard that it would soon turn 
the edge of a well-tempered tool. 

Interstratified with these grit-stones are some argillaceous, marly-looking beds, 
(No. 20,) especially prevalent towards the upper outcrop of the stratified mass con- 
stituting these hills. These layers are, of course, entirely unfit for any kind of 
building purposes. The sandstone beds differ very much, not only in color, but also 
in hardness and texture. Some are fine-grained, and can be wrought to a sharp arris; 
others are coarse-grained, and even assume the character of a conglomerate; these 
latter, of course, are entirely unfit for the finer purposes of architecture. Amongst 
a series varying so much, not only in color, but in texture and composition, a careful 
selection becomes a matter of the utmost importance. 

About a quarter of a mile further west, in a bold escarpment of 20 or 80 feet in 
height, close to the margin of the canal, is the ‘‘ College quarry.’”’ Here the strata 
assume a somewhat different character. Above, they are ofa crumbling, argillaceous, 
marly nature, producing a retentive soil, well adapted for the growth of wheat and 
corn; beneath these disintegrating beds are red and rather argillaceous freestones of 
and inferior quality, which pass downwards into light greenish-gray beds, varying 
from a foot to two or two and a half feet in thickness. 

At about fifteen feet from the top is the most important bed exposed in the quarry, 
of a greenish-gray hue, usually called the ‘‘ dove-colored bed ;”’ see specimen No. 21. 
Beneath this, as far as can be ascertained from the rubbish strewed over the lower 
face of the quarry, are brown and bluish-purple beds, (No. 22,) of inferior quality. 
Here, as at Bull run, the strata dip to the west at an angle of about 15° or 20°; so 
that the middle layers crop out towards the summit of the hill. Near the top the 
dove-colored bed is two feet thick. Sixty feet down the slope of dip it has increased 
to four feet; forty-five feet more, it is six feet; and fifty-four feet more, it is nine feet 
thick. At the same rate of increase to the west, beyond where it is exposed to near 
the level of the canal, it would be twelve to thirteen feet. The color of this bed is 
rather cold, but it is much admired by some persons. It is faintly striped parallel to 
the stratification, (see 21a); it has also some small faint spots, or ‘‘ pock,’’ as the 
stone-masons call it, (see 21a), not quite so hard as the body of the rock. This 
stratum is not near so easily worked as the best beds in Bull run quarry ; indeed it is 
harder to work than marble. If this dove-colored bed is worked extensively, there 
will be considerable expense incurred in stripping, since there are fifteen feet of solid 
strata overlaying it. 

A few hundred yards west of this is another quarry, equally bold, and composed of 
similar beds, their tints being for the most part gray, greenish-gray, and dove- 
colored. 

Beyond this, along the canal, the ground is flat and wet, and the hills recede 
towards the north, so that to the west of the last described quarry, for fifteen or 
twenty miles, building-material cannot be procured so convenient to navigation. 

Between the College quarry and Bull run there are several localities close to the 
canal, where some rock has been quarried. The beds exposed are of warm red tints, 
similar to the red sandstones in Bull run. At these quarries, and in Bull run, the 
material for the construction of the aqueduct and locks in this part of the Ohio and 
Chesapeake canal were obtained. These works have stood the test of time as well, if 
not better, than any of the other structures along the whole line of this improvement. 

The investigations in the vicinity of Seneca creek prove conclusively that the bluffs 


on the banks of the canals, for about three-quarters of a mile, afford abundance of 


freestone for building purposes, equal and even superior to those which are obtained 
in the quarries of New Jersey, which supply the New York market. 

If this freestone should ultimately become the choice of the Building Committee of 
the Smithsonian Institution, a very careful selection will be necessary not only as 
regards the particular color preferred, but that it be those softer varieties of pure 
grit stone, free from all argillaceous or marly admixture, and containing none of 
those ‘‘pock’’ marks, or small spots and cavities, which not only injure its appear- 
ance, but detract from its otherwise durable nature. They must also, to insure dura- 
bility, be in all cases laid on the bed as in the natural position in the quarry. 


614 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The singular property which the best quality of these freestones possesses, of hard- 
ening by exposure, is one of its most valuable characteristics; permitting it to be 
wrought at less expense than marble, and imparting to it a durability which increases 
with age. It has been a question, whether this property is due to iron in its compo- 
sition, passing from a lower to a higher degree of oxidation, or to the presence of a 
sub-carbonate of lime, becoming gradually by exposure a carbonate of lime, and act- 
ing as a cement to the particles of silex. A minute chemical analysis would, no 
doubt, throw light on this matter. It might prove that this phenomenon depends on 
some other property not yet suggested. 

This same property of hardening, by exposure, is possessed in a remarkable degree 
by a building stone which has been excavated for centuries from St. Peter’s Moun- 
tain, in the vicinity of Maestrich, in Belgium, and which is the terminating member 
of the cretaceous formation of the Mesozoic period. This rock is a calcareous free- 
stone, and is generally supposed to owe its hardening property to a chemical change 
which takes place in the calcareous cement. The Seneca freestone, however, does not 
effervesce in mass with acid ; and this fact militates against the idea of its indurating 
property being due to any peculiar form of carbonate of lime. 

In concluding this report, it may not be out of place briefly to advert to two let- 
ters which I addressed from Indiana, under date the 22d and 25th of October last, to 
one of your commitee, (the Hon. Wm. J. Hough,) on the subject of the sandstones 
of the Potomac, which, at that time, I had not seen. In these letters, (judging from 
the fact shown from a geological map in my possession, that the red sandstone forma- 
tion which furnishes highly-prized building material in New Jersey and Pennsyl- 
vania passes thence to the southward, and crosses the Potomac at Noland’s Ferry, 
descending that river on the Maryland side and crossing Monocacy and Seneca 
creeks,) I took the liberty of suggesting the importance of a careful examination of 
these localities, before selection was made of a more distant and expensive building 
material. Mr. Hough will recollect that the second of these letters contains the 
following paragraph: 

‘‘Tt seems indeed strange, that, if really good and durable freestones are to be had 
on the canal or river above Washington, these should not already have been used for 
the public edifices there; but sufficient examples are to be found of the very best 
building material, having been overlooked through a long series of years, even in the 
vicinity of populous cities, for lack of minute and discriminating examination. My 
own firm belief is, that a durable sandstone, equal or nearly equal to that used in 
Trinity church, can be discovered in sufficient @uantities in the vicinity of the Poto- 
mac or the canal.’’ 


It may afford some evidence of the confidence with which geological science may 
be appealed to in search of practical results, that an actual examination of one of 
the localities above designated has fully confirmed all, and more than all, I had 
anticipated, concerning the material they furnish. 

I annex a rough sketch of the College and Bull Run quarries, showing the dip of 
the strata and the shape of the escarpments along the bank of the canal, where the 
freestone is found. 

All which is respectfully submitted. 

DAVID DALE OWEN. 

Wasuinaton, March 15, 1847. 


Inst of Specimens referred to in the foregoing Report. 


18. Red Potomac sandstone, Bull Run, near Seneca creek, Montgomery county, 
Maryland. 

19. Grayish-purple or pink variety of sandstone, Bull Run, near Seneca creek, 
Montgomery county, Maryland. 

20. Disintegrating argillaceous beds, College quarry, west of Bull Run, Montgom- 
ery county, Maryland. 

21. Dove-colored bed, College quarry, west of Bull Run, Montgomery county, 
Maryland. 

21a. Banded variety of 21. 

22. Purple and brown beds, No. 21, College quarry, west of Bull Run, Montgom- 
ery county, Maryland. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Eighth Meeting, March 16, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 
The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 615 


WasHinaton, March 15, 1847. 
The subscriber will furnish all the stone necessary for the cutting for the Smithso- 
nian Institution, upon the dock at Washington, for the following prices : 
For East Chester marble, such as the Post Office Department is built of, for the 
sum of 75 cents per cubic foot. 
Mount Pleasant or Sing Sing marble, from the Mount Pleasant prison, for the sum 
of 55 cents per cubic foot. 
JAMES HALL, 
Westchester county, New York. 
Hon. Rosrrt Date OwEn. 
Wo. J. Houcu. 
W. W. SEATON. 


P. S.—I will name Horace Butler and James Foster, both of the city of New 
York, as security for the faithful performanee of the above. 
JAMES HALL. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 


Ba.LtTimMore£, March 15, 1847. 


We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to deliver to the committee of said Institu- 
tion white crystallized marble for rubble work, on the cars at the quarry, in pieces 
weighing from 75 to 3,000 Ibs. each, at $2.20 for 3,000 Ibs.; it being considered equal 
to one perch of stone. 

If the range work should be adopted, we will agree to deliver the stone, as per 
specification of 8 in bed, at the building in Washington, at 50 cents per superficial 
foot. 

We will also agree to furnish the dimension stone, delivered at the building in 
Washington, at 53 cents per cubic foot for stone not exceeding 1,000 tbs. in weight; 
from 1,000 to 2,000 Ibs., 57 cents; from 2,000 to 3,000 Ibs., 65 cents; and from 3,000 
to 4,000 tbs., 72 cents per cubic foot. 

We name M.S. and J. T. for our security. 

Respectfully, GRISCOM & BORROUGH. 


To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


P. 8.—We should like to furnish the lime for the building, also, and would deliver 
it at a reasonable price. 
G. & B. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 
BaxutTimoreE, March 15, 1847. 


We will agree to deliver to the committee crystallized marble in blocks, for rubble 
work, weighing from 100 to 300 lbs. each, on the car at the quarry, at $2 for 3,000 
lbs., this amount to be considered equal to a perch of stone; and should the range 
work be adopted, with 8 to 10-inch bed, then we will agree to deliver stone at 49 cents 
per superficial foot at the bwilding ; and for dimension stone, not exceeding 1,000 lbs., 
50 cents per cubic foot; and from 1,000 to 2,000 lbs., 53 cents ; 2,000 to 3,000 Ibs., 55 
cents; and all other stone, from 3,000 to 5,000 lbs., 60 cents. And we would also 
wish to contract for the lime, and name for our securities C. C. A. and J. 8.5. 

Very respectfully, FELL & ROBINSON. 


To the CoMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 

WasuHinaton, March 15, 1847. 

I propose to sell to the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution the 
right to quarry such stone as they or their agent may select in my quarry, at the rate 
of 50 cents per perch. My quarry is situate immediately upon the Baltimore and 
Susquehanna Railroad. 

The.stone can be placed upon the cars from the quarry with very little labor. The 
distance from Baltimore per railroad is 15 miles. 

E. J. COOPER, 


79 South High Street, Baltimore. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 
BAaLtTimMoreE, March 15, 1847. 
GENTLEMEN: We propose to furnish from the Fox Rock granite and Waterville 


616 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


quarries, in Baltimore county, stone for building the Smithsonian Institution, of the 
same color and quality as that used in the rear of the General Post Office, at the fol- 
lowing prices : 
The rough rubble stone, delivered at the depot in Washington city, at 16 cents per 
foot. 
The dimension stone, for fine work, at 46 cents per cubic foot. 
The split ashlar, in place of the rough rubble stone, we will furnish at 87} cents 
er foot. 
The above prices are estimated, provided the price of freight on the railroad is 
reduced to 24 cents per ton per mile. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 
SUMWALS, GREEN & CO. 
Hon. Ropert DALE OWEN, 
Wo. J. Hovucs, | commit, 
W. W. SEaTon, 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 
WASHINGTON City, March 15, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: I propose to deliver what lime may be wanted in the erection and 
finishing of the Smithsonian Institution, in this city, at 40 cents per bushel. 

The lime shall be burnt from the best alum stone, with wood, and shall be warranted 
of the first quality. 

I will guaranty that two bushels and a peck shall be sufficient for laying a thou- 
sand brick, provided proper sand is used. 

EK. J. COOPER, 
79 South High Street, Baltimore. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 
WasuHineTon City, March 15, 1847. 


The undersigned proposes to furnish the white pine and yellow pine necessary for 
the Smithsonian Institution at the following prices: 

200,000 b. m. white pine timber, at $23. 

75,000 $b. m. yellow pine narrow boards, in the rough, at $26.50. 

75,000 2 b. m. ditto, dressed, tongued, and grooved, at $37. 

25,000 b. m. white pine plank, at $30. 

Common cullings, at $14. 


The above to be delivered here free of charge, and in such quantities as may be 
ordered, from time to time. 


JOHN PURDY. 
The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 


Marcu 7, 1847. 
Sir: I have seen, from the proposals for the construction of the Institution, that 
stone from the upper Potomac may be used in the building. I will take leave to: 
inform you that I have quarries of the red sand-stone within a short distance of boat 
navigation, from which were constructed the aqueduct and locks at and below the 
mouth of Seneca. The quarry will either be sold, or otherwise, as may best suit the 
views of the parties. I shall be pleased to have a call before engagements be entered 
into, for the purpose of inspection. 
Respectfully, CHARLES VINSON, 
Near Seneca Mills. 
To the CoNTRACTOR ON THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 


WasHineton, March 15, 1847. 
GENTLEMEN: I will furnish bricks, lime, cement, and sand, and lay the same, for 
$14.75 per thousand. The materials shall be of the best quality, and the workman- 
ship done in the best manner ; and will give for securities for the performance of the 
same, John O. Rives and Wm. H. Gunnell, Esquires. 
Yours, &e., ZEPHANIAH JONES. 
To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 617 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 
WasHinaton Crry, March 15, 1847. 
I hereby propose to furnish the material and lay one million bricks, according to 
plan and specification, for the sum of $11,500. 
Yours, very respectfully, J. RAY. 
The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 


WasHineton, March 15, 1847. 
GENTLEMEN: The undersigned proposes to furnish and lay all the bricks that may 
be required about the Smithsonian Institution, to wit: 
In the walls, per thousand, measured, $9.623. 
Or, per cubic foot, 14} cents. 
All the bricks to be hard ; lime of the best Potomac stone ; sand clean and sharp. 
If these amounts satisfy the honorable committee and the architect, then it is time, 
I hope, (in my opinion,) to furnish a security, or retain a percentage on a certain 
amount of moncy, for the faithful compliance with this bid. 
Yours, with respect, THOMAS LEWIS. 
To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 

Wasuineron, March 15, 1847. 

I propose to furnish one million of the best hard brick, for the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, at $4.93 per thousand. I propose to furnish the best hard brick for 175,000 
cubic feet of backing, at $4.93 per thousand. 

EK. KINGMAN. 


Hon. R. D. Owen, 
W. J. Hoveu, ¢ Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. 
W. W. SEATON, 


I offer Messrs. Tyson and Brickley as my securities for the performance of the 
contract. 
E. K. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 


Proposals to deliver to the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, at the 
site of their building in Washington, white marble in the rubble, and in the range 
and cube form. 

For every perch of 3,100 lbs., in such shape as will facilitate the preparation by 
the mason, and in sizes of 70 to 300 lbs., $4.60. 

For range work, with split faces, bedded to make a joint not over half an inch, 
and roughly pitched off to a line in courses of 10 to 18 inches, per superficial foot, 
measured face only, 47 cents. 

For marble in the cube form, quarried as near the size wanted as practicable, per 
cubic foot, (large crystal,) 50 cents. 

Medium crystal from my quarry, 62} cents. 

Fine crystal from my Owens’ quarry, in small blocks for foliage work, 70 cents. 

My bondsmen are John W. Brown and Wm. Baily, Esquires, of Baltimore. 

THOS. SYMINGTON. 

WasuHineton City, March 15, 1847. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 


Proposals by George Crest, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, by his agent, Thomas 
Symington, of Baltimore, to deliver in Washington city, for the building of the 
Smithsonian Institution, white pine sawed timber, viz: 


For all white pine sawed timber, to dimension size, out of good sound logs, 
delivered in Washington city, on the landing, per 1,000 feet (board measure) $18. 

[ Norre.—In case the freight from Havre de Grace is less than $3 per M., a corre- 
sponding reduction will be made. In all cases the Building Committee are required 
to pay the captains the freight from Havre de Grace to Washington city. The said 
freight will be as part payment for the lumber. ] 

Mr. Crist is proprietor of one of the largest saw-mills on the Susquehanna river. 
He is a responsible man, and has directed me to say that he will give the necessary 
bonds, either froin his own neighborhood or from Baltimore. 

He further states, that he would like to deliver the whole quantity during the ensu- 


618 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


ing season. If desirable a sample of this lumber can be seen at the United States 
Arsenal, Greenleaf’s Point, delivered there some two or three years ago. 
. THOS. SYMINGTON. 
BALTIMORE, March 15, 1847. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 


Proposals to deliver to the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, at the 
site of their building in Washington city, white marble ashlar. 


For ashlar with horizontal pointed face, as sample No. 3, in the basement of the 
City Hall, 6 inches bed, per superficial foot, measured face only, 49 cents. 

For ditto, averaging 8 inches bed, 63 cents. 

For ditto, machine-dressed face, as sample No. 4, averaging 6 inches bed, 49 cents. 

For ditto, averaging 8 inches bed, 63 cents. 

For split ashlar, in range courses of 10 to 18 inches, from my Owens quarry, from 
whence sample No. 4 was procured, bedded, so as to make a joint not over half an 
inch, average 6 inches bed per superficial foot, measured face only, 40 cents; and to 
have a draught cut all round the edges on the face. 

For ditto, as above, averaging 8 inches bed, per superficial foot, face only, 49 cents. 

I name the following gentlemen as my bondsmen, viz: John W. Brown and Wil- 


liam Baily, Esqs., of Baltimore. 
THOS. SYMINGTON. 
WasHiIneTon City, March 15, 1847. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 


Proposals for cutting marble for the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution, the mar- 
ble to be that which is procured from the large or medium crystal quarries near Bal- 
tiémore. 


FOR CUTTING. 


Steps, if square, worked fine, square droved or rubbed, per superficial foot, 35 cents. 

If worked with the tooth chisel, (as sample No. 2, deposited in the sample-room,) 
per superficial foot, 25 cents. 

Measure length by girth; if the ends show, add thickness to length. 

Water table, splayed, without members, fine cut or rubbed, per superficial foot, 40 
cents. 

If tooth-chiseled, 30 cents. 

If moulded, add ten cents per superficial foot lineal for each member; measure 
length by girth from wall to wall. 

Plain ashlar, fine cut or rubbed, per superficial foot, 35 cents. 

Tooth-chiseled, 25 cents. 

Measure face only. 


Plinth and base course of all the door and window jambs and mullions: 
Fine cut and rubbed, per superficial foot, $1.50. 
Tooth-chiseled, $1.10. 


Measure the height, of course, for the length; and for the girth, girt from where 
the course joins the ashlar in front, around the bases, to where the fine work ceases. 


[Norz.—If any foliage is to be cut upon any of the bases, an extra price will be 
charged for the foliage; to be determined by the architect. The general rule to be 
observed, in all such cases, will be to allow the contractor a fair percentage over the 
operator’s charge for the said work. ] 


Doors and window jambs, arches and mullions: 
If plain splayed, fine cut, and rubbed, per superficial foot, 40 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 80 cents. 
Measured length, by girth from ashlar in front, to casing; for the circle or arch, 
add one-half measure. . 
If moulded with one or more rebats and columns, fine cut, or rubbed, per super- 
ficial foot, $1.10. 
Tooth-chiseled, per superficial foot, 80 cents. 
Measure the height of each course for the length; and for the girth, girt from the 
ashlar in front around the mouldings to the casing in the rear; add for the arch a 
half measure. 


[Norz.—If any of the members are to receive a cable cord, zig-zag, or other 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 619 


{ device, which must be worked upon the member, after it shall have been finished, for 
the price per lineal foot of such device apply rule No. 1.] 


Foliage caps: 
For eos columns of five inches diameter and under, finely cut, and rubbed, 
each $4. 
Rough cut, each $2. 
[Norz.—The course on which they are cut will be measured, and charged as a 
portion of the door or window jamb. ] 


Foliage caps, moderately plain: 
For disengaged columns of 5-inch diameter and under, finely cut, and rubbed, 
each $10. 
Roughly cut, $6. 
For disengaged columns of 12-inch and under, finely cut, and rubbed, each $35. 
Roughly cut, each $20. 


Circular label mouldings over doors and windows: 
If not over 12 inches girth, finely cut, per lineal foot, $1.10. 
Tooth-chiseled, 80 cents. 
[Norz.—The stones on which it is cut are measured and charged according to their 
class. ] 
Foliage drops, brackets, or modellions’ buttresses, (apply rule No. 1:) 
If finely cut, or rubbed, per superficial foot, 40 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 30 cents. 
Measured as ashlar. 
Buttress caps, plain splayed, finely cut, per lineal foot, 40 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 30 cents. 
Moulded, per foot lineal, finely cut, etc., 80 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 65 cents. 
Measured along the eave. 
[Norx.—The course on which the cap is cut is measured and charged according to 
its class. ] 


Corbel courses : 

(Such as the one that extends around three sides of the north front porch, which 
is 3} feet high. The upper course as plain ashlar; the lower course, measure face 
and bed, and priced as ashlar. 

For sinking the arches, each finely cut, $3.50. 
Tooth-chiseled, $2.50. 
For sinking arches of less size, in proportion. 


Label mould, with octagon front, over corbel courses : 


Per superficial foot, finely cut, or rubbed, 45 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 35 cents. 
Measure length by girth of what shows. 


Hook label, or similar moulded courses : 


Per superficial foot, finely cut, $1.10. 

Tooth-chiseled, 80 cents. 

Measured length by girth of what shows. 
Battlements over front porch, and all similar work: 

Per superficial foot, finely cut, 35 cents. 

Tooth-chiseled, 25 cents. 

Measure as ashlar. 
Battlements, cap or coping, if plain or splayed: 

Same as plain octagon label course. 

If moulded, according to its class. 
Window sills: 

Splayed, per superficial foot, finely cut and rubbed, 45 cents. 

Tooth-chiseled, 35 cents. 

[Norz.—If part of the plinths of the window jambs or mullions are worked upon 

the splay, or if a check is sunk in the splay, to receive the sill, for the plinth or check 
apply rule No. 1.] 


620 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTER. 


Circular Windows: 


The arch jamb, the same as their class. For the mullions, caps, and plinth, the — 
same as their class; for the centre piece and tracery, apply rule No. 1. 


Interlaced arches, the columns, caps, &c.: 


For the interlaced arching, apply rule No. 1. 
For the columns, caps, and bases, measure and charge as their class. 


Cornice or coping: 
Octagonal face, finely cut and rubbed, per superficial foot, 40 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 30 cents. 
If moulded, according to its class. 
Measure top bed and girth of face. 


Finials: apply rule No. 1. 


Corbel course, or central front tower, and all such: 


Each course, according to its class. 
For the band or paneled course, apply rule No. 1. 


Sill course of semicircle and fillet, and five sides of octagon: 


Finely cut and rubbed, per superficial foot, 80 cents. 
Tooth-chiseled, 70 cents. 
Measure length by girth of what shows. 


Paneled arcade: apply rule No. 1. 


Pinnacles on principal tower : 


Finely cut and rubbed, each $240.68. 
Tooth-chiseled, each $208. 


Flagging: 
Square marble tile, 2} inches thick, and 12 to 24 inches square, of two colors, 
delivered at the building ready for laying, per superficial foot, 35 cents. 


Marble tile: 


1} inch thick, and four to six inches of two or more colors, per superficial foot, 
delivered ready for laying, 50 cents. 

11 inch thick, and 11 to 12 inches square, delivered and ready for laying, per super- 
ficial foot 35 cents. 

The aforegoing list of articles and prices will embrace all the kinds of cut marble 
work about the building. I will comply with the printed specifications, (subject to 
the foregoing rule,) and all requirements stated in the advertisements for proposals. 


My bondsmen are John W. Brown and William Baily, Esquires, of Baltimore. 


Dowels and clamp holes: 


For every 3-inch hole, sunk 3 inches, 2 cents. 
For every 1-inch hole, sunk 3 inches, 38 cents. 
If sunk more, in proportion. 
THOS. SYMINGTON. 
BattMor#£, March 13, 1847. 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 
BALTIMORE, March 15, 1847. 
‘GENTLEMEN: We propose to cut and dress all the fine work mouldings, &c., for 
the Smithsonian Institution, at ($3) three dollars per cubic foot. We will also build 
all the stone-masonry at $2 per perch, mason measurement, except the concrete 
under the foundations, which is not embraced in this proposal. 
Respectfully submitted, SUMWALS, GREEN & CO. 
Hon. Ropert DALE OweEn, 
Wo. J. Hoven, | commie. 
W. W. Seaton, 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter: 


Wasuinaton, March 15, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: I propose to build and construct the items of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, herein contained, in a workmanlike manner, agreeably to the plans and speci- 
fications of the architect, for the following aggregate sum, viz: Digging foundations, 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 621 


concrete, rough stone in foundation below the superstructure, setting the rubble-fac- 
ing, and cut stone work of all parts of the building, and back-filling the same; sess- 


pools and flagging for the foundations of partition walls—furnishing all the materials, 


except the rubble facing and cut stone—for the sum of thirty-six thousand two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. 

[Norr.—The material for scaffolding, the brick and brick work, and the north room 
flagging, are not included in the above. If I furnish the iron cramps, dowels, and 


_ anchors, the price will be six cents per pound. In case range work is adopted instead 
_ of the rubble facing, one thousand dollars will be deducted from the above. | 


I refer you to the following gentlemen: Charles B. Fisk, Esq., chief engineer on 


_ the Chesapeake and Ohio canal; A. B. McFarlan, Esq., Robert Brown, and Andrew 
_ Small, Esq., of Washington city. I name for my bondsmen Mr. John Higham, of 


Baltimore, and Andrew Small, Esq., of Washington city. 
JAMES MACPHERSON. 
To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 
The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 
WasHineton, March 15, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: I do hereby agree to furnish all the materials and perform the brick 
work of the building, according to the plan and specification agreed upon by the 
Regents of the said Institution, for the sum of twenty thousand three hundred and 
fifty dollars, ($20,350. ) i 

Or, I will furnish and lay one million of hard bricks for the sum of fifteen thou- 
sand dollars, ($15,000. ) 

Or, I will furnish all materials, provided all the outer walls are backed up with 
brick in the place of rubble-stone, for the sum of thirteen dollars and forty cents per 


thousand, ($13.40. ) 
GEORGE H. PLANT. 
To the BuriLpDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


P. S.—If my bid be accepted, I am prepared to give the security required. 
Gare: 


The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 
FREDERICK County, March 15, 1847. 


The undersigned regrets very much that he did not see, until very recently, your 
proposals for bids to furnish materials for the building of the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, because he has not now time to ascertain whether the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal Company will consent to reduce the toll for transportation of marble on this 
canal. 

Assuming that the tolls will not be reduced, he offers to furnish 110,000 feet of 
beautiful white marble, for rubble facing, one foot thick, at 60 cents per foot; and 
20,000 cubic feet dimension stone, of white marble, for cutting, at 90 cents per foot; 
and will give as securities, for the faithful execution of such a contract, Sebastian 
Ramsburg, John C. Osborn, John Hagan, and Joshua Jill, all of whom hold valua- 
ble real estate in, and are citizens and residents of, this county. 

The undersigned is not certain whether it is expected that those who propose to 
furnish the materials for building above mentioned must also submit proposals for 
the construction of the Institution, and has, therefore, submitted proposals for mate- 
rials only. If it is the intention of the committee to have the materials furnished, 
and this building constructed under one and the same contract, he will undertake, if 
time be afforded for this purpose, to form a company that will submit a proposition 
of that character, at an early day, and on terms that must be esteemed desirable. 
This is said confidently, from his knowledge of the superior quality of the marble he 
proposes to furnish, and from the facility with which it can be delivered at Wash- 
ington. 

; Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
PHILIP McGAUGHEN, 

Point of Focks. 

Hon. R. D. Owen, 

W. J. Hovuas, \ Committee, Smithsonian Institution. 
W. W. SEATON, 

All of which letters were laid on the table. 

The committee, then, in the presence of the architect, James Renwick, Jr., and of 
the superintendent, Robert Mills, proceeded to open the bids, and found them as by 
the following table : 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


622 


000‘0z 


002'6 


000‘TT¢ 


*oINyIUAN 


"oUUBIN) 


OOUUGG <o| OOD SR ae (OUNG Te “IH OD0 Pigs: fet eS) a af eee ee ee prviep “WT | FI 
OU S Siigeaete asl oe Fg “~~ (qoop payeyassay) == “og 
eis | See esr oe Se ee ee (Ce | 000 Be cle Se a ee = UNG Om nT 
OOF 084 S000 Lace POOG Taos O00 0ees | eee eco le ere WAIN “WL | OL 
QO0I80ZS "000 00G=: |"S2" alae = Si Sie Sse ee WoLIMIBD WEG | 11 
O00 SRLS ase Sa) ae ese can Sloe aoe ee ‘OD Y uoxIq somes | OT 
DOI 08 S| Ger Serle ee ea ae 000)‘62r 809‘90I ‘op ‘op “od 
QOS EGS eae Sealers Ss 000|'FFI DOS6H Sipe ers" UoIOUIBH Y suBpY ‘Toying | 6 
Q001S§ S| Sse SS Se oe ee ee ee 
eee || mee ee ee eee ee ewe | eee ee, Fig fae | a ee 002 ‘FL See Sete cs, ee ee a ee ees > a uvhig “sore | 2} 
O00 Opes S8o Saleen on eo eee Ue COS SNe Seer as slr ee eee uBLIND “G “| 9 
009‘6IT$ |-(peSuvs sepysy) “op » eryoug ‘Tog | g 
O08 ISP Sale tego el sete Saeco ToUMOg [20f | F 
cepa | ee ge age | mae CRE a Se ee 000 Sor steeg ase ee =.= ungoW sfourrg | g 
O00'G0GE+| sas QUUISOD Seago nee so3Iq “H WUITIIM | 3 
DOO SRESR ROG GDGbal=<<"="=="\ 000'RLGR |e ae ae eee ee UBULITOD “I sepIvyO | T 
ataiere | ergieyy | ‘woousg | wosueg | ucseyy | soyuodiep| moounng soe on 


‘aagprmuoy bupyng ay2 hq ‘1¢8T ‘younpy fo kop y291 2y2 uo pauado ‘uoungysur unuosyzuUug ayz of sppsodoud pajynas fo aynpayog 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 623 


As each of the foregoing bids was opened, it was labelled ‘‘Opened March 16 
1847,” each of the building committee adding his initials, 
As soon as all the bids were opened and their amounts compared, a letter was 
prepared and addressed to six of the bidders, to wit: 
1. Messrs. James Dixon & Co. 
2. Butler, Adams, and Cameron. 
3. T. M. Niven. 
4. Gilbert Cameron. 
5. F. Gerard. 
6. B. B. Curran. 
The letter is as follows : 
OrricE SMITHSONIAN InsTITUTION, March 16, 1847. 
Sir: Please to inform the Building Committee whether your proposals include 
furniture, as per specifications, or not; also, please state what are your separate 
estimates on mason work, carpenter’s work, and stone-cutting. 
Your answer by this evening at six o’clock will oblige, sir, your obedient servant, 
ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
Chairman Building Committee. 


The letters were placed in the hands of the messenger at } past one o’clock. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Ninth Meeting, March 17, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 

The Chairman laid before the committee the following replies to the letter addressed 
yesterday to sundry bidders. 

WaSsHINGTON, March 17, 1847. 

Str: In answer to your letter of this day, and in compliance therewith, I have 
the honor to state that my bid for the carpentry work included the furniture, in 
accordance with specification, as also my general bid. 

My separate estimates, constituting the bid for the whole building, were— 


EINVUPEI (Tn reer esr aS a nS A I ces pa eee $80,000 
PaRa eC En bNracae eas Ve oO es ke ee eee 94,800 
RED CTEGVIG OL Kee 22 nnn Hate eee oe ee 65,200 


I would beg leave here to explain that my bid for the whole job did not contem- 
late the erection of the building of Seneca stone, but of white marble or granite; 
should deduct $35,000 from the amount if the building committee decide upon 
using that kind of stone,* instead of the more beautiful, costly, and durable marble 
or granite. 
Respectfully, yours, &., B. B. CURRAN. 
Hon. Ropert DALE OWEN, Chairman Building Committee. . 
GENTLEMEN: In reply to your letter of this morning, I beg leave to answer that 
I did not include the furniture in my estimate; and the separate estimates from 
which I made up my proposition were as follows: 


SENECA. 
Rubble. Cut. 
muting and stone...._... ..-- $70,000" > Cutting and: stone:-- == $70,000 
SOM emonutacess 25--—. 25 = 5 OOOM Stonesior tacoma aes 16,000 
BOE pee atte es 2 GOLOOO Mics mites ee ee eee Se ()()() 
mare-proofing 2 - a 12,000. tire-proofingues_ tap ses ik ee 10,000 
Bere Or Cries, 67,000 Carpenters --==.. =~. 225 2 ies 65,000 
$214,000 $219,500 
MARBLE. 
Cutting and stone_-_..----~---- $75,000 Cutting and stone_-.---_-_-___ $75,000 
Stone for face work._._._---- 12:000) WeA chlor eee See. ee eee 20,000 
ins neeensentc sfc 2)! 61/0005, Masoneesa see ee ese 58,500 
iire-proofing 1" -__2_._____.-.-. 10,000: - -'‘Hire-proofing= 22-2 = S+=_2_2_* 10,000 
Sramrioniter ests suo) 30e) o_) 467,000 8 (CarpentersU 222 222 = 2. 67,000 
$225,000 $230,500 


F. GERARD. 


* This bid is for Seneca rubble.—R. D. O. 


624 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


WASHINGTON City, March 16, 1847. 


In answering your letter that I received this morning, I beg leave to say, that in 
my estimate to build your job I did not. make any offer for furniture, as 1 always 
thought it not included in the building proposal. 


Separate bills of Seneca stone. 


Mason) work 22-225 Se eee e eee 09 000h wathierubbles 
Carpenter Work) =2222 20s soe ae ee i 60,000, do. 
Stone-cutting 22a see saree eas ee 61,000, do. 


If you put in ashlar, you would add to the above bill $3,000—making $203,000. 


I am, sir, very respectfully, &c., 
GILBERT CAMERON, 
Hon. R. D. OWEN. 
WasHINGTON, March 16, 1847. 
Sr: In answering yours of to-day, I have to inform you that 


ny Mason sabnlns seen eee teen eae oan aan $50,000 
Carpenters Wl on 2. coco ence aS ere nore eee ee 66,000 
Outyetonees 222522 60S Seo a oo ot ee ee SS ees 80,000 


iiicu¢in sange work, addi) ssa eee eee : 
$202,750 


If in marble (ashlar) from Symington’s quarry, $228,500. 
If in marble from Symington’s quarry, (rubble, ) $224,000. 

JAMES DIXON & CO. 
Hon. RoBperT DALE OWEN. 


N. B.—Furniture included in both instances. 
Jt 


WasHINGTON, March 16, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: After examining Mr. Adams’s papers, I have been able to discover 
the mistake in the bill that we hurriedly put in last night, and must express my 
thanks for your kindness in enabling me to correct it. 

The following I think is correct : 


East Chester marble—furnishing and cutting marble -__--___- $79,000 
Miss om swOr Koguvait lier Url boll @ ees meee uate ere ce 82,000 
Carpenters, furnishing valle © 52022 oro Se eet eee ee 62,000 
5 223,000 

Add ‘ashlar tothis 222 oh pes ck eect as ue eke ee ob ee ie 
248,000 

deductions onvaccount) ofvashlar===-—ss=eeen— eee eee ee eee 17,000 
231,000 

Mount eleasant manbleyashlarss=s sees seen ee eee $101,725 
Mason’ jb oN tee ey oN 82,000 
Carpenter 22 222528 Ce ee ee 62,000 
245,725 

Deduct... soo 2 Lee Se ee ak Ae Sa an wee ee 12,000 


*$213,725 


I hope you will excuse me for delaying you so long in waiting an answer. 
GILBERT CAMERON, for BUTLER & CO. 


To the BuILDING CoMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


* Apparent error in addition, inasmuch as $245.725 — $12,000 = $233,725. aa 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 625 


Marco# 16, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: In answer to your circular, I would state that my estimates did not 
include furniture. 
My estimates in detail were as follows : 


Seneca rubble estimates. 


For stone-cutting and dimension stone_-_.__.--..__.._--____- $71,000 
SeanpOn ace wor kos. Soe es Be ee oe 7,500 
Mlissemysaieemet as ee ka eee Fe eae 61,000 
ECP PCOhH eee. 2s See eee I 13,000 
CEP OsEy ay SSE 10 eT Pe ee em 67,500 

$220,000 

For marble rubble face. 

For stone-cutting and dimension stone --------------_-_____ $75,000 
Morle mtb ble o-oo tee ONS Ua 14,000 
PRISE enn aes no on ee eee nee eae eee) 61.000 
_NTIRES| TRE Oe Se ee ha ee ee 12,000 
SUB OMtOes Ae sa 5 So EE ee ee Se Se 65,000 


$227,000 


For marble with ashlar face. 


Stene-cuilne and dimension! 205-2 oss- osu. cee eno see $75,000 
SA NAOP AACE... onino acess Seo Sea ee sl Ste 20,500 
Ma SON emer cons sS ces ce ac acco ee ee eee se ese eae 57,500 
Ieee peOOk es. 2 ok CLS Soe ee ee 12,000 
Carpenter. —_ ___== Se ee ee 65,500 | 


$230,500 


Yours, with esteem, Lc MESIN DVN. 
To the BuILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


After carefully examining the bids in detail, the messenger was requested to ask 
Mr. Niven into the committee room ; and on being asked whether he was willing to 
make a contract at his estimate for stone cutting alone, he (Mr. Niven) replied in 
the affirmative. The messenger was then requested to call Mr. Dixon; and on being 
asked whether he was willing to make a contract for the work exclusive of stone cut- 
ting, he (Mr. Dixon) asked until to-morrow morning to give an answer. 

He was requested to see Mr. Niven on the subject, so as to ascertain whether a 
contract could be made with them jointly, based on Mr. Niven’s bid for stone cut- 
ting, and James Dixon & Co.’s bid for mason and carpenter’s work. 

After conference in regard to the special provisions of the contract, the architect 
was requested to draw up a blank contract, and submit the same to the committee at 
their meeting to-morrow. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Tenth Meeting, March 18, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 
On motion of the chairman, it was— 


Resolved, That the specifications be altered so as to require that both the principal 
stairways, as high as the museum floor, be of stone, with iron balusters, bronzed ; 
and that a floor above the ceiling of the second story, fire-proofed, according to the 
plan proposed in the report made on the 15th instant, by Mr. Hough, be added; and 
that the tessellated floor of the museum be dispensed with; and that Mr. Hough be a 
sub-committee to consult with the architect as to what minor alterations in the speci- . 
fications can be made, so as, with the reduction effected by dispensing with the said 
tesselated floor of the museum, to meet the additional cost of said stairways and said 
fire-proof floor, without increasing the aggregate expense of the entire building. 

Mr. Dixon, of the firm of James Dixon & Co., appeared, and informed the com- 
mittee that he was not willing to take the mason’s and capenter’s work separate from 
the stone-cutter’s, as yesterday proposed to him. He also informed the committee 


626 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


that he had made an error in the addition of his bid for Seneca ashlar of $2,500, so 
that the committee must consider that bid as amounting in the total to $205,250, at 
which amount he stood ready to contract. 
It appearing that the bids of James Dixon & Co., for the building, were the low- 
est, to wit: 
Hor Senecaasha] are eee eee ee ee ayer camer or Pe i ehh ee eae $205,250 
And ‘intanarble sash lar ss 2 seer os oA ee 228,500 


And it further appearing to the committee that the ashlar finish of Seneca stone is 
more durable than the rubble finish, the committee informed Mr. Dixon that his bid 
to complete the building in the Seneca freestone, ashlar finish, for the sum of two 
hundred and five thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, was accepted. 

On motion of the chairman, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Hough, and the architect, be a sub-committee to prepare a 
blank contract, submit the same to James Dixon & Co., and, after obtaining their 
assent to the same, present it to this committee for approval. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Eleventh Meeting, March 18, 1847, (5 o'clock, p. m.) 


Present, Messrs. Owen and Hough. 

On motion of Mr. Hough, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Owen address a letter to Mr. John P. C. Peter, accepting the 
offer of quarry-right made to the committee, in letter of Mr. Peter to Mr. Seaton 
dated 9th December last, and place the said letter in the hands of Mr. Dixon, to be 
forwarded to Mr. Peter. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twelfth Meeting, March 19, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 

The chairman submitted to the committee a copy of the letter which, in accordance 
with a resolution passed yesterday, he addressed to Mr. John P. C. Peter, owner of 
the Bull Run quarry, in Montgomery county, Maryland, and which he had, last. 
evening, caused to be delivered to Mr. Dixon, as follows: 


WasuineatTon, March 18, 1847. 


Str: Iam requested by the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution to 
inform you, that they have to-day decided upon the material for their building ; 
that their choice is Seneca freestone from some one of your quarries, if sufficient 
suitable stone can be found in them—probably from that of Bull Run; and that they 
accept your offer made to them in your letter of the 9th December last, addressed to 
Mr. Seaton, namely, to pay you twenty-five cents per perch for all stone intended for 
cut work, and twelve and a half cents for all calculated for hammered work. 


I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
Chairman Building Committee. 


Joun P. C. PETER, Esq. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That the resolution heretofore adopted, instructing Mr. Peter Gorman to 
obtain four perches of freestone from Seneca creek, be and the same is hereby 
rescinded. 2 

On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That the resolution heretofore adopted, instructing Dr. Owen to make 
chemical analyses of the Maryland marbles, and particularly of those from Mr. 
Worthington’s and Mr. Symington’s quarries, be and the same is hereby rescinded. 

On motion of Mr. Hough, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Owen be requested to write to Mr. McLane, president of the 
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and to Mr. Howard, president of the Baltimore and 
Susquehanna railroad, and to inform them that although, for the sake of economy, 
the freestone of the upper Potomac has been selected as a building-material, the 
committee desire to express their sense of the prompt liberality with which the boards 
of these railroad companies had adopted the suggestion of the Building Committee 


al 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 627 


in regard to reduction of the rates of transportation in favor of the Institution, in 
case marble was selected. 
_ And, on motion, the committee adjourned to meet at eight o’clock this evening. 


Thirteenth Meeting, March 19, 1847, (8 o’clock, p. m.) 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 

The contractors, Messrs. Dixon and Cameron, appeared; and the contract for the 
buildings of the institution, which had been prepared by the architect and revised 
by the committee, having been read to them, they expressed their assent to all its 
provisions, and declared themselves ready to execute the same. 

Thereupon the Secretary of the Institution, being present, represented to the com- 
mittee that one of the Regents, now in the city, to wit: Professor A. D. Bache, 
requested to be allowed to examine the provisions of the contract before it was finally 
executed; but that Mr. Bache was at present too ill to read or examine it. ; 

Upon this suggestion, the committee asked the contractors whether they were 
willing now to sign, leaving the signatures of the committee to be added to-morrow, 
after Professor Bache should have had an opportunity to examine the contract. 

And the contractors assenting, signed the contract. 

On motion of the chairman, it was— 

Resolved, That the architect and Dr. Owen proceed to-morrow to Seneca creek, for 
the purpose of examining the quarries in its vicinity, with the view of selecting the 
one from which it is expedient to derive the material with which to face the building ; 
and that they present to this committee specimens of the exact tint and quality of 
freestone they may concur in recommending. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Fourteenth Meeting, March 20, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 

The chairman stated to the committee that he had a conversation with Professor 
Bache and the Secretary of the Institution, and, availing himself of suggestions 
made by them, had prepared an addendum to the contract; which he submitted, as 
follows: 

“Tt is further understood and agreed by and between the parties to the above 
agreement, that if the Board of Regents should determine to make important 
alterations in the plan of building, or in the time of its execution, then, and in that 
case, the said party of the first part shall receive pro rata, according to the prices 
agreed in the foregoing contract, for work executed, and reasonable damages, if the 
nature of the case justly demands it. And in case of dispute or controversy in regard 
to the amount, then the party of the second part may select either the architect of 
the Institution, or any other architect or architects, to arbitrate in the case, and his 
or their decision shall be final and conclusive in the premises.’’ 


And, on motion, it was adopted and signed by the committee, with the under- 
standing that it be submitted to the contractors for their signature. Thereupon the 
committee proceeded to the site belonging to the Institution, and carefully examined 
the same, with reference to the exact position in which to place the building; but 
came to no final decision thereon. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Fifteenth Meeting, March 20, 1847, (5 o’cloek.) 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Hough, and Owen. 
Mr. Dixon appeared and signed the ‘‘addendum.’”’ And the committee appended 


their signatures to the contract, thus completing the same, as follows: 
Contract. 


This agreement, made and concluded this nineteenth day of March, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, between James Dixon and 
Gilbert Cameron, party of the first part, and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution, by Robert Dale Owen, William W. Seaton, and William J. Hough, a 
committee of three of their number duly appointed for the purpose, and for and in 
behalf of the said Institution, and in accordance with the provision of the fifth section 
of the act of Congress establishing said Institution, of the second part, witnesseth : 
That the said party of the first part, for their heirs, executors, administrators, and 
assigns, hereby convenant and agree to and with the said party of the second part, 
that for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and five thousand two 


628 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


hundred and fifty dollars, to be paid to them by the said party of the second part, in 
the manner and at the times hereinafter specified, they will furnish all the materials 
of every description and perform all the work necessary to construct and completely 
finish, in the most full, substantial, and workmanlike manner, the whole of the 
carpenter work, stone-cutting, and mason work, and work connected therewith, for 
the building of the Smithsonian Institution, in each and all of its parts, including 
all of its appurtenances, said building being situated on the site for the building of 
said Institution, in the city of Washington, and in a position designated by the said 
parties of the second part. And the said party of the first part hereby further 
covenant and agree, that the construction of the said building and its appurtenances 
shall be in every respect in accordance with the plans, specifications, and directions 
of James Renwick, junior, the architect of the said Institution, all of which shall be 
considered as part of this contract; which said specifications are hereunto annexed. 
And the said parties of the first part hereby further covenant and agree that they 
will furnish materials of the best description, and that the work shall be performed 
in the most workmanlike and substantial manner. 

And it is hereby agreed by the parties to this contract, that the work, during its 
progress, shall be subject to the inspection and decision of the said architect, who 
shall have, and is hereby granted, power to condemn and reject all materials and 
work which shall not, in his opinion, be in accordance with this contract; and the 
said parties of the first part hereby agree that they will take down all work and 
remove from the ground all materials which may be condemned by the said architect, 
at their own cost and expense, on pain of forfeiture of this contract, as hereinafter 
specified. 

“hae it is hereby agreed by the parties to this contract, that the execution and 
completion of the building herein contracted for shall occupy a period of five years 
from the nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- 
dred and forty-seven, and in such proportions thereof, in and during each year 
thereof, as the said party of the second part shall direct; and such work to be done 
at such times and seasons, and in such order, as the said architect shall direct; it 
being expressly understood that an amount of not more than $41,000 shall be ex- 
pended annually during the first four years of this agreement. 

And it is hereby mutually agreed by the parties to this contract, that the parts 
composing the said building shall be erected in the following times and order, viz: 
the wings and connecting ranges within two years, and the remainder of the building 
within five years, from the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and 
forty-seven. 

And it is hereby further agreed by the said party of the first part, that they will 
perform.all work embraced in this contract as above specified, agreed, and under- 
stood. 

And it is hereby mutually agreed, covenanted, and understood by the parties to 
this contract, that, in order to prevent all disputes, the said above-mentioned archi- 
tect shall decide every question, controversy, or claim, which may or can arise during 
the execution of this contract from alterations in plan or in any other manner, and 
that his estimate and decision thereon shall be final and conclusive between the par- 
ties, who hereby mutually bind themselves each to the other, to submit to the said 
estimate and decision of said architect, in the sum of forty thousand dollars, which 
is to be forfeited and paid by the party who shall neglect or refuse to abide by and 
perform said estimate and decision to the other party to this contract. 

And the said party of the second part hereby agree that they will pay the above- 
mentioned sum of two hundred and five thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, 
($205,250,) in gold and silver, or in Treasury notes bearing six per cent. interest, at 
their par value, for the whole work, to the said party of the first part, in the manner 
and times following, to wit: every two months for all materials delivered and work 
executed according to the estimate and certificate of the aforesaid architect, reserving 
fifteen per cent. therefrom until the completion of the work; and that when the 
whole building and work shall be completed, and upon certificate of the aforesaid 
architect that it has been finished in every respect to his satisfaction, according to 
the terms of this contract, they will pay the balance which may then be due, including 
said fifteen per cent., and the interest that may have accrued on said fifteen per cent., 
at the rate of six per cent. per annum from the times of the several estimates. 

And it is hereby agreed and covenanted, that if at any time the said parties of the 
first part shall, in the opinion of the aforesaid architect, have performed any of the 
work embraced in the contract in an unfaithful or improper manner, or shall have 
violated any of the provisions of this contract, or shall refuse to prosecute the work 
herein contracted for, that then, and in that case, the said architect shall give notice 


/- 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 629 


of the same in writing to the said parties of the second part, any two of whom may 
thereupon terminate this said contract by giving notice thereof in writing to the 
said party of the first part; and that thereupon this contract shall be deemed 
terminated, abandoned, and lawfully forfeited by the said party of the first part, and 
the said party of the second part may proceed to contract for the remainder of the 
work with any other party or parties, holding all the work done and materials 
delivered by the said party of the first part, and all the moneys due them therefor, as 
security for the remainder of the work; and also holding and binding the said party 
of the first part, their heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and bondsmen, to 
make good any further loss or damage which may accrue to the said party of the 
second part from such defalcation, forfeiture, and abandonment of the work by the 
said party of the first part. 

And it is hereby further agreed and understood by the parties to this contract that 
the following alterations in the plans and specifications shall be made, and that the 
same shall be considered as part of this contract : 


First. The building shall be faced, and all the cut-stone work dressed from the 
best Seneca freestone from the upper Potomac, to be taken from the Bull Run quarry, 
or some other quarry in the neighborhood of Seneca creek, to be designated by the 
said parties of the second part, and free from all imperfections. 


Second. That the building shall be faced with coursed ashlar of the aboye-men- 
tioned freestone, in courses varying from ten to fifteen inches in height, and no two 
adjacent courses in the building to vary more than one inch in height, brought toa 
joint not exceeding three-eighths (3) of an inch in the widest place when laid, taken 
out of wind; dressed full to the square on the beds, builds, and joints, with a narrow 
arras drawn around the face of each stone, and the face between the arres pointed off 
horizontally in a regular manner and at regular distances—say not more than two 
inches apart, averaging nine inches in thickness, with a proper proportion of bond 
stone to bind the face to the backing—say one in every 3% feet square; the clause in 
the mason’s specification, commencing with “the face of the walls shall be strongly 
tied to the backing,’’ being continued in full force and effect. The whole of the 
above ashlar to be set in the best manner, and pointed in the manner described in the 
mason’s specification. 


Third. That in place of the principal flights of the front and rear stairways, as 
specified in the carpenter’s specification, cut-stone steps and platforms of such free- 
stone as shall be selected by the architect, which shall be fine cut and rubbed, with 
handsome cast-iron newels and balusters, similar to the wooden ones described in the 
carpenter’s specification, and well bronzed in the best manner, with a heavy moulded 
hand-rail of the best well-seasoned black walnut, shall be substituted. On the heads 
of each of the above cut-stone steps and platforms, Norman pateras, or flower orna- 
ments, shall be cut by the contractor. The above stone steps shall be carried up as 
high as the level of the museum floor. 


Fourth. That a floor of one and a quarter inch white pine plank, resting on beams 
of white pine 2 & 12 inches, set twenty inches from centres, shall be carried under 
the roofs of the whole building and towers; and that the floor beams shall be sup- 
ported by 8 X 12 inch girders, where necessary, and plastering of cement mortar 
Eve inches in thickness shall be laid over the top of all the said above-mentioned 

oors. 


Fifth. That in place of the iron timbers having brick arches and concrete between 
them, which are specified to be placed in the chemical lecture-room, the students’ 
working laboratory, and the rooms over it, wooden beams 38 XX 12 inches, set 16 
inches from centres, with a deafening of cement concrete four inches in thickness 
between them, resting on one and a quarter inch plank, firmly secured to the beams 
by 3 X 1} inch strips, shall be substituted. The above beams shall be furred on the 
under side, with 2 14 inch stripes, set one foot from centres, and plastered three 
coats; the last coat shall be hard-finished. 


Sixth. That in the place of the iron columns in the larger lecture room, wooden 
columns, nine inches squate, which shall be furred, lathed, and stuccoed in the best 
manner, with reeds forming clustered columns with foliage caps, bases and plinths, 
shall be substituted. 


Seventh. That in the place of the tesselated wooden floor of the museum, a floor of 
narrow clear Georgia yellow pine plank, not more than five inches wide, planed, 
tongued and grooved, laid in courses and blind-nailed in the best manner, shall be 
laid. The heads and sides of all the plank shall be planed after they are laid, so as 
to be perfectly true and even when finished. 


630 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Eighth. That on the eight corners of the fourth story of the higher central front 
tower, eight columns, one foot in diameter and of the height of the story, with foli- 
age caps, bases, and plinths, shall be well and truly cut. 


And it is hereby further covenanted and agreed by the said parties of the first 
part, that they will not employ any sub-contractor who shall be objected to by the 
architect; and further, that the said architect shall have power to discharge any 
laborer, foreman, and sub-contractor, who may, in his opinion, be incompetent or 
unfaithful ; and the said parties of the first part shall not further or again employ, 
directly or indirectly, any of the above-mentioned persons, on pain of forfeiture of 
this contract, as hereinbefore specified. And the said parties to this contract hereby 
mutually agree, that in case of the absence of the said architect, or of his inability 
to act, that then, and in that case, his assistant or successor, to be appointed by the 
said party of the second part, shall be, and is hereby, invested with all the powers 
granted to the aforesaid architect, in this contract. 

In witness whereof, the said party of the first part have hereunto set their hands 
and seals, and the said party of the second part hereunto subscribed their names, and 
affixed the seal of the Smithsonian Institution, the day and year first above written. 

Signed, sealed, and delivered, in presence of 

JAMES DIXON, [L. 8. ] 
GILBERT CAMERON, [L. 8. ] 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
WILLIAM J. HOUGH, | commit, 
W. W. SEATON, 


Addendum to the Above Contract. 


It is further understood and agreed by and between the parties to the above agree- 
ment, that if the Board of Regents should determine to make important alterations 
in the plan of building, or in the time of its execution, then, and in that case, the 
said party of the first part shall receive pro rata, according to the prices agreed in 
the foregoing contract, for work executed, and reasonable damages, if the nature of 
the case justly demands it; and in case of dispute or controversy in regard to the 
amount, then the party of the second part may select either the architect of the In- 
stitution, or any other architect or architects, to arbitrate in the case, and his or their 
decision shall be final and conclusive in the premises. 

JAMES DIXON. 
GILBERT CAMERON. 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
WILLIAM J. HOUGH, $ Committee. 
W. W. SEATON, 


WasHINGTON City, D. C., March 19, 1847. 


Specification of the Masonry and Materials for the Smithsonian Institution. 


GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING. 


The building will consist of a centre, which will be 50 by 200 feet in the clear, 
inside. Two connecting ranges, 60 feet in length in the clear, inside, and averaging 
47 feet broad, in the clear, inside. An east wing, 45 by 75 feet in the clear, inside, 
with a vestibule and porch attached to it¥ and a west wing, 34 by 65 feet in the clear, 
inside, exclusive of the apsis or semi-circular projection. 


Towers.—There will be two central front towers, one central rear tower, a campa- 
nile or bell tower, a large octagonal and two smaller towers, with porches, vestibules, 
stair halls, &c., attached to the centre. 

The east wing, or chemical lecture-room, will have a bell tower, six chimneys, a 
vestibule and porch, attached to it; and the west wing will have a campanile tower, 
and apsis or semicircular end connected with it. 

The central building will contain, in the first story, the principal central hall, and 
the library, with groined ceilings, and the principal lecture-room, with a panelled 
ceiling. ‘The second story will contain the museum, also finished with a grvoined 
ceiling. 

The larger central front tower will contain a furnace cellar in the basement. In 
the first story a librarian’s room, and a room over it in a mezzanine story, all with 
groined ceilings. In the second story, a room connected with the museum, with a 


— se 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE.~ 631 


groined ceiling, and over it a room eight feet in height. Above the line of the root 
of the main building it will contain four stories, completely finished. 

The lower central front tower will be divided in the same manner below the line 
of the roof; and, above this line, will contain three completely finished stories. The 
spaces between the front towers, and between the central building and the front 
towers, will contain in the basement a cellar, connecting the coal cellars in the 
towers. In the first story the front vestibule, with a groined ceiling, and the front 
stair wells; and in the second story, a continuation of the museum, with groined 
ceilings, and the second flight of front stairs, with groined ceilings. Between the 


- two towers the carriage porch will project, and shall have a groined ceiling. 


The central rear tower will contain, in the basement, a furnace cellar; in the first 
story, the rear vestibule, and part of the rear stair hall; in the second story the 
Regents’ room, and a room over the rear staircase hall, which will be connected with 
the museum, all having groined ceilings; and, in the third story, which will be 
divided internally into two stories, the lower one the Secretary’s and the upper one a 
muniment room. 

In the small octagonal tower connected with the central rear tower, will be a 
circular staircase and a fire-proof safe. 

In the space between the central rear tower and the main building will be the 
remainder of the central rear stair hall; and over it a room connected with the 
gallery of the museum, all having groined ceilings. 

The campanile tower will have a furnace cellar in the basement, and will be 
divided above the basement and below the roof of the main central building, into 
three stories, with groined ceilings communicating with the principal lecture-room 


-and the museum. Above the line of the roof it will be divided into four stories, 
completely finished. 


The larger octagonal tower will contain, in the basement, a furnace cellar; in the 
first story a circular stair, with a groined ceiling, connecting the gallery of the 
library with its ground floor; in the second story a similar circular stairway; and 
above the line of the roof:of the central building two stories, completely finished. 

The two smaller towers will contain elevators and ventilating flues. 

The west connecting range will be finished in the basement eight feet high in the 


-clear ; above the basement it will be occupied with a cloister and gallery of art; 


which latter will be divided by stone pillars, supporting a clerestory, into three aisles, 
with groined ceilings. 
The west wing will be finished in the basement eight feet six inches high in the 


clear; the upper story will contain a gallery of art, with a groined ceiling. The 


tower attached to the west wing will be occupied by a staircase well, and other 
apartments, with groined ceilings where directed. 

The east connecting range will be finished in the basement eight feet six inches 
high in the clear, and behind the cloister and above the basement it will be divided 
into two stories, each twelve feet high in the clear. The upper story will be lighted 
by openings in the parapet, which is not shown in the plans, but which will be three 
feet six inches high; both stories will be completely finished. The cloister will 
extend along the front of the wing, and will have a groined ceiling. 

The basement of the west wing, and its vestibule, will be finished nine to ten feet 
high in the clear. 

Above the basement it will contain the chemical lecture-room and its gallery, and 
the laboratory connected with it; which latter will be divided into two finished 
stories. 

The vestibule will contain the stair hall, and all the above rooms will be finished 
with groined ceilings. 


Excavation, levelling, and refilling.—The trench for the foundation walls of the 
central building shall be excavated to a depth of four feet six inches, and for the 
connecting range and wings to a depth of five feet six inches below the present surface 
of the ground, at the centre of the north side of the building. 


The trench for the foundation walls of the principal central front towers and the 
-central rear tower shall be excavated to a depth of eight feet (8 feet) below the above 
line; and for the campanile, octagonal, and all the lesser towers, to a depth of six 
feet (6 feet) below the above line. 

The trenches for all the partition and interior walls, and for all the foundations 
under pillars, &c., shall be excavated to the same depth as those for the outside walls 
with which they are connected. 

The earth between the wall trenches, in both wings, both connecting ranges, and 


632 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


the great lecture-room, shall be excavated to a depth of 5 feet below the same line 
under the whole building. 

The earth between the foundation trenches of all the towers and the space on the 
north front between the central towers will be excavated to a depth of 6 inches less 
than the trenches of the walls. 

All remaining excavation for areas, coal slides, cess-pools, sinks, &c., necessary to: 
complete the building, to be performed by the contractor, and according to the direc- 
tion of the architect. 


Refilling.—A part of the earth thus excavated shall be thrown back into the 
trenches, (on the outside of the walls and inside, so far as may be directed,) after the 
walls are built. It shall be thrown in in layers, and well rammed, so as to prevent 
all settlement. The remainder of the earth shall be removed and leveled off in such 
places and in such manner as may be directed by architect. 


Outside excavation.—All the excavation necessary to bring the present surface of 
the ground to a level with the top of the foundation wall at the building, and to slope 
it in every direction for drainage, for a width of 60 feet (sixty feet) from the build- 
ing, in every direction, will be performed by the contractor. 


Grubbing and clearing.—Al1l the sod, roots, and in general all vegetable mould and 
perishable matter, shall be removed from the whole area covered by the building. 

And, in general, all excavation, refilling, grubbing, and clearing, necessary to 
complete the building in every respect, will be performed by the contractor, in accord- 
ance with the directions of the architect. 


Masonry in foundation—concrete.—Under all the walls of the building a founda- 
tion course of concrete masonry, which shall be made by mixing two parts of best 
hydraulic cement with one part of lime in paste, with eight parts of clean sharp. 
sand, which shall be thoroughly mixed and well tempered, and nine parts of broken 
stone, not exceeding two and a half inches in diameter. The whole shall then be 
thoroughly mixed, and well tempered, and laid in courses of six inches, and shall be 
well rammed, when laid, with a heavy maul, so as to insure the perfect solidity of 
the whole mass. 

The concrete shall be laid to the following dimensions, under the different parts of 
the building: 


A.—Under the two central front towers twelve (12) feet wide on bottom, ten (10) 
feet wide on the top, and two (2) feet in thickness, under all the walls and buttresses. 

B.—Under the central rear tower, and the campanile and octagonal towers, tem 
feet wide on the bottom, eight feet wide on top, and two feet in thickness, under all 
the walls and buttresses. 

C.—Under all the remaining towers, eight feet wide on the bottom, six feet wide 
on the top, and one foot six inches in thickness. 

D.—Under the walls and buttresses of the central building, six feet wide on the 
bottom, five feet wide on the top, and one foot in thickness. 

E.—Under the connecting ranges and principal partition walls, four feet six inches. 
wide on the bottom, three feet six inches wide on the top, and one foot in thickness. 

F'.— Under the wings, five feet wide on the bottom, four feet wide on top, and one 
foot in thickness. 

G.—Under the piers supporting the clerestory columns of the gallery of art, six 
feet six inches square on the bottom, five feet square on the top, and two feet in thick- 
ness. 

H.—Under all the remaining piers, for the columns of the library and the lesture- 
room, five feet square on the bottom, four feet square on the top, and one foot six 
inches in thickness. 


Stone masonry in foundation.—The masonry of the foundation shall be laid of 
large, well shaped, gneiss building stone, of the best quality, with level beds and 
builds, laid in courses, with strong bond. The stones shall be of large size, not less. 
than three feet in length; the beds shall be hammered true and even, and the joints: 
brought close together. All the joints shall be filled completely with mortar and 
spaulls, so as to leave no cavities which might endanger the stability of the walls, 
and the outside joints shall be well pointed. 

The foundation shall be laid of the following dimensions of cross section, under 
the different portions of the building: 


A.—Under the central front towers—lst, a course nine feet wide and two feet. 
thick ; 2d, a course seven feet wide and two feet thick; 3d, a course five and a half 
feet wide and two feet thick. . 


a 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 633 


B.—Under the central rear tower, and the campanile and octagonal towers—lIst, a 
course of stone seven feet wide and two feet thick; 2d, a course of stone five feet 
wide and two feet thick. 


C.—Under all the remaining towers—Ist, a course of stone five feet wide and two 
feet thick; 2d, a course of stone four feet wide and two feet thick. 


D.—Under all the walls of central building—Ist, a course of stone four feet and a 
half wide and two feet thick; 2d, a course of stone three feet eight inches wide and 
one and a half foot thick. 


E.—Under the connecting ranges and principal partition walls, the foundation 
will be three feet six inches wide, and four feet six inches in height. 


F.—Under the wings—l1st, a course four feet wide and two feet thick ; 2d, a course 
three feet six inches wide and two feet six inches thick. 


G.—Under the piers supporting the clerestory of the gallery of art, a foundation 
of stone four feet square on the bottom, two feet six inches square on the top, and 
three feet in height. 


H.—Under all the remaining piers, for the columns of library, lecture-room, &c., 
a foundation two feet square, and three feet six inches in thickness. 


I.—Under all the remaining partition walls a course of long stone, three feet six 
inches in length, and not less than eight inches in thickness, will be laid. 


Under all the porches and buttresses, the foundation will be of the same section 
and materials as the walls they are connected with, and they will be well bonded to 
them. All the remaining stone work, necessary to complete the foundation, will be 
performed ; areas and coal slides will be built to all the openings to the furnace cel- 
lars, in the towers, and to the basement windows, of such dimensions as may be 
directed by the architect. The faces of the walls will be well hammer dressed, and 
neatly pointed. , 

The mortar for all the above stone foundation walls shall consist of the best hy- 
draulic lime, and clean sharp sand, mixed in the bést proportions, and thoroughly 
tempered. 


Brick masonry in foundation.—Inverted arches, of the best hard brick, will be 
turned under all the openings of the foundation, of the thickness of the walls in 
which they are placed, and of such other dimensions as the architect shall direct. 
The arches will be laid in the most true and even manner, with very close joints, 
which will be well slated up, to prevent all settlement in the mortar. 

Groined arches of the best hard brick, laid in the best manner, with close joints, 
the 7-key courses being grouted up and slated, will be turned under the two central 
front towers, and space between them, the central rear tower, the campanile and 
octagonal towers of the main building, and the tower of the west wing. ‘The arches 
will be nine inches, or one brick thick, and will be backed over with spandrils and 
haunch walls, and the floors above them will be of the best North river flag, axed 
smooth on the upper surface, and cut true and even in the joints. 


Partition walls.—The main partition walls of the central building will be of stone, 
in the foundation as above described. The lesser partition walls, for the rooms in 
the connecting ranges and wings, will be laid up of the best hard brick, and of the 
following section: Ist, a course of bricks 18 inches wide, 5 inches high; 2d, a course 
of bricks 14 inches wide, 5 inches high; and for the remainder of the height, or nine 
feet, they will be nine inches in thickness, and of the lengths shown on plans. 

All the above brick masonry shall be laid with the closest possible joints, especially 
in the arches, which shall be slated in the joints, and all the bricks shall be well wet 
before they are laid. Proper openings for doors, with semi-circular arched heads 
turned over them, shall be built in the walls, in the places shown on the plans, and 
where the architect shall direct. 

Arches of brick, of such dimensions as the architect shall direct, will be turned 
behind all the stone arches of the windows and doors. 

The mortar for all the above brick masonry shall be composed of best hydraulic or 
ground lime, or a mixture of hydraulie cement and lime in paste, mixed with the 
best clean sharp sand, and thoroughly tempered. 

All the remaining stone and brick masonry necessary to complete the foundation to 
be performed by builder, whether specified or not. 


634 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


WALLS OF BUILDING ABOVE FOUNDATION. 


Stone masonry.—The walls shall be faced with the best broken rubble masonry, of 
white marble, or buff-colored Seneca stone of even color and best description, or of 
granite similar to that in the rear of the General Post Office; and the contractor will 
state in his estimate the expense of constructing the building with each of the three 
above described materials. The face of the stone shall be brought to the square by 
the mason’s hammer, care being taken to pick, as far as possible, such stones for the 
face as will require little dressing ; the object being to preserve, as far as practicable, 
the natural face of the stone, with the crystals unbroken. The beds, joints, and 
builds of the stone shall be dressed true and even, so that the joints shall not exceed 
one-half of an inch in the widest place. The style of the front shall be either broken 
or angular rubble, and the face shall be laid in the manner directed by the architect. 
The facing shall average ten inches in thickness, and no stone will be allowed in the 
work whose breadth of bed is less than two-thirds its height. The stone shall be of 
nearly uniform color, free from all sap, iron pyrites, and all other discoloring or 
deteriorating material, and especially in the white marble, from the decomposing car- 
bonate of magnesia. 

The face of the wall shall be strongly tied to the backing by headers of the same 
material as the face, running in places through the wall, and in no case less than 
twenty inches in depth, and furnished in such numbers as the architect shall direet— 
say one in every three feet six inches square. All the arres of the buttresses, towers, 
&c., and all the corners, splays, and angles, throughout the whole building, shall be 
dressed with the chisel so as to be perfectly plumb, true, and even, when laid. No 
quakers will be allowed in any part of the work. AJ] the stones shall be laid on their 
natural beds. The heading stones on the corners of all the towers, buttresses, and of 
the whole building, shall have beds at least equal to their heights on face. The joints 
shall be pointed with a mixture of the best quicklime and blacksmith’s scales and 
sand, and shall be smooth struck on the face; and, after it has set throughout, the 
joints shall be painted to the color of the face with the best pure white lead and boiled 
linseed oil, colored to the color of the stone. All the walls will be backed in with 
best blue gneiss, of good shape and size, laid on the natural bed, and well bonded to 
the face work. Behind the outside walls, and at a distance of four inches from them, 
a five-inch brick wall, tied to the outer wall by at least one bond stone in every three 
feet square, will be laid. This backing will be returned, to meet the front wall at all 
the jambs and arches of all the windows and doors. It will also be tied to the front 
walls, in the piers between the windows, by brick cross walls nine inches thick, to 
form the flues; which flues will be constructed as follows: In each of the piers 
between the windows there will be three flues 8 by 16 inches in the clear inside, which 
will be carried from a point three feet below the under side of the beams of the first 
story to the top of the building. One of these flues will be connected with the fur- 
naces by a horizontal flue of galvanized iron, or double-cross tin, two feet square, 
which will be furnished by the contractor, for the purpose of diffusing the hot air 
throughout the building. All these flues will have neat registers in the rooms, for 
the proper regulation of the heat. The second flue will have an opening in each 
story, on the line of the ceiling, on the outside of the wall, and another opening into 
the bases of the rooms inside; these will admit the cold air from the outside of the 
building into the respective rooms for the purpose of proper ventilation, and will be 
closed up on the level of the floor of each story, by a cross wall over the outside open- 
ing; and each of the above flues will be furnished with a heavy sheet-tin slide-valve, 
with proper fixtures for opening and shutting, placed in such part of the flue, and 
made in such manner, as may be directed by the architect. 

The third flues will have openings on the inside on a line with the ceilings of all 
the rooms ; through these the foul and heated air will be carried off and discharged 
by an opening under the coping of the building. All these flues will be furnished 
with two sheet-tin valves each, made and placed in the manner directed by the archi- 
tect. Proper flues, well parged, will be carried up for the furnaces, fireplaces, engine, 
laboratory, &c., in such places as may be directed by the architect. 

In addition to the above ventilating flues, openings with valves will be formed in 
all the groined ceilings, which will be connected with the corner towers and fiues in 
the larger towers. 

Thickness of walls.—The thickness of the walls of the main building above the 
water tables will be two feet six inches in the first story, and two feet in the second 
story, exclusive of all projections of the buttresses, corbel courses, battlements, 
bands, &c. 

The thickness of the end walls of the main building will be two feet six inches for 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 635 


a height of fifteen feet above the line of the water table, and for the remaining por- 
tion two feet, exclusive of all projections. 

The thickness of the walls of the connecting ranges above water table will be 
twenty-two inches, exclusive of all projections. 

The thickness of the clerestory wall of the west range will be sixteen inches, and 
it will be backed in with good hard brick. 

The thickness of the walls of both wings will, above the water table, be two feet, 
exclusive of all projections and the batter at the base of the east wing. 

The thickness of the walls of central front towers will be three feet six inches in 
the first stories, three feet in the second story, two feet six inches in the third story, 
with the corners filled in to aid in supporting the octagon, and two feet in the fourth 
story, which will be backed in with good hard brick, exclusive of all projections. 

The thickness of the walls of the central rear tower will be three feet in the first 


story, two feet six inches in the second story, and two feet in the third story, 


exclusive of all projections. 

The thickness of the walls of the campanile, exclusive of all projections, will be 
two feet to the line of the roof of the main building, and above this line twenty 
inches, and backed in with best hard brick. 

The thickness of the walls of the octagonal tower will be two feet three inches to 
the line of the roof, and twenty inches above the line of the roof, and backed in with 
brick, exclusive of the batter at the base and all projections. 

The thickness of the walls of the remaining towers will be two feet on an average, 
fae ueive of all projections, and the stories above the roofs will be backed in with 

rick. 

All the remaining walls, if any, to be in no case less than two feet thick, and to be 
executed by the contractor. 

All the thicknesses above given are exclusive of the brick lining wall. 


Brick Masonry.—All the partition walls which rise above the basement will be two 
bricks—say 18 inches in thickness—to the height of the floor of the second story, and 
one and a half brick—say 14 inches in thickness—from thence to the under side of 
the rafters of the roof. Arches for doors and windows will be turned, of such sizes 
and in such places as may be directed by the architect. 

All the interior arches behind the window arches, door arches, &c., will be turned 
in such manner as architect shall direct, to the form of Norman jambs, to receive the 
plaster of the jambs. Trimmer arches of brick, nine inches thick, will be turned for 
all the hot-air and furnace flues in all the floors. 

The arches over the pillars supporting the clerestory of the gallery of art, in the 
west connecting range, will be of best hard brick, laid to such form as the architect 
shall direct, and over them a brick wall eighteen inches thick will be carried up to 
the level of the under side of the roof of the side aisles. 

Groined arches of brick, eight inches thick, will be turned in the most perfect 
manner for the ceilings of the mezzanine and upper story of the porter’s apartments, 
which will be situated in the lower central front tower; they will be filled in with 
spandrils and haunch walls, supporting flag floors of North river flag. If preferred 
by the contractor, the iron beams, with brick arches between them, hereinafter 
‘described, may be used in place of the above groined arches. 

All the remaining brick-work necessary to complete the building to be performed 
by the contractor, whether specified or not. 


Cut-stone masonry.—All the cut-stone masonry, of every description, which will 
be found in the specification of the stone and cutting, will be set by the mason in the 
most true, perfect, and substantial manner ; and all the iron dowels, clamps, anchors, 
rods, &c., necessary to secure and render perfect the stone work, will be furnished by 
the mason; and the joints of the cut-stone masonry will be pointed in the same 
manner as above described for the face of building. 


Mortar.—All the mortar for all the above brick, stone, and cut-stone masonry, to 
be composed of the best hydraulic or ground lime, or of a mixture of hydraulic 
cement and lime in paste, in such proportions as the architect shall direct, mixed with 
clean sharp sand, in the best proportions, and thoroughly tempered. 

All the bricks will be well wet before they are used. 

All the stones will be laid on their natural beds, and thoroughly cleaned from 
dust or dirt before they are laid, and wet, if so directed by the architect. 

Lathing and plastering —All the ceilings and walls, and stud partition walls, of 
every part of the building, will be lathed to the forms laid down on the plans, or as 
directed by the architect, with the best sawed laths, five nails to each lath. 


636 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


All the walls aud ceilings of all the rooms in the basement story will be plastered 
with a scratch coat, brown coat, and hard-finished coat, laid on true and even, and 
finished in the best manner. 

All the walls and ceilings of the professors’ rooms, laboratories, and rooms in the 
towers, to their tops, except such as are groined, will be plastered in a similar man- 
ner, with three coats. 

All ie canopies and partitions in lecture-rooms to be plastered three coats, as above 
described. 

All the remaining ells and apartments in the whole building, including library, 
museum, the two leeture-rooms, the two galleries of art, the great central hall and 
its vestibules, the Regents’ room, the front and rear stair halls and the rooms in the 
two central front towers, the octagonal and cainpanile towers below the line of the 
roof of the main building, will be plastered throughout with two coats, a scratch 
coat and a stucco-finished brown coat, well hand fioated, laid on in the most perfect, 
true, and even manner. The brown coat will be laid off in courses and colored to 
represent stone. 


Ornamental Plastering.—All the ceilings of the museum, library, galleries of arts, 
and the rooms connected with them, will be groined and ribbed in the best manner, 
according to the plans and directions of the architect. The ribs will be run at the 
intersection of all the groins, and across the ceilings between the groins, against the 
walls over the windows, and in all places which the architect shall direct ; all the red 
lines on the plans being ribs. The ribs shall be of rich Norman section, and of good 
proportion, varying from 7 by 9 to 11 by 18 inches in the ceilings, and of larger 
dimensions in the arches over the columns dividing the aisles. In the gallery of art, 
heavy ribs, twenty inches wide, shall be run under the arches supporting the clere- 
story. 

AY the intersection of all the ribs, and at the crown of all the ribs not intersected 
by others, bosses of foliage, of the best Norman design, which will be furnished by 
the architect, and of the richest character, well relieved from the grounds, will be 

laced. 
: The shafts of the columns, of all the apartments and halls, which shall be of the 
richest character, composed of clusters of engaged columns in rebates, and made 
according to the plans of the architect, will be run with gaged mortar, in the best, 
truest, and most workmanlike manner ; and all the separate columns of each clustered 
shaft shall have moulded plinths, and bases, and foliage Norman caps, of such design 
as architect shall furnish, and put up and modelled according to his directions. 

Around all the windows a handsome moulded Norman jamb and arch, whose 
section shall be a double rebate, with two engaged columns, shall be run. All the 
columns of the above to have plinths, and bases, and foliage Norman caps; and a 
label mould, resting on two foliage corbels, will be run around the arch of each 
window; and all of the above work shall be executed according to the plans and 
directions of the architect. 

Around all the doors, Norman jambs and arches, of the same section as those of 
the windows, but with more mouldings, where directed, shall be run. In the arches 
the mouldings will be ornamented with chevrons, cable moulds, and foliage bands, 
according to the directions of the architect. 

The main central hall, the entrance porch, the rooms in the central front towers, 
the Regents’ room, the rooms and stair wells in the octagonal and campanile towers, 
and the ceilings of the principal staircase, halls, and vestibules, and vestibule and 
porch ceilings of the east wing, together with the room over the central front and 
rear stair halls, and the ceilings of both of the wings, will be also groined and ribbed 
in the best manner, and finished, in every respect, as above described for the museum, 
&e. All the doors and windows will be finished as above described. 

The ceilings of both the cloisters will be groined in a similar manner. 

All the columns, &c., in all the above rooms, will be finished as above described ; 
and there will be in all the rooms of the whole building clustered columns in the 
centre of the piers between the windows, with plinths, bases, and foliage caps. 

The Regents’ room will be finished all around with clustered columns and arches, 
dividing the walls into panels above the wainscoating. All the arches over these 
columns, and those of the triple-arched opening between the room and the bay win- 
dow, will be ornamented with zigzag, cable, and other Norman mouldings, as may 
be directed by the architect. All the doors and windows of all the above rooms to 
have mouldings, pillars, &c., as above described for the museum, &c. 

The main ceilings of the principal lecture-room, and the gallery ceilings of the 
principal lecture-room, and of that in the east wing, will be level, and will be heavily 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 637 


panelled with rich ribs, having foliage bosses at their intersections. All the columns, 
and half columns, in the center of the piers between the windows, all the window 
and door jambs and arches of the above rooms, to be of the form and workmanship 
hereinbefore described. 

All the columns, window jambs and arches, door jambs and arches, ribs, &c., of 
all the above described rooms and halls, to be laid off in courses to represent stone. 

All the remaining plaster work, both plain and ornamental, necessary to complete 
tho building, will be performed by the contractor, whether specified or not. 

The mortar will be made of the best Potomac or Thomaston finishing lime, and 
clean sharp sand, mixed in the best proportions, and thoroughly tempered. The 
plaster for the hard finish and gaged mortar to be of the best quality. 

All the arres, angles, ribs, pillars, &c., to be kept perfectly plumb, true, and even. 


Coloring of walls.—All the walls which are not hard finished will be colored by a 
mixture of lime-water and white, green, and blue vitriol, as may be directed; with 
which such colors, as the architect shall direct, shall be mixed. 

The coloring shall be put on in two or three coats, and the last coat shall be colored 
different shades on the different parts of the walls, ceilings, &c. 


Deafening.—All the floors which are not formed on groined ceilings, or on iron 
beams with brick arches between them, will be deafened with a mixture of lime, 
elay, and sand mortar, laid on of such thickness as the architect shall direct. 


Iron work.—All the copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs and mullions, 
sills, chimney caps, and, in general, all the stone work, &c., will be tied together 
with strong wrought-iron clamps, anchors, dowels and rods, well leaded to the stone 
work, and of such dimensions as may be directed by the architect. 

Wrought-iron bars ?-inch in diameter, and of the widths of the different windows 
to the outside of the jambs, will be used where directed, to tie the centre mullions to 
the jambs, especially in the octagonal story of the large central tower, and in the 
greater and lesser octagonal, and the small square towers of the central building. 

A bar of $# by 2 inch wrought-iron will be carried all around both stories of the 
larger octagonal tower, and around the smaller octagonal, and the small square tow- 
ers of the central building, on a level with the spring line of the arches of the win- 
dows. 

Gratings, of ? by 1} inch wrought-iron, will be furnished for the areas of the dif- 
ferent towers. 


Lightning rods.—Five lightning rods, of wrought-iron, one and a half inch in 
diameter, will be furnished by the mason. They will be furnished with elbows, glass 
thimbles, and platina points, of the best description, and will be put up in the follow- 
ing places: one on the great central front tower, one on the campanile tower, one on 
the octagonal tower, one on the tower of the west wing, and one on the tower of the 
chemical wing ; and they will be carried ten feet above the tops of the towers to 
which they are attached. 


Flagging.—The floors of the basement, of the chemical or east wing, and its vesti- 
bule, and the east connecting range, shall be flagged with the best North river flag, 
laid perfectly level, true, and even, and dressed in the joints, and laid in at least 12 
inches, of clean sharp sand and gravel, with at least six cesspools, four feet in diam- 
eter and six feet deep, under each of the above parts of the building. 

The cellars under the front towers, and the space between them, as well as those of 
the central, rear, campanile, octagonal, and tower of the west wing, will be similarly 
flagged. 

‘After the flag are laid, the joints will be grouted with a mixture of cement and 
sand. 

The floors of the two cloisters will be flagged with best North river flag, axed per- 
fectly smooth on the upper surface, and the stones will be of equal size from two to 
three feet square, and laid diamond-wise in cement-mortar. 

The floors of the two galleries of art, in the western wing and western connecting 
range, will be flagged with the best North river flag, axed perfectly smooth, and cut 
to the form of octagons, of equal size, not more than two feet in diameter. The 
squares between the octagons will be filled with tiles of white marble or of red Seneca 
stone, as may be directed by the architect, and this will be laid in best cement and 
sand-mortar. 

The floors of the vestibules and central hall will be flagged with the octagon and 
square as above. 

All the joints of all the above flagging will be cut perfectly true, and the tiles will 
be bedded on the best cement and sand-mortar. 


638 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The floors of the rooms over the groined arches, in the central front towers, will 
be flagged with best North river flag, as above described for the cellars themselves, 
laid in the best cement and sand-mortar. 


Fire-proofing.—The floor of the chemical lecture-room, which occupies the whole 
east wing, and the floors of the students’ working laboratory, and the room above it 
in the east connecting range, each of which is 38 by 24 feet in the clear, will be ren- 
dered fire-proof in the following manner: Cast-iron beams of the shape of the letter 
T reversed, whose vertical arm will be 15 inches in depth, by 1} inch in width, with 
a bead on the upper end 24 inches in diameter, and whose horizontal arm will be 
8 inches long, and average 14 inch in thickness, will be laid four feet from centres ; 
the ends of these beams will run 9 inches into the walls, and will rest on a cast-iron 
plate, 3 inches wide by 1 inch in depth, which will be firmly anchored to the walls ; 
between these beams, arches of brick five inches in depth will be turned to form the 
floors. The spandrils over the arches will be filled in with a mixture of lime, sand, 
and broken stone or gravel, over which a flooring of best North river flag, well axed 
on the upper face, and not more than two inches thick, will be laid in the best cement 
and sand-mortar. 

The floors of the rooms over the janitor’s room and of the two rooms in the tow- 
ers, on a level with the museum, making in all four floors 16 feet square, (exclusive 
of those over the groined arches in the cellars of the front towers,) will be similarly 
fire-proofed, unless they are groined with brick as hereinbefore specified. 

The floor of the principal lecture-room will be tiled with best North river flag, laid 
on brick cross-walls, and well jointed and bedded in cement and sand-mortar. 

A border of colored marble tiles four inches square, laid on bricks, in cement or 
plaster of Paris, will be carried around the Regents’ room, three feet in width. 


Safe.—A fire-proof safe will be constructed in the small octagonal tower, attached 
to the rear tower, with double wrought-iron doors, and iron shelves and hollow brick 
casings, per directions of architect. 

A mantelpiece of red marble, or of such color as the architect shall direct, and of 
the richest Norman pattern, having two columns on each side, whose shafts will be 
a cable-mould and chevron, with plinths and moulded bases, and foliage caps of the 
richest character ; over the columns a rich frieze, which will be ornamented by a 
band of Norman foliage, will be carried, and over this a label mould filled with pat- 
eras or rosettes. Upon this mould the shelf will be laid, which will be at least three 
inches thick, and moulded in the front and ends. All the remaining parts of the 
chimney will be completely finished in the best manner. The sides and back of the 
fireplace will be laid up of best fire-brick, laid herring-bone fashion. 


Dry walls of stone.—There will be four sinks or cesspools, eight feet in diameter 
and twelve feet deep, walled up in the best manner, with dry stone, and placed in 
such positions as the architect shall direct. 

Twenty-four cesspools, four feet in diameter and six feet deep, walled up with dry 
stone, will be built under the different floors of the building. 

All the remaining mason work of every description, necessary to complete the 
whole building in the most perfect manner, will be performed by the contractor. 

As it is the intention of the above specification, with the plans, to cover the entire 
and perfect completion of the work, no charge for extra work will be allowed the 
contractor, unless caused by actual alterations of the plans. And the contractor will 
be bound by the sum of $10,000, to abide by the decision of the architect, whose 
decision in all matters relating to the form, dimensions, and finish of all the parts of 
the work, shall be final and conclusive. 


J. RENWICK, Jr., Architect. 


[Norr.—Contractors will also estimate the difference in expense between facing 
the building with rubble masonry, as hereinbefore specified, or of setting the whole 
face with ashlar, varying in height of course from ten to fourteen inches, and averag- 
ing eight inches in thickness, the ashlar being furnished by the stone-cutter.] 


Specification of the stone and cutting for the Smithsonian Institution. 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF STONE. 


The contractors will estimate on furnishing all the stone necessary for the cutting 
and the expense of the cutting itself, and will furnish three separate estimates of the 
above, based on white marble, buff-colored sandstone of the best quality and uniform 
color from the upper Potomac, and granite of the same color and quality as that in 
the rear of the General Post Office of the United States. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 639 


CUTTING. 


North front porch.—Will consist of three arched openings of the dimensions 
shown on plans, in courses not exceeding 15 nor less than 12 inches rise. The jambs 
will each contain four rebates, filled each with a ? column on the exterior face, and 
one rebate, filled in like manner, on the interior face. [See plan A, drawings No. 1.] 
All the columns will have handsome moulded Norman plinths and bases and foliage 
caps. The arches of each side will contain a similar number of mouldings to the 
jambs, and each arch will be ornamented with a zigzag, battlement, and cable, or 
other ornamented mouldings. 

The buttresses will be cut of similar courses to the doors, and bush-hammered on 
the face, with moulded caps and a double water table. Between the buttresses on all 
three sides a corbel course handsomely cut, and eight to twelve inches projection of 
semicircular arches, resting on foliage brackets, will be carried; and over the corbel 
course a label mould supporting the battlement. The battlement will be well cut to 
the section shown in No. 2, plan A. All the face work of the porch will be cut both 
inside and outside. 


Front door.—Between the central front towers and under the porch a door, of the 
dimensions shown on the plans, will be placed. The jambs will consist of three 
rebates with ? columns, bases and caps, cut as above, and the arch will contain three 
mouldings, one of which will be ornamented with a zigzag or cable mould. 


Sills and steps.—The sill of the door will be made in three heights of eight inches 
each, to form steps to rise from the ground to the first floor. 

The window and niches over front door will have jambs of a single rebate, with 
a 3 column, with moulded plinths, bases and foliage caps. In the arches the columns 
will be replaced by an octagon, and an octagonal label mould resting on four corbels 
will be carried over the heads of the three openings, for section of windows. (See 
plan A, No. 8.) Sills will be 10 inches in height. 

Circular window will be of the diameter shown on plan. The section of the jamb 
will be as shown on plan A, No. 4, and the tracery will be per plans and direction of 
architect, the mullions not being less than six inches diameter, with moulded caps, 
plinths and bases, and the arches being splayed on both sides, and handsomely foiled ; 
the foil in centre to be sunk through. 

The moulding under the circular window will be a hook label, of size shown on 

lans. : 
P If so directed, the circular window shall have tracery similar to the one in the west 
end of the centre building. 

Under the interlaced arches of the battlement, another label mould, eight to twelve 
inches high, will run. The interlaced arches will be 18 inches higher than shown in 

lan, and will be sunk through. The pillars will be octagonal, with plain plinths, 
Pe. and caps, supporting the arches, and over the arches a neat hook label of proper 
size will be run. Niches or windows in pediment. Three niches, (or if so directed, 
windows,) with a splay and column jamb and arch, (plan A, No. 5,) will be cut for 
the pediment. Their sills seven inches high. 

A corbel course will be carried up the pediment, of semicircular corbels, resting 
on neat brackets, and projecting eight inches from face of wall. The cornice or 
coping will be 12 inches by 28 inches, cut to the form of three sides of an octagon, 
and on the apex of the gable a handsome finial will be cut the size shown on plan, 
and of approved design. 

Two base courses or water tables will be carried around the whole building, with 
the exception of the east wing. They will be cut to the dimensions and section 
directed by the architect. 


Central front towers.—On all the corners of all the buttresses, which will be of 
tubble masonry, an arras two inches wide each way will be cut, so as to enable the 
stones to be set perfectly vertical, plumb, true, and even. 


Buttress caps.—Al1 the buttress caps to be of cut stone, handsomely moulded and 
finely cut, per directions of architect. 

The first row of corbels under zigzag mould will be of good design, eight on each 
side of each tower, well moulded and cut with foliage and heads. 

An enriched lozenge or zigzag mould will be cut of dimensions shown on plans, 
sunk six inches between the panels, and of such pattern as the architect shall direct, 
and cut in the best manner. 

Sills of first tier of windows, and niches, and sill cowrse.—Over the zigzag an 
octagonal sill course six inches high will be carried. Sills of windows will be 10 


640 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


inches high. Jambs of first tier of windows will consist of a splay and column, (see 
plan A, No. 7.) Arches of splay and octagon, (see plan A, No. 8.) A label resting 
on corbels will be earried around the heads of the windows and niches. The mullions 
will be cut to the form of a double jamb, with a fillet between them, (as shown in 
Nos. 8 and 8.) 

The bases, plinths, and capitals, will be furnished for all the columns of such design 
as architect shall direct, and they shall have foliage caps well undercut. 

In the arches the column will be replaced by a square with a bead on the angle, or 
by an octagonal mould, (see plan No. 9,) and the remainder of the arch shall be the 
same as the section of the jamb. 


Corbel courses over the first tier of windows.—A handsome corbel course, with 
moulded corbels under the arches, shall run all around both towers, (see Nos. 10 and 
11,) and project from six to eight inches; a moulding shall run over the head of the 
corbel course, with a batter on top to shed the rain. 

Between the corbel course and the band under the second windows a panel course, 
well sunk, (see plan A, No. 12,) will be carried around both towers, of such design 
as architect shall direct. 

The sill course under the second windows will be a semicircle and fillet, and five 
sides of an octagon, of the height shown on plan, and finely cut. 

The sills of the second tier of windows, will be 15 inches in thickness. 

The jambs, arches, labels, plinths, bases and caps, will be of.the same section as 
those of the first tier; they will be finely patent-hammered or well cut, and of such 
dimensions as to section as the architect shall direct. 


Corbels over second tier of windows.—On each side of each tower, nine or ten cor- 
bels or modillions of good design, handsomely moulded, will be placed, and of such 
size as architect shall direct. These corbels will support an octagonal moulding, well 
cut, and of such dimensions as architect shall direct. 

The sill course of paneled arcade, over this octagonal moulding, will be of such 
dimensions and section as architect shall direct. 

A paneled arcade of seven to eight arches, supported by pillars, with plain caps 
and bases, will be-carried along two sides of each tower—82 panels in all; they will 
be sunk of such depths as the architect shall direct. 


Moulding over arcade and splayed sill course.—Over this arcade a label mould with 
a splayed sill course, having in it one break and being a continuation of the buttress 
caps, will be carried around three sides of each tower, of such dimensions and section 
as architect shall direct. 

Above the sill course, the sills of the upper windows, which will be 15 inches high 
and of such section as architect shall direct, will be carried. They will be well cut. 


Windows, third tier.—The third tier of windows will vary in the two towers per 
plan; there being a double window on each of the four sides of the larger tower, and 
a triple one on each of the four sides of the lower tower. The section of all the 
jambs will be as shown on plan A, Nos. 7 and 8, and they will be of such dimensions 
as the architect shall direct. All the columns of all the above jambs will have plinths 
and bases of good designs and foliage Norman caps, approved by architect. The 
arches will have the same section as the jambs, except over the pillar caps, where the 
circular shaft will be replaced by an octagonal moulding. 


Finish of lower central front tower, above third tier of windows.—I|st. A corbel 
course projecting 10 inches from the face of the wall, of semicircular corbels, sup- 
ported on brackets, will be carried all around the four sides of the tower. Over this 
an octagonal moulding ; over this a zigzag or paneled moulding, of such dimensions, 
pattern, and workmanship as architect shall direct, well sunk; over this zigzag or 
paneled moulding, an octagonal moulding—then a vertical band ; over this band a 3 
circle; and over this a cove, with an octagonal or splayed top for the cornice or 
coping. 

All the above mouldings to run all round the four sides of the tower, and to be of 
such dimensions, workmanship, and design, as architect shall direct. The upper bed 
of the upper stone or coping will be at least 80 inches, with a groove sunk one inch 
all round, to secure the roofing material, to prevent all leakage. 


Finish of larger front tower above the third tier of windows.—Four circular 
windows for clock faces, one on each side of the tower, of a diameter not exceeding 
nine feet, will be placed over each set of double windows. The jambs will be of the 
section shown on plan A, No. 14, and in the mouldings the numbers of the hours 


| 
. 


a ao eee ee 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 641 


will be cut. The windows will be filled with handsome Norman tracery of pillars, 
and semicircular arches of such dimensions, &c., as architect shall direct. 


Splayed corners.—Above these circular windows the tower changes the form of its 
ground plan from that of a square to that of an octagon, by means of four splayed 
corners, (per plans ;) these corners will be of coursed cut stone, well cut on the beds, 
builds and faces, 12 inches high in each course, and having a drip mould cut on the 
under side of each stone to prevent the water from getting into the joints. 

An octagonal moulding will be carried all around the base of the octagon at the 
point where the splay ceases. This moulding will be fine cut, and not less than 12 
nor more than 16 inches in height. 


Pinnacles.—An octagonal moulding of similar dimensions to the one above will be 
carried all around the top of the 16 buttresses of the principal tower; and on each 
of the buttresses an octagonal or cross-shaped pinnacle, having a plinth, pillars with 
caps, bases, and arches, and mouldings. Arched panels, corbels, and mouldings of 
such dimensions, design, and workmanship, as the architect shall direct. The pinna- 
cles will be each capped by a single stone, having the form of an octagonal pyramid, 
of such dimensions as architect shall direct, surmounted by a handsome finial. All 
the above work to be cut in the best manner. 

A sill course of octagonal form will be carried around the whole tower, under the 
sills of the fourth tier of windows, of such dimensions as architect shall direct. Sills 
of the windows of the octagonal section will be fifteen inches in height, and of such 
depth as may be directed by architect. 

All the windows of the octagonal section will have jambs of such section as arch- 
itect shall direct, and detached columns not more than 12 inches lesser diameter, of 
oval form, will divide the windows into two bays. 

The columns of the jambs and the central columns, or mullion, will have plinths 
and bases of good design, and ornamented Norman caps, of such dimensions and 
pattern as may be approved by architect. The splay of the jambs will be continued 
around the arches; the tracery of the window heads will be sunk through single 
stones of not less than nine inches in thickness; the arras of the arches will be 
splayed, and the quatrefoil over them will also be sunk through, and the whole will 
be fine cut, per direction of architect. 

All the corners of the octagonal section of the tower will leave an arris drawn on 
them, so that they will be perfectly plumb, true, and even, in every respect. 

A corbel table will be carried around the octagon over the arches of the fourth tier 
of windows, per plans, with handsome brackets neatly moulded under semicircular 
arches, which will project from 10 to 12 inches. 

Over this corbel table a splay fillet and octagonal moulding will be carried to the 
under side of the ornamental band, of such dimensions and workmanship as the 
architect shall direct. 

Over this octagonal mould an ornamented course, having a zigzag chevron, ora 
star or enriched lozenge or triangular frette, of such dimensions and pattern as arch- 
itect shall direct, and well cut, will be carried. 

Above this a series of six mouldings, of such dimensions and pattern as the archi- 
tect shall direct, and terminated by an octagonal moulding 16 inches high and 30 
inches bed, for a cornice, with a rabbet to receive the lead connecting the roof cover- 
ing with the stone, will be carried. 


Parapet of tower.—A parapet, 3 feet 6 inches in height, with a moulded base and 
octagonal coping, will be carried all around the top of the tower, over the cornice. 
All the stones between the base and coping will be 15 inches thickness of bed, and 
fine cut on both faces and both beds, as will the coping and base. The whole to be 
of such proportions as the architect shall direct. 

The buttresses of both central front towers will have an arris or draught, fine cut, 
drawn on all the corners, so that they will, when laid, be perfectly plumb, true, and 
even. 

All the mouldings, buttress caps, base courses, and, in general, all the ornamental 
work on the buttresses, will be well cut, and of such dimensions and design as archi- 
tect shall direct. And all the work on both front towers, the porch and space 
between the towers, to be cut and furnished, whether specified or not. 

In each of the walls between front towers and main building, there will be a door 
four feet six inches opening, and ten feet six inches high in the clear. Their jambs 
and arches will be of the following section, (see plan A, No. 18,) and well cut, and 
the columns will have bases, plinths, and foliage. Capitals of such design as may 
be approved of by the architect. The bands and corbel courses, and battlements of 


41 


642 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


the front of the central buildings, hereinafter described, will be continued along 
these walls to the rears of the central front towers, a total length of 14 feet each. 


Windows.—In each of the above spaces there will be three windows, averaging ten. 
feet high, and four feet broad in the openings, with arches and jambs of section (plan 
A, No. 17) well and truly cut, and of such dimensions as architect shall direct. 


Cut stone in front and rear of central building. 


Two bases, their courses of section described, will be carried around both of the 
fronts and buttresses. 


Buttresses.—The corners of all the buttresses will be dressed with a draught or 
arris, so that they will be perfectly plumb, true, and even, when laid. 

Buttress caps will be gable-shaped, and project one foot to sixteen inches from the 
corbel table behind them. ‘They will be well and truly cut, with a circular bead on 
the apex, and of such dimensions, &c., as architect shall direct. 


Band under windows.—Under the first tier of windows a moulding, consisting of a 
splay, or cove, a fillet, and an octagonal moulding, of such dimensions as architect 
shall direct, will be carried. 

The window-sills of the first tier of windows will be 10 inches high, well cut, with 
a rebate to receive the sash. 

The jambs of the windows will be cut to the form of a splay and column, in a 


rebate, and of such dimensions as architect shall direct. All the columns to have: 


plinths and bases, handsomely moulded, and foliage Norman caps of such design as 
architect shall approve. 

The arches of the windows will be of the same section as the jambs, with the 
exception that the circular moulding, or shaft of column, will be replaced by an 
octagonal one. 


Labels resting on ornamental corbels, of handsome design, will be carried over the 
heads of all these windows. 

A corbel table of semicircular arches, supported on handsomely carved drops, will 
extend from buttress to buttress, along the whole front and rear. The projection of 
this corbel table will be from eight to ten inches. 

The octagonal sill-course under the sills of the second tier of windows, will be cut 
to such dimensions as architect shall direct. 

The sills of the second tier of windows will be from 16 to 18 inches in height, and 
cut per plans and directions of architect. 

The window jambs will be cut to the form of a splay and octagonal, or oval col- 
umn, in a rebate, of such dimensions as architect directs. 

The columns in the centre will be of the same shape as those of the jambs, and of 
such dimensions as architect shall direct. All the above columns to have plinths, 
bases, and foliage capitals, of such design as architect shall direct. 

The splay of the jamb will continue around the arch, and a handsomely moulded 
label, with two carved foliage corbels, will be carried around the arches. Tracery 
will be of the form shown on plans, at least nine inches thick, and moulded on all 
the edges. The space between the pointed arches of the tracery will be sunk two 
inches on both sides from the face of the arch, and a trefoil will be sunk through it, 
if so directed by architect. 

A corbel course of large size, projecting from 15 to 18 inches from the face of the 
walls, will be run all along both front and rear; the corbels will have semicircular 
arches, supported by handsome moulded drops, and will be of such dimensions and 
design as architect shall approve. 

Over the corbel table a moulding, consisting of a splay and fillet, will run all 
around, if so directed by architect. This moulding is not shown on plans. 


Above this line the battlements will be carried along the whole front and rear of 


the building. The battlement will be well cut; and where it is above the roof, will 
be 16 inches in thickness, and cut on both sides. The coping of the battlement will 
be cut to the section shown in plan A, No. 16, and of such dimensions as architect 
shall direct, and the battlement shall be 18 inches higher than shown on plans. 

All the remaining cut work, and stone therefor, necessary to finish completely the 
front and rear of the central building, will be furnished by the contractor, whether 
specified or not. 


East end of central buildings.—The band under the windows will extend along the 
whole end of building, between the towers, and will be cut to the form of five sides. 
of an octagon, of such dimensions as architect shall direct. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 643 


pines corners will have an arris drawn up them, as before described, for front 
and rear. 


Triple window.—The triple window will have a sill 15 inches in height, and of 
such other dimensions as architect shall direct. 

The jambs and intermediate jambs will be of the section shown on plan B, No. 1, 
and of such dimensions as architect shall direct. 

All the columns in the jambs to have plinths and bases, and capitals, with Norman 
foliage. The arches will be of the same section as the jambs, with an octagonal 
moulding, taking the place of the shaft of the column. A label mould, of the form 
of five sides of an octagon, will be carried all around the heads of the three windows, 
from the level of the caps of the columns of the side windows, and four handsomely 
carved corbels will be carried on the level of these caps, from which the label will 
spring. 

The smaller end windows will have sills, jambs, arches, bases, capitals, plinths, 
corbels, and labels, of the same section as the triple window. 


Corbel course.—Along the whole end, and its gable, a handsome heavily-sunk cor- 
bel table, of semicircular arches, springing from handsomely-carved brackets or 
BEoUs, will be carried. It will project from 12 to 15 inches from the face of the 
wall. 


Coping.—An octagonal coping, at least 15 inches high and 30 inches to bed, will 
be carried along over the whole end wall, with a proper groove for roof covering, 
sunk in build. 


West end of main building.—A sill course of octagonal form will extend along the 
whole end between the towers. 

The arris of buttresses, and arched panels over them, will be dressed perfectly true 
and even. 


Circular window.—The jamb will be cut to the section, (plan C, No.1.) The 
tracery will be cut on both faces, with columns, with plinths, bases, and caps, quatre- 
foils, six-foils, and trefoil, tracery heads and mouldings, of such design and dimen- 
sions as architect shall direct, and be complete in every respect. 

A corbel course will be carried up the gable of the contre compartment, of such 
design, workmanship, and dimensions, as architect shall direct. 

Two windows at sides of circular windows will be furnished with jambs, arches, 
&c., cut in same way as described for windows of east end. 

Baie. two small circular windows will have jambs of the section shown in plan O, 

o. 2. 

ae quatrefoil tracery will be eight inches thick, dressed on both sides, and splayed 
on edges. 

A hook label mould will be carried along the whole end under the parapet. 

The coping will be similar in every respect to that of east end. And all the above 
to be of such dimensions and workmanship as architect shall approve. 


Towers of East end of Main Building. 


CAMPANILE. 


The campanile, a larger tower, will consist of four stories, or external divisions. 
The two base courses, hereinbefore described, will extend all around it. 

The jambs of the doors will be cut to the section of two rebates, with one engaged 
column in one of them. And there will be four windows, (not seen on plan,) in the 
first story, with sills, splayed jambs and arches. <A splayed water-table will be 
carried all around under the second story. 


Second Story.—On each side of the second story there will be two panels, with 
arched heads, formed by buttresses, which will project from six to eight inches from 
the face. The corners of the tower buttresses and arches will be dressed perfectly 
true and even, so as to be perfectly plumb, when laid. 


Windows.—In each of the panels there will be three windows with splayed sills, 
jambs and arches. 

Cornice of second story will consist of a splay, or an ogee, a wide band, and an 
octagonal moulding, all cut in the best manner. 

If the architect shall so direct, the splay or ogee shall be replaced by corbels. 

Third stury.—A base course, with splayed top, will run all around the tower. 

The eight windows of third story will have sills ten inches in height. 


644 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The jambs will consist of a splay and column in a rebate, and the mullions of a 
column on a pilaster. 

The arches will be of the shape of a trefoil, of the same section as the jambs, and 
the tracery, with the splayed angles and panels, will be carried from capital to capital 
of the columns, per plans and directions of architect. All the columns will have 
bases, capitals, and plinths, handsomely carved and moulded. 

Over the windows a corbel course of ten corbels or modillions, on each side of the 
paNers me be carried ; the corbels will be handsomely cut and moulded, (not shown 
on plan. 

Over the corbels an octagonal moulding will be carried, of such dimensions as 
architect shall direct. 


Fourth story.—A splayed base course will be carried all around the fourth story of 
the tower. 

The window-sills of the eight windows of the fourth story of the tower will be 10 
inches high. The jambs and centre mullions will be cut to the same section as those 
of the third story. 

The tracery will be eight inches thick, splayed on corners with a quatrefoil pierced 
through each tracery head over the arches. 

Over the fourth story there will be, first, a moulding consisting of a splay and a 
fillet. Over this a zigzag or chevron mould, well sunk; over the chevron a fillet, 
and an ovolo supporting a corbel course of semicircular arches on plain brackets, 
projecting from eight to twelve inches from the face of the wall. 

The coping of the tower will be octagonal, 12 inches high by 24 inches bed, and 
grooved to receive the roof covering. 

All the parts of the above tower including doors, buttresses, bands, corbels, mould- 
ings, windows, &c., to be of the dimensions, workmanship, and design furnished by 
architect. 


Smaller tower of east end.—Base courses to be carried all around. 
The tower will consist of three stories externally ; the lower one being square, and 
the two upper ones octagonal. 


First story.—A sloping base, eight inches high, will extend along the bottom of 
the panel, between the buttresses on each side. 

The sides of the first story will each have a panel with circular head, formed by 
buttresses and arches, projecting six inches from the face of the wall, and all the 
angles of the tower and buttresses will be dressed perfectly true and even. 


Windows.—On each side of the first story there will be two windows, with splayed 
sills, jambs, and arches, which will be well and truly cut. 
An octagonal moulding will be carried around over the top of the first story. 


Splays.—The square of the first story will be gradually drawn into an octagonal 
form by four splayed corners, which will be of cut stone, with drips on under side, of 
same character and workmanship as described for the main central tower. 

Windows of the second story will have sunk jambs and arches, cut perfectly true 
and even. 

A hook label moulding will be carried around the top of the second story of the 
tower. The parapet or broad band over this story will be of cut stone. A splayed 
coping will be carried over the parapet and under the third story. 

An octagonal sill course will be carried around the tower under the window sills of 
the third story. 

The window sills of the third story will be eight (8) inches in height. 

The jambs and arches of the windows will be splayed, or of the section of a rebate, 
with an engaged column ; all the corners of the tower will be cut perfectly true and 
even. ; 

A corbel course will be carried around the tower, forming the first member of the 
cornice; it will be of semicircular arches, supported by plain brackets, and will pro- 
ject eight inches from face of tower wall. Over this corbel cornice a splay moulding 
will be carried. And over the splay the cornice will consist of five members of such 
design and dimensions as architect shall direct. The top bed of the upper member or 
coping shall be two feet wide, with a groove cut to attach the roof covering. 

All the parts of the above tower to be of such workmanship, dimensions, and 
design, as the architect shall direct. 


Towers of west end of main building.—Octagonal towers of southwest corner will 
consist of four stories externally. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 645 


The two base courses will be carried around the first story. Above the base courses 
the first story will be battered, per plans, and all the corners will be dressed so as to 
be perfectly true and even. A splayed water table will finish the first story. 


Second story.—All the corners will be dressed true and even, so as to be perfectly 
plumb, when laid. 


Windows.—There will be two windows in each side with splayed sills, jambs, and 
arches. 


Loop-holes.—There will also be one cross-shaped loop-hole in each side, sunk 
through the walls and cut perfectly true and even, with trefoils on the ends of the 
arms. 

A hooked label mould will be carried around the tower, and well cut. The para- 
pet of the first story, over the label, will be a broad band of cut stone, finished on 
top with a splayed coping. 


Third story—The base or sill course of the third story will be well cut and splayed 
on upper edge. 

The windows of the third story will form a continuous arcade all around. The 
jambs and the centre mullions will be cut to section shown on plan D, No. 1. 

All the columns will have plinth bases and foliage Norman caps. ‘The section of 
the arch will be same as that of jamb, except that a square or octagonal] moulding 
will take the place of the shaft of the column. The tracery will be eight to ten 
inches thick, the arches will be raised, and over them a quatrefoil pierced through 
the panel in the head of each tracery. 

A corbel course of small moulded corbels, seven on each side of the tower, well 
cut, will be carried around under the cornice of the third story. The cornice of the 
third story will be octagonal and well cut. The whole story will be eighteen inches 
higher than shown on plan. 


Fourth story.—The base course will have a splayed top mould or water table on 
which the window sills will rest. 

The window sills will be six inches high. The windows of the fourth story will 
also form a continuous arcade. The jambs will be cut to the section shown on plan 
D, No. 2, and the arches will be of trefoil form, and cut per directions of architect. 
All the columns will have plinths, caps, and bases of good design. 

A hook label mould will be carried around under the parapet. 

The parapet will contain two sunk panels on each side, each of which will be of 
handsome Norman pattern, of such design as may be approved by architect. The 
parapet will be sixteen inches thick, and dressed on both sides, and will be coped by 
a coping twenty inches bed, cut to the section shown on plan D, No. 8. 

A balustrade of columns, with caps, bases, arches, &c., will fill the spaces between 
the jambs of the windows of fourth story, per end view. 

The northwest corner tower will be divided externally into three stories. 

The first story will be similar to that of the southeast corner tower. 

The second story will be square with splayed corners, handsomely cut; it will rise 
from a splayed base mould, and have two windows with rebated jambs on each side. 
The cornice of the second story will be a hook label mould, over which will bea 
plain parapet, with splayed coping well cut. 


Third story.—The base course will be well cut, with a splayed top. 


Windows.—There will be four windows, with sills 10 inches high, well cut. The 
jambs and arches will be a splay and column in a rebate, with handsome plinths, 
caps, and bases. The centre mullion will be a column on a pilaster. The tracery 
will be eight inches thick, with raised arches, and a quatrefoil pierced through the 
panel in the head. 

In the gables over the windows a sunk quatrefoil panel will be cut. 

The coping will be a hook label mould, 18 inches bed, grooved as usual to receive 
the roof covering, and a neat finial will be cut for each gable. 


Central rear tower.—The two base courses will be carried all around the buttresses, 
&c. All the corners of all the buttresses will have an arrisrunalong them. All the 
mouldings and buttress caps will be cut in the best manner, and of most approved 
design. 


Door.—The door jambs will be of the section of four rebates, containing four 
detached shafts or engaged columns, having bases and plinths handsomely moulded, 


646 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


and capitals cut in the best manner, with Norman foliage, well sunk and undercut, 
(see plan D, No. 4.) 

The arch will have four Norman mouldings, two of which will be ornamented 
with a chevron and cable mould, (see plan D, No. 5.) 

A label of octagonal form, and ornamented on the lower face with a Norman leaf, 
will be carried over the arch of the door, and will spring from two foliage corbels of 
best design and workmanship. 


Bay window.—The bracket of the bay window, which will project not less than 
six feet six inches from the face of the wall, will consist of a series of mouldings 
rising from a large carved corbel. All the face work of the windows between the 
corbel and the sills will be well cut in both faces and both beds, to a thickness of 13 
inches. 

An octagonal sill course will be carried all around the tower on a level with the 
under side of the sills of the bay window. The window sills will be 10 inches high, 
cut in the best manner. ; 

All the face work of the bay window above the sill course will be fine cut. 

There will be three windows, one on each side of the bay. The jambs and mul- 
lions will be of the section shown on plan D, No. 6. 

All the pillars will have plinths, bases, and foliage caps. The arches of the tracery 
will be raised, and a quatrefoil will be pierced through the sunk panel over them. 
The tracery will be nine inches thick. The arch of the window will be of same sec- 
tion as the jamb, except a square will take the place of the shaft of column. Over 
the windows a double label mould will be carried all around the bay window, and 
above this line there will be a battlement cut in the best manner, and of good design. 
The battlement will be cut on both sides. 


Sides of first story of tower.—On each side of the small octagonal tower a window 
with splayed jambs, arches, and sills, will be cut, and two similar windows will be 
placed on the opposite side. 

On each side of the octagonal tower in the second story a window with rebated 
jambs, having each an engaged column, will be cut in the best manner; and there 
will be two similar ones on the opposite side of tower, between which a niche, having 
a foliage corbel and canopy, cut in the best manner, will be placed. 

A hook label mould of large size will be carried all around the top of the second 
story, and well cut. 


Third story.—The base course of the third story will be splayed on upper bed, and 
well cut. 

The front and rear will each contain a single large window, having a jamb with 
the section of a splay, and engaged column in a rebate, and a mullion or central 
column supporting tracery. The tracery arches will be raised, and a quatrefoil 
pierced through the sunk panel. 

Over the arch of the window there will be an octagonal label resting on two hand- 
some corbels, which will be well cut. All the columns to have bases, plinths, and 
foliage caps. 

The sides of the third story will each be pierced by two windows, having splay and 
coluinn in a rebate for the jambs and arches. . 


Battlements, §c.—The machiolations under the battlement will project two feet 
from the face of the wall, and will be formed of semicircular arches, springing from 
moulded corbels; above these will rise the battlement, well cut on both sides, 20 
inehes in thickness, and coped with a heavy moulded coping ; (per plan of architect.) 

The octagonal stair tower attached to the above will have cross-shaped loop-holes 
and slits to light the stairs from top to bottom. All the mouldings of the main 
tower will be carried around it, and it will be finished at the top by a battlement 
with cross-shaped loop-holes. A door for entrance, with plain rebated jambs, will be 
placed in one side of this tower on the level of the ground, with proper sills, &c.; 
and all the corbels and other mouldings of the tower will be well cut. 


East connecting range—cloister.—The front of the cloister will be a continuous 
arcade of six arched openings filled with mullions and tracery. The section of the 
jambs and raullions will be as shown on plan A, No. 15. 

All the columns will have plinths and bases handsomely moulded, and foliage cap- 
itals of best description. 

The tracery in the heads will be nine inches in thickness, with raised arches, and 
the panels over these arches will be pierced with quatrefoils. An octagonal label 
resting on handsome corbels will be carried over the arches. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 647 


The cornice will consist of a corbel table of semicircular arches resting on moulded 
corbels, projecting at least 10 inches from the face of the wall. The coping will be 
octagonal, 18 inches bed, with grooves, &c., as usual. The arches of the cloister will 
rest on a sill 12 inches thick, and 80 inches bed. Underneath the sills an octagonal 
moulding will be carried. 

There will be six small windows with played jambs, one under each of the above 
arches, to light the basement, and two base courses, as usual. 

North front of connecting range behind cloister will be finished with eight win- 
dows, with jambs and arches of section of a rebate with engaged column or a splay, 
and of same dimensions as those of the south side. 

South front of connecting range will consist of seven bays, divided by buttresses 
projecting 8 to 12 inches from the walls. 

The two base courses will be carried all around the buttresses and walls. 

An octagonal sill course will be carried along under the windows. The sill of the 
windows will be six inches high. The section of the jambs and windows will be of 
a rebate and engaged column or a splay, with bases, plinths, and capitals to the col- 
umns. The arches will be of same section as the jambs, with an octagonal moulding 
instead of the shaft of the column. Over the heads of the windows an octagonal 
label mould rising from two moulded or foliage corbels will be run. 

A corbel course, projecting from 10 to 12 inches from the face of the wall, will be 
carried from buttress to buttress. The corbels will consist of semi-circular arches 
rising from moulded dentils. The coping will be octagonal. 

A small window with splayed jambs, sills, and arches, will be cut for each com- 
partment, and they will be placed underneath the windows above described. 

Above the coping there will be a battlement three feet high, with openings for 
‘windows alternating with carved panels. This will be coped with an octagonal cop- 
ing of 18 inches bed, with a groove for the roofing material cut in it. This is not 
‘shown on plans. 


East wing.—The basement of the east wing will be battered, per plans. 


Windows.—There will ‘be 14 windows in the basement, with splayed or rebated 
jambs, sills, and arches. 

The basement will be coped with a water table 12 inches in height, splayed on the 
apper bed. 


Windows front and rear of wing.—An octagonal sill course will extend along the 
front and rear under the window sills. The window sills will be nine inches high. 

The jambs of the windows will be a splay and engaged column in a rebate, with a 
mullion, as hereinbefore described, and tracery in the head with raised arches and 
pierced quatrefoil, and an octagonal label mould will be carried around each arch, 
resting on two handsome corbels. The plinths and bases of the columns and foliage 
capitals will be well cut and moulded. 

A porch, with four steps of 7 inches rise by 12 inches tread carried all around it, 
will serve for the east entrance to the wing. A water table with splayed top bed will 
extend all around the porch. 

The door jamb will be cut to the section of a splay, and engaged column in a 
rebate, with plinths, bases, and foliage caps. The arch will be well cut, and a label 
will be carried around over the arch, resting on two handsome corbels. 

The cornice will consist of 16 corbels or dentils, handsomely moulded, supporting 
a well-cut parapet, surmounted by an octagonal coping of 16 inches bed. 

The vestibule will have a water table similar to that of the porch carried round it ; 
-over the porch will be a window with a jamb of the section of a splay and engaged 
column in a rebate, with a centre mullion, tracery with raised arches and pierced 
‘quatrefoil, and an octagonal label mould resting on two corbels, all cut in the best 
manner, with plinths, bases, and capitals, as hereinbefore described. The window 
sill will be eight inches in height. On each of the sides of the vestibule will be a 
double window with splayed jambs, and arches, and sills. An octagonal label, rest- 
ing on three plain corbels, will be run around the arches. 

A corbel course, projecting from 8 to 10 inches from the face of the wall, will be 
carried all around the sides and gable of the vestibule. It will consist of semicircular 
arches resting on handsome moulded brackets. The cornice will be octagonal, 18 
inches bed, and a handsome finial will be cut and placed on the apex of the gable. 

Fast and west sides of east wing will be finished precisely alike, except where the 
west side is covered by the connecting range, and with the exception of the central 
bell tower, which will be only on the east side. The interlaced arches will be carried 
through the west side from chimney to chimney. 


648 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The ten small windows, on each side above water table, will have splayed jambs, 
arches, and sills. 

The four large triple windows will have sills eight inches high. The jambs and 
mullions will be of the section shown on plan E, No. 1. 

The columns of the jambs will have plinths, bases, and foliage capitals; and from 
the abacus of the capital an octagonal label mould will be carried around the head of 
the windows. 

Chimneys.—Six chimneys springing from handsomely moulded brackets, and pro- 
jecting two feet six inches from the face of the wall, with splayed corners well cut, 
will be carried from the water table to the height shown on plans. They will have 
octagonal mouldings, splayed cornices, and pierced windows, with battlemented tops. 
of dimensions and workmanship directed by architect. 


Interlaced arch.—Between the chimneys on the west side, and between the bell 
tower and the chimneys on the east side, an arcade of interlaced Norman arches, 
resting on handsome columns with neat plinths, bases, and capitals, and 18 inches 
higher than shown on plans, and cut in the best manner, will be placed. The arcade 
will rest on an octagonal sill course, supported by handsome moulded corbels or den- 
tils, and will be capped with a heavy hook label moulding, with an 18-inch bed 
grooved to receive the roofing. 

Bell tower will be carried up plain to the height shown on plans, with the corners 
cut true and even, and with two roll mouldings projecting from the north and south 
sides. 

A corbel course of plain corbels will be carried around the top of the first story. 

The coping of the first story will be a fillet and splay eighteen inches in thickness. 

The base course of the second story will be splayed on its upper bed, and well cut. 

The corners of the tower will be splayed. 

The window sills will be eight inches high. 

The window jambs will be cut to the form of a splay and column, with plinths, 
base, and capital. i 

The arch will be of same section as jamb, with a square moulding, taking the 
place of the shaft of the column, and around the arch a label, rising: from neat cor- 
bels, will be carried. 

The cornice will be asplay and fillet, and will be coped by a plain coping, per 
plans. 


Battlement of Ends, §c.—The machiolations under the battlement will overhang 
the walls two feet six inches. They will consist of semicircular arches, resting on 
handsome moulded corbels. Above this the battlement will rise; and where it is 
above the roof, it will be dressed on both sides, and sixteen inches in thickness. The 
battlement will be coped with a handsome moulded coping. 


Western connecting range—cloister.—The cloister will consist of three compart- 
ments, divided by buttresses, each containing a triple arched opening. 

The two base courses will be carried along the front. In the basement seven small 
windows will be cut, with splayed sills, jambs, and arches. 

An octagonal sill course will be carried under the sills of the cloister, with a bed 
and build of at least twenty-four inches, grooved to receive lead. 

The buttresses between the triple arches will be well cut, and project eight inches. 
beyond the walls above the arches. The pillars supporting the arches will be well 
cut, and will have plinths, bases, and handsome foliage caps, cut in the best manner. 
The arches will be of the section of a rebate and splay, and well cut on both sides. 

A corbel course of semicircular arches, projecting eight inches from face of wall, 
resting on handsome moulded drops, will be carried between the buttresses. 

The cornice will be octagonal, well cut, with a bed of at least eighteen inches, 
grooved as usual. 

The front of the connecting range behind the cloister will have windows cut simi- 
lar to those of the south front. 

The south front will be divided by buttresses into seven bays. The two base 
courses will run along the whole front. Seven small windows with splayed jambs, 
sills, and arches, will be cut for the basement. 

An octagonal sill course will be carried under the sills between the buttresses. 

The window sills will be seven inches high. 

The jambs, arches, and labels of the windows will be cut in the same manner as 
those of the eastern connecting range. 

The corbel table, between the buttresses and the coping, will also be cut in the 
same manner as those of the eastern connecting range. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 649 


Clerestory.—The inside columns, shown on ground plan, supporting the clerestory, 
will be of granite, rough cut, and twelve inches square, with a skew back on each, 
with a top bed of 18 by 86 inches to receive the arches which support the clerestory. 

The clerestory will be divided by buttresses, projecting six inches from its face 
into seven bays, and in each bay there will bea double or triple window, with splayed 
jambs, arches, and sills. 

A corbel table, projecting six inches from the face of the wall, of semicircular 
arches, on plain moulded brackets, will be carried between the buttresses. The cop- 
ing will be octagonal, 8 by 18 inches, with a groove, as usual. 


West Wing.—The bell tower will be divided into four stories, externally. 

The first story, the door jamb and arch, will have a plain splay and engaged col- 
umns in a rebate. 

Two small windows, with splayed sills, jambs, and arches, will be cut for the sides 
of first story. 

The water table, under the second story, will be splayed on its upper bed. 

The second story will have paneled sides, with semicircular heads, formed by the 
buttresses and arches, projecting from six to eight inches from the wall. Ail the 
corners of the tower, buttresses, and arches, will be well and truly cut. In each 
pee ot this story, there will be two small windows, with splayed sills, jambs, and 
arches. 

Under the coping of the second story, a corbel course of nine handsomely moulded 
corbels or dentils on each side of the tower, will be carried. 

The octagonal coping will be well cut. 

The base course and water table of the third story of the tower will be well cut. 


Windows of third story.—The four windows of the third story will have sills seven 
inches high. 

The jambs will be of the section of a splay and engaged column in a rebate, with 
handsomely moulded plinths, bases, and foliage caps. 

The tracery will be a trefoil head, well cut, and eight inches thick. The arches 
will be splayed, and an octagonal label resting on two handsome corbels will be car- 
ried round the arches. 

A corbel course of 44 corbels will be carried around the third story under the 
coping, which will be octagonal. 

The base course and water table of the fourth story will be well cut. 

The windows will have sills eight inches high. 

The jambs of the four windows will be a splay and engaged column in a rebate. 
The mullion will be a column, all with plinths, caps, and foliage bases. 

The arch and tracery will be well cut, and an octagonal label resting on two corbels 
will be carried around the arch of each window. 

The cornice will consist of five mouldings : 

1st. An ovolo or ogee moulding. 

2d. A zigzag or chevron, deeply and well cut. 

ed. A splay. 

4th. A corbel course of semicircular arches, resting on foliage corbels and projecting 
from eight to twelve inches. 

5th. A hook label mould for the coping, 15 inches high, and 18 inches lower bed, 
with a groove, &c., 


Apsis, or semicircular projection.—The apsis will be divided by eight buttresses, 
projecting eight inches from the face of the wall, into seven bays. 

The upper base course or water table will project eight inches. 

A sill course of octagonal form will be carried around under the sills between the 
buttresses. 

The sills of the windows will be seven inches high. 

The jambs and arches will be a plain splay, or a rebate. 

In each bay, between the buttresses, there will be a corbelling of two semicircular 
arches, rising from the sides of the buttresses, and supported by a handsomely-carved 
and moulded corbel in the centre. 

A corbel course of handsomely-moulded corbels, or dentils, will be carried all 
around under the octagonal coping of the first story. 

An octagonal coping or cornice will be carried all around over the first story of 
the apsis. 

Base course of second story will be a plain band, splayed on upper edge to shed 
water. 

Over this and under the columns a stylobate of cut stone will be carried, from 


650 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


eighteen inches to two feet in height, well cut on the upper surface, between the 
column bases, to form the sills of the windows between the columns. 

An areade of columns and arches, having 14 arched openings, will be carried 
round the second story of the apsis. 

The columns will have plinths, bases, and carved capitals, and will be detached 
entirely from the wall behind them. The wall behind the column will consist of 
pilasters, with plain bases and capitals. 

The pilaster will project eight inches from the face of the sash. The arches will 
be of the section directed by architect, and will be cut in the best manner. 

The face work over the arches will be set back three inches from the face of the 
arches, and well cut. 

A corbel table, of semicircular arches, resting on moulded brackets, will be carried 
all around the apse, under the coping, (not dentils, as in plan,) and will project from 
eight to twelve inches from the face of the wall below. 

The coping will be octagonal, 12 inches by 24 inches, well cut, and grooved to 
receive roof. 

The wall behind apse will have a label course run across it, on a level of the top 
of the roof of the apse. 


Circular windows.—The jamb will be of the section directed by architect, and 
well cut. 

The tracery will be 18 inches in thickness, exclusive of the columns on the face. 

The quatrefoils and six-foil will be pierced through, and well and finely cut. 

The columns will have plinths, bases, and caps, well cut and moulded. The 
moulding on which the columns rest will be octagonal, and well cut, and all the 
remaining work of the window will be cut in the best manner. 

Cornice of gable will consist of a splay, with a double billet-mould, a band eighteen 
inches wide, well cut, and an octagonal coping 12 by 24 inches, grooved to receive 
the roof covering. F 
_ A handsome finial will be well cut, and for the apex of the gable. 

Buttresses will be cut with base courses, buttress caps with mouldings, and arres 
on the corners, cut in the best manner. 


South front of west wing.—Base courses will be carried across the front, of size, 
&c., hereinbefore specified. 

Two small double windows, with splayed jambs, sills, and arches, will be cut for 
each side of the door-way. 

The porch will project one foot from face of wall; all the arres will be well and 
truly cut. ‘ 

The door will have a jamb of the section of a splay and an engaged column ina 
rebate, and will be 18 inches in depth, to the front of the door, and 24 inches depth 
in all. 

All the columns of the door will have plinths, bases, and foliage caps. The arch 
will have an octagonal mould, in place of a shaft of column. Over the door, the 
quatrefoil will be well cut and deeply sunk. The coping will be cut to the form of 
an octagon, 8 inches high by 24 inches bed, well cut. 

The water table over the basement will be well and truly cut, and handsomely 
splayed. 

Ree: the water table, the sill course under the windows will be carried from 
‘buttress to buttress, and will be well cut to the form of five sides of an octagon. 

The sills of the windows will be 12 inches in thickness. 

The jambs of the windows will be cut to the form of a splay and engaged column 
in a rebate. 

The centre columns or mullions will be well cut, and all the columns will have 
plinths, bases, and foliage capitals, well cut. 

All the tracery will be 19 inches thick, the arches will be raised, and a quatrefoil 
will be pierced through the sunk panels of the tracery heads. There will be three 
windows in the east front. 


Circular windows.—The jambs will be splayed. 

The tracery will consist of columns, with handsome plinths, bases, and caps, with 
trefoil arches between the columns; the spaces on the backs of the trefoil heads will 
be paneled ; the thickness of the tracery will be eight inches. The moulding under 
the bases of the columns and the central quatrefoil will be well cut. 

A corbel table will be carried up under the cornice of the gables, or semicircular 
arches resting on moulded brackets, and projecting 10 to 12 inches from the face of 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 651 


the wall. The coping will be 12 by 24 inches, cut to the form of five sides of an 
octagon. 

A handsome finial will be well cut for the apex of the gable. 

The buttresses will have the corners well and truly cut, with moulded caps, finished 
in the best manner. 


Sides of west wing.—The east side of the west wing will be finished in precisely the 
same manner as the west side, except so far as it is covered by the connecting range. 

The base courses will be carried all around. 

re will be six small windows in the basement, with splayed jambs, arches, and 
sills. 

The water table will be carried all around over the basement, per directions of 
architect. 

The buttresses projecting eight inches from the face of the walls, and connected 
_with arched heads, will be carried up perfectly plumb, true, and even, and all the 
arres of the buttresses and arches will be well and truly cut. 

Sill course under the windows will be cut to the form of five sides of an octagon. 

The sills will be eight inches in thickness. 


The jambs and arches of the windows will be splayed or rebated. 

A corbel course will be carried all around both sides of the building, of large semi- 
circular arches, supported on foliage brackets. The corbelling will project from 10 
to 12 inches from the face of the wall. ‘ 

The coping will be 12 by 24 inches, cut to an octagonal form, with a groove to 
receive roofing material. 

The walls connecting the central rear tower and the main central buildings will be 
¢cut with doors, windows, arches, corbel courses, mouldings, and battlements, pre- 
cisely similar to those hereinbefore described ; connecting the central front towers 
with main central building. 


, GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS. 


All the window sills will be splayed. 

All the doors will have sills and steps of the size, rise, and tread, directed by 
architect. 

All the door and window sills will be well patent-hammered, and brought to a 
joint not exceeding ;8; of an inch. All the jambs and arches, with the labels over 
them, will be fine cut and patent-hammered, and no spauls will be allowed on their 
faces. In the jambs and arches of the principal doors, the joints shall not exceed 3, 
of aninch. In the jambs, arches, &c., of the remaining doors, and of all the win- 
‘dows, the joints shall not exceed 3 of aninch. In all the capitals of all the columns 
the foliage will be well relieved and truly cut, and the plinths of the columns will 
be in some cases octagonal, and in others circular and square, and well cut. 

All the bands and mouldings will be well and truly cut, or rubbed. 

All the ornamented bands and mouldings will be well relieved, and truly cut, or 
rubbed. 

All the moulded and ornamented corbels will be cut in the best manner. The 
foliage will be well relieved. 

And all the battlements, labels, buttress caps, and all the remaining cut work, will 
‘be executed in the most true and perfect manner. 

All the cut work hercinbefore specified, of every description, will be of the form 
and dimensions and according to the plans furnished by the architect. 

Contractors are referred to the following architectural works for the character of 
the different mouldings, capitals, and other ornaments, used in the building. 


Doors, windows, and cloisters.—For capitals, bases, and plinths, see Moller’s Denk- 
mahler, part I, plate VI. Door of cathedral of Mayence, (A,) plate IX. Details 
of columns, cathedral of Mayence, (B,) plate XI. Door of church of St. Leonard 
at Frankfort, (C,) plate XII. Door of the sacristy of the cathedral of Mayence, 
(D,) plates XIV, XV,and XVI. Details of the cloister of the church of Aschaffen- 
burg, (E,) plate XVII. Details of the church of St. Paul at Worms, (F,) plate 
XVIII. Details of the doors of the transept at Frieburg cathedral, (G.) 

Also, Pugin and Le Keux’s Normandy, plate V. 

Also, Glossary of Architecture, plate 28; St. Nicholas, Caen, and St. Peter’s 
Northampton. 


For corbel courses.—See Pugin and Le Keux’s Normandy, plates 1,10. Then 
Church, plate 1, and Glossary of Architecture, plate 37. 


652 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


For ornamented mouldings.—See Glossary of Arehitecture, all on plates 76, 77, and 
78. Plate 79—cable, intersecting and cable, nail-head, star, lozenge and enriched 
lozenge. Plate 81—reticulated, diamond frette, and embattled frette. Plate 82— 
trellis and hollow square. 


The above references are made with a view of presenting to the contractor the 
general style for the finish and character of the ornaments. 

As the above specification, with the plans, is intended to cover the entire comple- 
tion of the building, in every respect, in the most perfect manner, no extra claims 
will be allowed, unless caused by actual alterations in the plans. And the contractor 
will be bound by the sum of $10,000 to submit all questions, controversies, and claims 
to the architect, whose decision upon the same shall be final and conclusive between 
the parties. 


Specification of the Carpenter’s and Joiner’s Work for the Smithsonian Institution. 


TIMBER, 


Basement story.—The floors of the basement of the west wing, and west connecting 
range, will be supported on yellow pine timber, 3 by 12 inches, set two feet (2 feet) 
from centre to centre. 

First story.—All the floors of the first story, except those of the chemical lecture- 
room, students’ working laboratory, front towers, campanile tower, octagonal tower, 
and central rear tower, will be supported on 3 by 12 inch timbers, of the best white 
pine, set sixteen inches (16 inches) from centre to centre. The girders into which 
these will be framed will be twelve inches (12 by 12 inches) square. The trimmers. 
and trimmer-beams will be 5 by 12 inches, and one trimmer will be placed at every 
hot-air flue, or one at every pier in the wall of the building, There will be one long- 
itudinal trimmer in the west wing, one in the west connecting range, four in the 
library, three in the central hall, three in the lecture-room, and two in the east con- 
necting range. 


Second story.—The timbers in the floor of the second story will be 3 by 12 inches, 
set 16 inches from centre to centre. The girders will be twelve inches square, (12 by 
12 in.,) running longitudinally through the museum. The trimmers and trimmer 
beams will be 5 by 12 inches. The timbers will be of the best white pine. 


Towers, §c.—All the floors of the towers will be of the best white pine timber, 3 by 
12 inches square. There will be seven floors in the higher central front tower; five 
floors in the lower front tower; four floors in the central rear tower; seven floors in 
the octagonal tower; seven floors in the campanile tower; five floors in the tower of 
the west wing; two floors in the porch of the chemical lecture-room. 

The floor beams of the galleries of the museum, library, and lecture rooms will be 
3 by 10 inches, of the best white pine timber, set 16 inches from centre. The girders 
of the gallery fronts, 8 by 12 inches. 

All these timbers and girders will be firmly anchored to the walls. 

All the floors in the building will have one row of herring-bone bridging of joists, 
3 by 4 inches, for every 12 feet of length of beam. 


Columns.—There will be 56 columns, six inches square and twenty-two (22) feet 
high in the library, set per plan. 

In the great lecture-room there will be 10 columns of iron, twenty-seven (27) feet 
high. (Plan No. 1.) 

In the museum there will be 120 columns, six inches square, and 27 feet high. 


Roofs.—The roof of the central building to be framed with a tie beam, one king 
post, two queen posts, and four strutts. 
The timbers in all of the frames will be of the following forms, dimensions, and 
materials : 
Tie-beam, 6 by 15 inches, of the best white pine. 
Two rafters, 6 by 12 inches, of best white pine. 
King-post, 6 by 8 inches, of best white oak. 
Two queen posts, 6 by 6 inches, of best white oak. 
Four strutts, 6 by 8 inches, of best white pine. 
The roof plate will be 3 by 12 inches, of best white pine. 


The purlines will be of the best white pine timber, 3 by 10 inches, set three feet 
(8 ft.) from centre to centre, quartered into the rafters two inches, (2 in.,) and kept 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 653 


from slipping by brackets of white pine, eighteen inches (18 in.) in length, firmly 
fastened to the rafters. 

The roof of the east lecture room will be framed in the same manner as that of 
the central building, of timbers of the same size and material. Its span will be forty- 
nine feet, (49 ft.) and the number of frames, seven, (7.) 

The roof of the east connecting range will also be framed in the same manner, of 
timbers of the same size and material. The number of frames in it will be six, 6.) 

The roof of the western wing will be framed in the same manner, and with a 
of the same description, but of the following dimensions: tie-beam, 4 by 12 inches; 
rafters, 4 by 10 inches; king post, 4 by 8 inches; queen posts, 4 by 6 inches; strutts, 
4 by 6 inches; purlines, 3 by 10 inches; set three feet (3 ft.) from centre to centre. 
The number of frames in the west wing will be six, (6.) 

The roofs of the side aisles of the gallery of art, and of the cloisters in front of 
the two connecting ranges, will be framed according to section. (Plan E, No. 3.) 

Tie-beam 3 by 8 inches, rafter 3 by 12 inches, strutt 8 by 6 inches, upright 3 by 6 
inches, all of the best white pine timber. 

There will be six frames in each side aisle and cloister. 

The roof of the clerestory of the gallery of art will be framed of the following 
dimensions and materials : 

Tie-beams, 5 by 12 inches, best white pine. 
King post, 5 by 7 inches, best white oak. 
Two rafters, 5 by 10 inches, best white pine. 
Two strutts, 5 by 6 inches, best white pine. 

The purlines will be 6 by 10 inches, set three feet (8 ft.) from centre to centre. 
The number of frames will be six, (6.) 

The roofs of the square towers will be framed in the form of a flat hipped roof, 
with diagonal and square tie-beams, king post, strutts, rafters, and purlines, of the 
same materials as above, and of dimensions suited for their respective spans. 

The roof of the octagonal tower will be framed in a similar manner. 

The roofs of the other totvers will also be framed with diagonal and square tie- 
beams, and hip rafters, curved to the shape of roofs, and strongly braced with diag- 
onal braces, strutts, and uprights throughout. 

All the remaining roofs, if any, including those of the porches, &¢., are to be 
framed in such manner, and of such dimensions, timber and workmanship, as shall 
be directed by the architect. 


Deafening.—All the floors, except those of the chemical lecture-room and students’ 
working laboratory and other fire-proof rooms, will be prepared for deafening, with 
strips and plank, in the best manner. 


FLOORS. 


Basement.—The floors of the basement of the west wing, and west central range, 
will be of the best Georgia yellow pine narrow plank, not more than five inches (5 
in.) wide, laid in courses, and blind-nailed. 

First story.—The floors of the library, lecture-room, cloisters, apparatus room, 
campanile tower, and, in general, all the floors of this story, except such as are 
directed to be tiled or flagged, and including the cloisters and side slides, which will 
be planked under the flagging, will be of the best clear Georgia yellow pine, narrow, 
1} inch plank, laid in courses not more than five inches (5 in.) wide, and blind- 
nailed. 

Second story.—The floor of the museum will be laid, first, of 1} inch narrow white 
pine plank, over which will be laid a mosaic or tesselated floor of black walnut, yel- 
low pine, white oak, maple, and other American woods, arranged in such patterns as 
may be directed by the architect. The upper floor will be blind-nailed to the lower 
one, and all its joints will be glued up strongly in the best manner. 

Galleries, §c.—The floors of all the galleries of both stories, and all the floors of 
all the towers, will be of the best Georgia yellow pine, not more than five inches (5 
in.) in width, blind-nailed, and laid in courses. 

All the above floors will be of thoroughly seasoned 1} inch plank, planed, tongued 
and grooved, and laid in courses in the best manner. AJ] the butts and joints will 
be planed true, after the floors are laid. The plank must be free from sap, shakes, 
and black or unsound knots; and when clear plank is specified, it must be free from 
all blemishes. 

Roof.—All the roofs of every part of the building and towers to be sheathed with 


654 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


14 inch merchantable white, pine plank, mill-worked, and strongly nailed to the 
purlines. The sheathing to be free from sap, shakes, sun-cracks, and black or rotten 
sxnots. 

Partitions and centres.—There will be a stud partition between the Regents’ room 
and the rear staircase, which will be framed up of 3 by 4 inch joists, well bridged 
and trussed, and set twelve inches (12 in.) from centre to centre. 

All the centres for the mason work, and stone-setting, to be furnished by the 
carpenter. 


Furring.—All the outside walls, which are not lined with brick, to be furred with 
best 2 by 3 inch furring, set twelve inches (12 in.) from centre to centre. 


Ceilings.—All the flat ceilings to be cross-furred with 1} by 2 inch stuff, set twelve 
inches (12 in.) from centre to centre. 


Groined ceilings.—The ceilings of the west wing, east wing, west connecting range 
and its cloister, museum, rooms in the front towers, and the room in the campanile 
on the museum floor, of the principal porch, the Regents’ room, the staircases, 
vestibules, central hall, and library, will be groined and ribbed, per plans, sections, 
and directions of the architect. 

These ceilings will be groined as follows : 


West wing.—Divided by columns and arches into three (3) aisles, each of seven (7) 
sections of groining, and composed of an artificial clerestory, under the roof, lighted: 
by sky-lights, and two side aisles. The apsis will also be handsomely groined. 


West connecting range.—The gallery of art will also be divided into a central nave 
with a clerestory, and two side aisles, each containing seven sections of groining or 
twenty-one (21) in all. The cloister will also have seven (7) sections of groining. 

The library will be divided by pillars and arches into five aisles, each containing 
seven sections of groining, not including the small groins between the pillars, which 
will be groined per plan and directions of architect. 

The central hall will be in one aisle, containing sections of groining, per plans. 

The staircases will be groined per plans and directions of the architect. 

The east wing will be in a single aisle, handsomely groined. 

The Regents’ room will have one section of groining, and a groined ceiling to the 
bay window. 

The museum will be divided by pillars into five (5) aisles longitudinally, with a 
transept or transverse aisle, at the centre, groined in a single aisle. Each of the 
longitudinal aisles will contain fifteen sections of groining. The traverse aisle will 
contain two sections of groining, in front of the longitudinal aisles. 

The rooms in the front towers will have each groined ceilings. 

The front and rear staircase halls will be groined per directions of architect. 

The ceilings of the rear staircase hall will be groined per plans and directions of 
architect, as will also be the rear vestibule of the museum under the gallery. 

The ceiling of the porch and vestibule, or stair hall of chemical lecture-room, one 
ceiling of campanile tower, and one ceiling on the first floor of the octagonal tower, 
will also be groined per directions of architect. 

The ceiling of the principal porch will be groined per directions of architect. 

The east cloister will be furred for a flat ceiling, with square panels and heavy 
ribbing. 

The ceiling of the great lecture-room will also be paneled with heavy ribbing. 

All the remaining ceilings in the building, and of the towers to thie top, will be 
cross-furred. 


Bracketing.—At the intersection of all the groins, as also when they meet the 
walls, and on all the rib lines shown on the ground plans, brackets for ribs will be 
formed in the best manner, to receive four (4) nails to each lath. Cornices will be 
bracketed out whenever required. All the pillars will be bracketed, as well as the 
half and quarter pillars, on the walls. Brackets for pillars:will be set on the outside 
of all the wooden door jambs, and at all the window jambs. There will be a boss or 
half-boss at every intersection of the ribs, all which bosses will be strongly bracketed, 
and in general all the bracketing necessary to complete the building will be furnished 
and put up. 

All the above furring will be made of three thicknesses of 1} inch plank, strongly 
nailed and spiked together, and strongly hung from the floor and roof beams, by two 
inch plank. 

All the brackets will be secured in the strongest manner. 


Seats, §c.—The lecture-rooms and their galleries will have handsome settees of 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 655 


black walnut, with fronts carved to the shape of old stalls to each. The settees to 
have neat cap moulds and backs, and to be finished and carved in the best manner. 

All the above black walnut will be oiled with the best raw linseed oil, three coats, 
_ well rubbed in. 


Platforms and stage.—At one end of the great lecture-room a platform will be 
raised from 4 to 8 feet from the floor, for the length of one of the bays, to form a 
stage, and will have in front of it, and at the same level, an octagonal projection 
for the lecturer. The front of the platform will be wainscoated with narrow black 
walnut, 1} inch plank, tongued and grooved, and not more than four inches in width. 
The plank will be set on end, and will be neatly capped. On the projection a hand- 
some carved table of black walnut will be provided, and a seat for the lecturer. 
Over the stage a canopy will be formed of joists, well framed, hanging down five feet 
from the ceiling, to conceal the rollers on which the illustrations are to be placed, 
and on each side of the stage a partition of joists (8 by 4 inches) will be carried out 
from the walls as far as the line of the front of the gallery, and terminating at the 
last pillar of the gallery. Thirty rollers of wood, six inches (6 inches) in diameter, 
and twenty-five feet (25 feet) long, will be hung behind the canopy. The rollers 
will have iron axles at their ends, working in iron eyes; and each roller will have a 
twelve inch sheave at one end for an endless cord to pass over, to work them. The 
ends of these rollers will also be concealed by a canopy of 3 by 4 inch joists hanging 
down five feet (5 feet) from the ceiling, and well framed. 


Chemical lecture-room furniture.—A platform two feet (2 feet) high will be made, 
of strong joists and plank, raised from the front of the professor’s front desk (A) to 
the rear of the room. On this the desk (A) will be placed, which will be of the 
dimensions shown on the plans, and will have drawers on all sides. The other desk 
(B) will be made in the same manner and similarly furnished. 

Behind the front lecturer’s desk a partition will be carried across, having sliding 
doors, handsomely panelled, three inches in thickness, with proper fixtures, per plans. 
In the side of this partition, facing the lecture-room, there will be closets, with 
shelves, three feet in depth, and having sash doors, filled with good American glass. 

The laboratory behind the lecture-room will be divided into two stories, connected 
by two flights of handsome staircases. 

The first story will be divided into three apartments; the centre one of which will 
contain the working table (B) hereinbefore described, and will be shelved all around, 
except where occupied by doors and windows, to a height of eight feet. These 
shelves will be enclosed above a line three feet high, by paneled doors hung in boxes 
with weights, cords, and pulleys, like sash, and below that line the closets will be 
projected to form a table fifteen inches wide, below which there will be a range of 
drawers about 6 inches deep, and below the drawers a range of closets with panelled 
doors. On the room to the right hand there will be two tables (A) two feet wide and 
eight feet long, made of three thicknesses of narrow 14 inch white pine plank, not 
more than three inches in width, planed on both sides, tongued and grooved, and put 
together diagonally with glue and screws, and having strong legs. The remaining 
part of the walls will be shelved off as in the preceding apartment. 

On the room to the left there will be a working table (G) three feet wide and seven 
feet long, made similarly to those above described. The partition wall next centre 
will be shelved off as in the other apartments. Racks of shelves, with holes bored in 
them, will be placed on each side of the sink (F'.) In the second story of the labora- 
tory, which will also be divided into three apartments, the centre one will contain in 
the centre a series of shelves, resting like steps from the partition wall to the rear, to 
a height of seven feet. The walls will be shelved with shelves one foot in width, 
enclosed in sash doors hung with weights, cords and pulleys, like window sash, and, 
with the two remaining rooms, will be lighted with skylights of best double thickness 
American glass in the roof, and interior skylights in the ceiling, with fancy sash, 
filled with best English crown glass, (A.) 

In the east connecting range, which will be also divided internally into two (2) 
stories above the basement, the first story will contain a students’ working laboratory, 
in the centre of which will be two strong tables in the form of the letter T, the tops 
of which will be of soapstone flags. These tables will be furnished with drawers, 
shelves and closets. 

All around the sides of the rooms, not otherwise occupied, there will be tables two 
feet nine inches wide with wooden tops, and drawers and closets; below and above 
these tables shelved closets, with sash doors hung with weights, cords and pulleys, 
will be carried to a height of eight feet from the floor. Stairs three feet wide, and 
well finished, will connect this laboratory with the second story. The second story 


656 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


above the laboratory will be divided into three apartments, one 15 by 14, as a private 
room for the lecturer; and the other two 12 by 25, one of which will have strong 
tables all around, and the other fitted with closets, drawers and shelves, with sash 
doors, as above, all around. 


Sash and glass.—All the windows of every kind, size, and description, in every 
part of the building and towers, both interior and exterior, will be fitted with square 
sash, set diamond wise, and filled with the best English crown glass. The windows 
will be hung in frames with cords, weights, and pulleys, and will be finished in 
every respect in the best possible manner. 


Inside windows, balustrades, gallery fronts, carving, §c.—There will be two circular 
windows in the central hall (per plan of library) carved of the best white pine; also 
one triple or two double windows between the Regents’ room and the rear stairway, 
and 12 triple windows in the clerestory of the west wing. These will be carved in 
the best manner, of the best white pine, according to the directions of the architect. 
All these windows will have frames and sash, and be filled with glass as described 
above. Their mullions will be of wood, painted four (4) coats, to resemble the walls 
of the interior, and sanded. 

There will be open balustrades three feet six inches (8 feet 6 inches) high, of black 
walnut, or of best white pine painted and grained, as may be directed, carried all 
around the front of the galleries of the museum and library, as well at the ends as at 
the sides, per plans. The balusters will be circular pillars with turned bases and 
carved capitals, supporting carved trefoil arches, over which a handsome moulded 
top rail will be carried, per plans. 

The gallery front of the great lecture-room will consist of pillars with carved bases 
and capitals, as above, supporting semicircular carved arches, over and under which will 
be a large hook label mould, well and deeply sunk, all of black walnut. At the dis- 
tance of two inches (2 inches) behind this arcade, a wainscoating of one inch black 
walnut boards, not more than four inches wide, and set vertically, will be carried 
around to form the front of the gallery, and from the top of the label to this wains- 
coat a top board of black walnut 1} inch thick will be carried, to form a book board 
for the gallery front. 

The gallery front will be four feet six inches (4 feet 6 inches) in height. 

The gallery fronts of the chemical lecture-room will be framed of strong 3 by 10 
inch timber, which will be wainscoated on both sides four feet (4 feet) high, with 
3-inch black walnut boards, not more than four inches in width, capped on the out- 
side with a handsome label, and having a label mould at bottom. And, in general, 
all the work necessary to make the gallery fronts complete, is to be performed. 


Stairs.—The principal front stairs will consist of two double flights, one on each 
side of the entrance hall. The steps will be five feet three inches (5 feet 3 inches) in 
width, and the well will be from eighteen inches to two feet (18 inches to 2 ae in 
width. There will be a seven inch square carved newel to each flight, with the sides 
handsomely paneled. 

The balusters will be octagonal pillars, with turned bases and caps, having a semi- 
circular arch with a trefoil head between them, and will be surmounted by a top rail, 
4 by 6 inches, handsomely moulded. The stairs will have handsome coves and 
brackets hanging down below the underside of the steps. The steps will be sup- 
ported by wrought-iron frames, properly put together to insure stability. The risers 
will be of the best white pine, and the treads of the best Georgia yellow pine. And 
the underside of the stairs will be furred ready for plastering. . 

The stairs will rise from the ground floor to a point four feet (4 feet) below the 
under side of the roof timbers, say a height of forty-three feet (43 feet) or thereabout. 
At this height the upper platforms or landings will be placed. At one end of each 
of these a door will be placed which will communicate with the front towers. A 
spiral staircase will be carried up from the level of these upper platforms to the top 
of the higher of the two front towers. This staircase will be six feet (6 feet) in diam- 
eter, and will be partitioned off in one corner of the tower. It will have proper 
platforms and doors of communication to the different stories of the tower, of which 
there will be four (4) above the roof of the main building. This staircase will open 
on the roof of the tower, which will be nearly flat, and is to be used as a place of 
observation. 

A similar stairease will extend from the same level upwards to the floor of the 
upper story of the lower central front tower. 


Both of the above stairs will have treads and risers of yellow pine, with handsome — 


coves and nosings. They will be ceiled in with 4-inch white pine plank, will have 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 657 


windows in the partitions for light, and will have neat 3 by 4-inch black walnut hand 
rails, supported by iron elbows. 

The principal rear stairs, about twenty-three feet (23 feet) in height, of rise and of 
the form and dimensions shown on plans, will be finished in a manner exactly simi- 
lar, and of the same materials and workmanship, as the principal front stairs described 
above. 

Staircases in campanile tower.—The interior of the campanile tower will be eleven 
feet (11 feet) square, and will be occupied, at the level of the museum floor, with a 
staircase having steps four feet (4 feet) in width, and a well three feet square in the 
centre. This staircase will lead from the ground floor of the museum to its gallery, 
and have steps, risers, balusters, newels, coves, brackets, &c., of a similar character 
to the principal stairs above specified. Above the level of the gallery floor a small 
stairway two feet six inches in width will be carried in flights, per direction of archi- 
tect, to the upper story of the tower. The stairway will be partitioned off from the 
tower by joists, andin the partition, doors will be framed and set to communicate 
with the two upper stories of the tower. 

Staircases of octagonal tower.—A winding staircase with steps three feet in width, 
having a clustered column in the centre, will lead in this tower from the floor of the 
library to the gallery. The steps will be supported against the wall and the central 
column by iron stringers, and the hand rail will be of black walnut. The sides of 
the tower will be wainscoated up to the under side of the hand rail, and the central 
column will be formed of clusters of circular columns of wood. The wainscoat and 
columns will be painted four coats, and column sanded to represent marble. A hand 
rail of black walnut, supported on handsome iron elbows, will be carried around the 
eolumn. The ceiling of the octagonal tower over this staircase will be groined. A 
staircase, similar in all respects, and similarly furnished, will lead from the floor to 
the gallery of the museum. Above this line a smaller staircase will be carried to the 
summit of the tower. All the treads and risers in these stairways will be of the best 
yellow pine. 

On each side of the rear entrance to the museum a flight of steps three feet wide 
will lead from the ground floor to the gallery, with balusters, rails, arches, trefoils, 
newels, coves, and brackets, similar to those of the principal front stairs. 


The stairs to the chemical lecture-room and its gallery will be placed in the porch 
on the eastern end of the chemical lecture-room wing. They will consist of two 
flights: one in the porch, leading level of the porch floor to that of the chemical 
Jecture-room floor, and one in a double flight, landing from the latter level to the gal- 
lery. The latter will have steps, coves, newels, balusters, arches, &c, similar in 
character to those of the two principal staireases, but of smaller horizontal dimen- 
sions. Beneath the latter stairs a flight of steps will lead from the level of the chemi- 
cal lecture-room floor to the floor of the basement beneath it. These will have risers 
and treads of yellow pine, and plain octagonal newels five inches (5 inches) in diame- 
ter. The balusters will be octagonal, two inches (2 inches) in diameter, with 8 by 4- 
inch rails, all of black walnut. 

The stairs in tower of west wing will be square, filling the whole of the tower, and 
will be carried first to a level with the floor of the first story, and then to the top of 
the side aisle arches, with handsome octagonal balusters two inches (2 inches) in 
diameter, with semicircular arches between those of the same finish, &c., as the two 
principal staircases, with a square newel handsomely carved, and a 3 by 4-inch 
moulded hand rail, all of black walnut. The sides of the tower will be wainscoated 
to the height of the hand rail. 

The private stairs to Regents’ room, lecturers’ room, and muniment room, will be 
in the small octagonal tower attached to the central rear tower. They will be car- 
ried from the level of the surface of the ground, to the third story of the tower, or 
muniment room, a height of about seventy feet, (70 feet.) They will wind around 
a column from 8 to 12 inches in diameter, and will have treads and risers of yellow 
pine, and a handsome moulded hand rail, 8 by 4 inches, of black walnut, secured to 
the walls by iron elbows. The walls will be wainscoated, on end, with black walnut, 
as specified in former instances, to the height of hand rail. 


Laboratory stairs.—Private stairs, with steps three feet in width, having octagonal 
balusters two inches (2 inches) in diameter, and 3 by 4-inch moulded rail, of black 
walnut, will be carried from the ground floor of laboratory, at the end of the chemi- 
eal lecture-room, to the second floor. A flight of stairs, also three feet (3 feet) in 
width, will be carried from the first story of the east connecting range to the second 
story of the same, a height of about thirteen feet. They will be partitioned off with 


42 


658 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


8 by 4-inch joists, and will have a 3 by 4-inch hand rail fastened to the wall, both 


with iron elbows. Under these stairs a flight of similar width, and similarly finished, 


will be carried from the first floor to the cellar. 
Stairs in library and museum.—Twelve small flights of circular stairs will be car- 


ried, at the places shown in the plans, from the ground floor and to the galleries of 


the library and museum. They will be supported on iron, and there will be a trap- 


door above each of them in the gallery floor, hung on best hinges, which will serve 


for the purpose of communicating with the galleries. 

Elevators.—In each of the smaller towers at the corners of the main building, 
elevators, having each three (3) shelves, set three (3) feet apart, and framed strongly 
together, will be furnished. They will be provided with sheaves, cords, and will 


have cast-iron counterpoises running in boxes on the four sides of the tower. The 


elevators will be worked by a crank, and will be used for raising books and other 
heavy weights from the bottom to the top of the building. 


Doors and their furniture.—All the doors of every part of the building will have 
semicircular heads, and handsome trimmings and casings, of the same style as the 
building. 

The central front and rear doors will be made of four thicknesses of 14 inch white 
pine plank, laid together diagonally. The outside plank will be of the best clear 
white pine, and the two inner layers of the best merchantable white pine, all perfectly 
seasoned. The plank will be narrow, and all of the even width of six inches, 
(6 inches.) The outer layers will be set diagonally, and all beaded and cross-beaded. 

All the plank will be planed, tongued, and grooved, and will be strongly screwed 
or rivetted together, with white lead in the joints, and painted on all sides. 

The hinges, and key plates, and knob plates, will be of heavy wrought iron scroll 
work, bronzed in the best manner; and the doors will be grained white oak, and 
will be varnished four coats. 


Furniture of apparatus rooms.—The room in the east connecting range behind the 


east lecture-room, and the room on the same floor in the campanile tower, will be: 


shelved all around, with closets, having paneled doors below, and sash doors above, 
glazed with good single-thickness American glass. 


Furniture of library.—See plans and sections for the arrangement of the cases. 
The cases will have sash doors, and will be shelved per direction of architect. The 
doors will be glazed with good single-thickness American glass, in diamonds, or 
squares set diamond-wise, or will be filled with wire gauze. All the pillars of the 
cases will be handsomely turned, the doors and sashes of the best workmanship. All 
the mouldings in the arches will be well worked, and all the capitals and bases neatly 
turned, and ornamented with stucco ornaments, or well carved. 

On the ground floor of the library, at every alcove formed by the pillars and cases, 
a sliding door, handsomely paneled and moulded, 23 inches thick, filled with ground 
glass and sash in the panels, will be made to slide between the longitudinal bookcases, 
so as to shut off the alcove completely from the central aisle. These doors will be 
fourteen (14) in number, with handsome trimmings, and will each be furnished with 
an astragal lock, astragal sheaves and sheaveway, of the best description. 

The spaces between the bookcases of the galleries and the ceilings of the aisles will 
be furred up for plastering. 

Four tables, each fifteen feet (15 feet) long and five (5 feet) broad, to be made of 
black walnut, will be set along the centre aisle of the library. These tables will have 
handsome carved legs, and be covered with green broadcloth. 

A small desk of black walnut will be furnished for each of the alcoves. 

The librarian’s room, adjoining the library, will have handsome book-cases finished 
in a style similar to those of the library, with glass doors, &c. All the furniture of 
the apparatus rooms and library, except where otherwise specified, will be of the best 
clear, thoroughly seasoned white pine, painted three coats with the best of oil paint, 
grained, if so directed, to resemble oak, and varnished four coats. 


Museum furniture.—The museum furniture will be arranged per plans and direc- 
tions of the architect. All the cases will be of the designs shown on the plans, and 
will be made of the best thoroughly seasoned clear white pine, handsomely carved, 
turned, and moulded, with caps and bases similar to those of library, and neat 
mouldings on the arches. The sashes will be filled with the best French cylinder 
glass. ‘The spaces between the tops of the gallery cases and the ceilings of the side 
aisles of the galleries will also be furred up for plastering. The cases will vary in 
width from four to five feet, (4 to 5 feet.) There will be two rows of cases running 
longitudinally, in the larger spaces between the columns, the whole length of the 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 659 


rooms below the galleries, and one case on each side of each of the alcoves, both of 
the ground floor and galleries. At both ends of the room, cases three feet (3 feet) 
wide will be carried up to the under side of the end galleries, as per plan. 

All the above cases, will be ornamented, carved, and finished per plan and direc- 
tions of architect, painted three coats best white lead in oil, grained, and varnished 
three coats. 

The transverse aisle of museum will have cases of similar make and finish carried 
around the sides and front, except at the stair entrances. These cases will be eighteen 
inches (18 inches) in depth. 

The two rooms in the front tower will be covered all around with cases nine feet 
(9 feet) high, of similar design, make, and finish, as will also the room in the campa- 
nile tower. 

The room over the rear stairs will have cases nine feet (9 feet) high, of similar 
design, make, and finish with the above. 

The room over the Secretary’s room, in the rear central tower, will be fitted with 
plain cases, shelved, and with doors glazed with good single-thickness American 
glass all around. 

All the remaining outside doors will be made in a similar manner, and of similar 
material to the above, of three thicknesses of one and a half inch plank. 

All the inside doors of the basement will have neat and plain casings, with semi- 
circular heads of white pine, painted and grained, white oak or any other wood that 
may be directed, and varnished four coats. - The doors will be made of black walnut 
or white pine one and a half inch plank, put together diagonally in two thicknesses, 
grained to imitate such wood as may be directed, and varnished three coats. 

All the doors of the towers above the roof line will have handsome jambs and 
arches of white pine, grained and varnished as above. 

The doors will be of two thicknesses, of one and a half inch black walnut, or 
butternut, or white pine, painted, grained, and varnished as above. 

The principal doors of the library, museum, galleries of art, Regents’ room, and 
lecture rooms, will have jambs and arches of the section of a double rebate, with an 
engaged column or octagonal mould each. The columns will have plinths, bases, 
and caps, well trimmed and handsomely carved. 

The doors will be made of three thicknesses of one and a quarter inch plank, 
butternut, or black walnut, or white pine, grained in the best manner, and varnished 
four coats, with bronze scroll hinges, key, and knob plates, &e. 

All the smaller doors of the above rooms, and of the remainder of the building, 
will be made of three thicknesses of three-quarter inch plank, of the same descrip- 
tion of materials and workmanship as the above, and with similar hinges, &c. 
The jambs and arches to be of similar description and workmanship to those of the 
principal doors. 

All the knobs of all the above doors to be of bronze. The locks to be of the best 
manufacture, and largest size, suitable to the dimensions of the doors. All the out- 
side doors and principal room doors to have strong bolts. 

The sliding doors in the library alcoves to be furnished with sheaves, sheave-ways, 
astragals, and astragal locks, of the best description. 

And, in general, all the doors for the whole building to be finished as above de- 
scribed, in the best and most workmanlike manner, and in all respects in accordance 
with the directions and plans of the architect. 

Roofing, §c.—All the roofs, except those of the central front towers, campanile 
towers of the main building and west wing, and smaller octagonal and square towers 
of the central building, will be tinned with best single cross tin, soldered together 
in the best manner, painted two coats, and warranted tight for five years. All the 
gutters of evéry part of the building, and the roof of the larger central front tower, 
will be of the best double cross tin, and painted two coats. All the leaders, which 
will be put in in sufficient numbers to carry off the water to the cisterns in the roofs, 
and to the ground, will be of the best double cross tin, varying from four to six 
inches in diameter, and made square or octagonal. If so directed, they will be 
painted three coats, and sanded in the second coat, the third coat being coursed to 
resemble stone; and they will be put in of such sizes and in such number and situa- 
tions as the architect shall direct. 

All the remaining roofs (i. e., of the towers, &c.) above excepted, will be made of 
the best Welsh slate of large size, and laid in the best manner, according to the direc- 
tions of the architect. 

Cisterns.—In each of the roofs of the two connecting ranges a cistern of ten feet 
square, and four feet six inches deep, which will receive the water of the main build- 


660 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


ing, will be made of best three-inch narrow yellow pine plank, framed up with best 
6 by 6 inch joist, like a mill race, and lined with best sheet lead, weighing five 
pounds to the square foot. These will be fed by a leader from the roofs of the main 
building, and will have an overflow or waste weir communicating with another 
leader, which will carry off the surplus water to the ground. 

In the spaces between the central front and central rear towers and the main build- 
ing, two cisterns, 6 by 12 feet, and four feet six inches deep, of similar material and 
workmanship to the above, will be placed. These will be fed by the water from the 
towers of the front and rear. 

The roofs where all the above cisterns are placed will be strengthened to bear their 
weight, by additional rafters, tie-beams, king posts, and strutts. 


Water closets.—There will be two water closets, one on each side of the rear stair- 
case, between the Regents’ room and museum, on the second floor, which will be 
furnished with cisterns, ball cocks, traps, cranks, basins, cocks, &c., of the best 
description, with brass furniture, and will be finished complete in every respect. 
They will be fed by one and a half inch extra strong lead pipe, from the cisterns 
above described. ‘The waste-pipe will be five inches in diameter, of best sheet lead, 
five pounds to the square foot, which will be carried to a cesspool on the outside of 
the tower. 

There will also be one water closet in the thickness of the walls of the large front 
central tower, one in the campanile tower, or near it, one in the basement of the 
chemical wing, and one in the west connecting range. All of the above to be com- 
pletely finished in the best manner, with all fixtures necessary to render them com- 
plete, fed from the cisterns in the roofs, and having waste pipes of five inches 
diameter, as above, communicating with cesspools on the outside of the building. 


Bases of best clear white pine, painted three coats, grained in the best manner to 
imitate such wood as may be directed, or of black walnut or butternut, varnished in 
all cases four coats, will be carried around the rooms, halls, galleries, &c., of heights 
varying from four to fifteen inches, and they will be all handsomely moulded, and 
worked in the best manner, according to the directions of the architect. 


Mantel.—A large mantelpiece of very handsome design, as may be directed by 
architect, will be carved from best black walnut, for the Secretary’s room. The 
whole mantel, with its columns, frieze, and shelf, and the ornaments on it, shall be 
filled with carved Norman mouldings, deeply sunk, and of best description. 


Finish of Regents’ room and bay window connected with it.—All the walls of the 
above will be wainscoated with black walnut or butternut, as may be directed by 
architect, handsomely paneled, and carved all around with pateras, quatrefoils, and 
canned with a heavy-carved mould corbel-course, surmounted by a carved cable- 
mould. 

In the side bays of the triple arch, between the room and the bay window, seats of 
black walnut, or butternut, handsomely carved, will be formed. 

All the jambs and arches of the triple-window arch will be moulded and carved 
per plans and directions of architect. 

Eighteen heavily-carved arm-chairs, and one heavily-carved table, in the Norman 
style, will be carved for the Regents’ room, from best black walnut, varnished four 
coats, and polished. The whole to be carved according to the designs and directions 
of the architect. 


Skylights.—There will be six skylights, five feet square, in the roof to the chemical 
laboratory ; two skylights, five feet square, in the central front stair hall; two of 
same dimensions to rear stair hall; and twelve skylights, five feet square to the west 
wing; all filled with good double thickness American glass, in 2-inch sash. And 
under these, in all the ceilings of the above rooms, will be interim skylights, filled 
with best single thickness American glass in handsome fancy sash. 


Painting.—All the wood work, of every description, including the shelves of the 
cases, and in general all the wood work not otherwise specified, to be painted three 
coats of best white lead and boiled oil. 

All the doors and their jambs to be varnished four coats. 

All the wood of every description to be perfectly seasoned, and to be free from sap, 
shakes, black or rotten knots, and all imperfections that might endanger its strength 
or durability. 

All the workmanship, of every kind, to be performed in the best and most perfect 
manner. 

The whole of the above carpenter work, of every description, and all the work 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 661 


connected with it, to be performed according to the plans and directions of the 
architect. 

As it is intended that the above specifications and the plans will cover the whole 
and perfect completion of the building, and all of its appurtenances, no claim for 
extra work will be allowed unless caused by actual alterations of the plans. And 
the parties to the contract will be bound to submit to the decision of the architect of 
the building, in the sum of ten thousand dollars. 

JAMES RENWICK, Jr. 
Architect and Civil Engineer. 
Mr. Hough offered the following resolution, which was adopted : 


Resolved, That in locating the building for the Smithsonian Institution, the centre 
of the principal building, exclusive of projections, be placed upon the centre of the 
lot or site of said Institution from north to south,and upon the centre of Tenth 
street. 

Mr. Hough, in offering the above resolution, stated, that as he was compelled, on 
Monday next, to leave the city, he desired to say, that if this resolution should be 
reconsidered, so as to place the building centrally between 7th and 12th streets, he 
would make no objection. y 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Sixteenth Meeting, March 24, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
The chairman submitted from Mr. Renwick, architect of the Institution, the fol- 
lowing report to the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution : 


GENTLEMEN: In compliance with your resolution of Friday, the 19th ultimo, by 
which, in company with Dr. Owen, I was directed to examine and report upon the 
quarries of freestone on the farm of Mr. Peter, at Seneca creek and Bull Run, and 
those on the adjacent lands, with a view of ascertaining their capability of affording 
a sufficient quantity of building material of good quality, and of color suitable for 
the purposes of the Institution, I beg leave to state that we proceeded on Saturday 
morning to the localities of the quarries of freestone occupying the whole eastern 
bank of the Potomac, from the mouth of the Seneca creek to a point distant about 
one mile north of it, where our examination terminated. We also found the stone 
extending up all the valleys of the smaller streams, as far as we examined them. 

The quality of the stone varies from that which is highly argillaceous, and easily 
decomposed, to that which is silicious, and well calculated to stand the weather and 
the attacks of frost. 

It also varies in color and texture; some of the strata being highly laminated, and 
others what is technically termed liver-rock, showing but little signs of stratification ; 
and the color varies from a cold blue to a warm lilac gray. 

The quarries which appear to have been worked to the greatest extent, are those 
called the College quarries, from their belonging to the College at Georgetown. The 
color of the stone in these is generally a blue gray, (see specimen 21, of Dr. Owen’s 
report,) and is rather cold and unpleasant in its aspect; though several of the strata 
or layers in the middle of the quarry were of a pleasant and warm gray. See speci- 
men No. 23. These latter, however, are difficult of access, having several strata of 
inferior stone over them, and cannot therefore be obtained without great and unnec- 
essary expense, and should only be resorted to in the event that no other stone of 
equal color and quality can be found in a more favorable position. 

The College quarries lie to the northwest of Bull run and Seneca creek. The dip 
of the strata is at an inclination of about 20° to the southwest. 

To the northwest of these quarries, and on the same face, are quarries belonging to 
Mr. Peter, where we found the buff-colored stone, (specimen No. 24.) It is much to 
be regretted that this stone is neither sufficiently durable, from its being argillaceous, 
nor found in sufficient quantities for the purposes of the Institution, as, in my 
opinion, it surpasses in color any stone I have as yet seen in this country ; resem- 
bling in hue that used in Edinburgh, and the Caen and Bath stones, which were so 
much used and so highly esteemed by the architects of the middle ages. 

To the north of this quarry is one belonging to Mr. Lee. The color of the stone 
in this is a warm gray, and the texture is fine and highly silicious, and the quality is 
excellent. It is a liver-rock, and is found in several strata of considerable thickness, 
which would afford an abundant supply. Some of the layers, however, contain cop- 
per, which might possibly render it liable to stain by long exposure, unless carefully 
selected. See specimen No. 25. 

From this quarry, the most northern one we examined, we proceeded in a south- 


662 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


easterly direction, recrossing the College quarry to the Bull Run, belonging to Mr. 
Peter. The quarry on this run has been opened at a point up the stream, distant 
about 300 yards east of the Potomac. 

The stone is of excellent quality, of even color, being of a warm gray, a lilac tint 
resembling that known as ashes of roses, and can, from all indications, be found in 
sufficient quantities to supply all the face work for the Institution. 

There appear to be three layers of this color, which are, respectively, 20, 24, and 
30 inches in thickness. 

The stone is highly silicious, rings when struck with the hammer, and where it has 
been exposed in the bed of the Bull Run to the action of the water and frost appar- 
ently for ages, and in the culvert under the canal for several years, shows little or no 
signs of decay. 

We traced strata of this color from the present quarries to the mouth of the Bull 
Run, and found it between an overlying layer of a shaly or slaty argillaceous quality, 
(which is easily decomposed, and must therefore be very carefully avoided,) and a 
substratum of the dark red-colored stone, (see No. 18 of Dr. Owen’s report.) We 
also found stone of the same color and quality in an old quarry, distant about 600 
feet south from the mouth of the Bull Run; thus rendering a sufficient supply almost 
certain. 

The strata lie well for quarrying, having but a slight covering and sloping towards 
the run, thus enabling it to be quarried without binding, which will render the 
expense small; and the color is equal to that of any stone we examined, except the 
buff. In company with Mr. Peter, we next visited a house built of coursed and ham- 
mered rubble masonry of stone of this color, in which it had a pleasing and airy effect 
upon the eye. Mr. Peter’s stable is also built of stone of this color, and produces an 
excellent effect. From the above examinations, we were therefore of opinion that 
Lee’s quarries, and those on the Bull Run, combine, more than any of the others we 
have visited, the requisites most necessary for structure, durability, and beauty. 

We would also recommend, if the quarry on the Bull Run be chosen, that none 
darker than specimen No. 19, in Dr. Owen’s report, be allowed to be used in the 
building, and that great care be taken to prevent any of the argillaceous stone being 
used; and if Lee’s quarry should be selected, that all rock showing indications of 
copper be prohibited from being used. I subjoin herewith a rough topographical 
map of the region, in which the distances and localities are put down from memory, 
as the limited time of our visit prevented any accurate measurements. 


Respectfully submitted. 
JAMES RENWICK, Jr., Architect. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That the architect cause to be procured and dressed a block of freestone, 
of the warm gray color, from Lee’s quarry; and also, that he cause to be dressed, in 
Ashlar finish, a portion of the block of freestone from Bull Run quarry, now lying 
before the west wing of the City Hall. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 

Resolved, That the chairman address a letter to the President of the Chesapeake 
and Ohio canal, asking a reduction of the rates of toll on said canal, in favor of the 
contractor. 

Mr. Mills, superintendent, submitted to the committee several specimens of free- 
stone, of excellent quality and good color, from the neighborhood of Aquia creek, 
Virginia. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That Dr. Owen visit and report upon the Aquia creek quarries of free- 
stone. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Seventeenth Meeting, March 25, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Owen and Seaton. 

The chairman laid before the committee the copy of a letter, which, in accordance 
with the instructions, he had addressed to the President of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Canal Company, as follows: 

WASHINGTON, March 25, 1847. 


Str: I am instructed by the Building Committee. of the Smithsonian Institution 
to inquire of you, whether, in the event of the selection of a building material by 
them from quarries in the neighborhood of Seneca creek, your company would con- 


yr 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 663 


sent to reduce the rate of toll, so far as regards the buildings of the Smithsonian 
Institution. 

The amount required by us may, in a measure, depend upon your answer, as it is 
not yet determined upon what we will back the walls with. If Seneca stone be 
taken for the entire walls, I suppose that 10,000 perches of 25 feet may be required. 

The Maryland railroad companies had agreed, in event of our selecting marble, to 
reduce their rates of freight, in our favor, from 4 cents to 2} cents per ton per mile. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
Chairman of the Building Committee. 
To the PRESIDENT OF THE CHESAPEAKE AND OnI0 CANAL CoMPAny. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 


Resolved, That the architect be, and he is hereby, instructed, during the course of 
the present year, to commence and carry on to completion the whole of the east wing 
and the east connecting range, so far as is consistent with the safety of the structure; 
and also to commence the foundations of the west wing and the west connecting 
range, and take such preparatory steps towards the work of the said wing and range . 
as may allow the contractors to prosecute the work with proper economy. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the architect be authorized to cause to be prepared two perspective 
views of the building—one of the north front, from the northwest, and one of the 
south front, from the southeast—provided the cost of completing the two said views 
in the best style of art shall not exceed two hundred dollars; and that the same be 
colored to correspond with the color of the stone that may be adopted for the facing 
of the building. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That Mr. Owen endeavor to procure from the several railroad companies 
‘between this city and NewYork, a free passage for the architect of the Institution, 
pending the erection of the building. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Eighteenth Meeting, March 26, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Owen and Seaton. 
The chairman submitted the following letter from Mr. Peter, owner of Bull Run 
quarry, and other quarries in the vicinity of Seneca creek: 


MontTEe VIDEO, NEAR DARNESTOWN, 
MontaoMery County, Mp., March 22, 1847. 


DrAR Sir: Yours of the 18th instant was received on Saturday last, in which 
you state that the Building Committee have decided to use, as the material in the 
erection of the Smithsonian Institution, the stone from some one of my quarries, 
and that they accept the terms as communicated in my letter, of the 9th of Decem- 
ber, to Mr. Seaton, to wit: 

Twenty-five cents a perch for all stone intended for face or cut work, and twelve 
and a half cents per perch for all calculated for backing or rubble work. 

The whole number of quarries will be subject to your preference, and I will be 
pleased if you will make the selection at as early a day as convenient, as there are 
several persons applying for permission to obtain stone for other purposes. 

Yours, very respectfully, 
JOHN P. C. PETER. 

Hon. Ropert DALE OWEN, 

Chairman Building Committee. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the final decision on the subject embraced in Mr. Peters’ letter be 
-delayed until the return of Dr. Owen from Aquia creek, and until his report on the 
quarries there is received. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That among the trees to be planted within the grounds of the Institution 
there be included the following : 

Elm, beech, oak, osage orange, pecan, sugar maple, silver-leafed maple, weeping- 
willow, silver-leafed willow, magnolia grandiflora, pride of China, common laurel, 
tulip tree, dogwood, holly, hawthorn, horsechesnut, Spanish chesnut, walnut, hickory, 


664 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


mountain ash, lime tree, evergreens, (including the several varieties of pines,) aspen, 
and sycamore. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Nineteenth Meeting, March 30, 1847. 
Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


The chairman submitted from Dr. Owen the following report on the Aquia creek 
and other Stafford county freestones. 


To the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution : 


GENTLEMEN: On the 26th of March, agreeably to a resolution passed by your 
committee, I proceeded down the Potomac to examine the quarries of freestone of 
Stafford county, Virginia. 

On arriving at the mouth of Aquia creek, which is 50 miles from Washington, I 
learned that the quarries which have been chiefly wrought for the public buildings 
lie about seven miles up that stream. 

On my way I stopped at Major Brook’s, five miles on this side of Fredericksburg, 
to obtain some information about the route. Learning from that gentleman that. 
there were several good quarries of freestone in his immediate vicinity, on Accokeek 
creek, and near the line of the railroad, I determined to visit them. 

I found them situated on both sides of Accokeek creek, close to Major Brook’s 
mill-dam. The upper beds here are about six to eight feet above the level of the 
creek, and are of a coarse texture, approaching to the nature of a conglomerate, 
Beneath, about four to five feet above the level of the creek, the rock is finer-grained. 
with some yellow and gray streaks, (see No. 26.) The rock on this part of Accokeek 
is below the level of the water when the flood-gates of the mill-race are closed. It 
was here that the rock of which the mill-dam is constructed was quarried. So far,. 
it has stood the test of exposure in this situation well. The abutments of the rail- 
road viaduct over Accokeek creek are constructed of rock from these quarries ; and. 
though the selection does not seem to have been very carefully made, it still remains. 
a substantial work. 

The quarries on Aquia creek most convenient to navigation, and those which 
furnish a rock lightest colored, finest grained, and most uniform, are situated om 
what is called the Island, being a neck of land seven miles by the course of the: 
stream from its mouth. This island is elevated 15 to 20 feet above a flat swampy 
plain, which surrounds it on every side, and which, in the early settlement of the: 
country, was an inland bay, navigable for small craft. 

At present the waters are contracted into the narrow channel of Aquia creek, 
about 15 feet wide. 

One of the quarries on this island is known by the name of Stewart’s quarry, but. 
now owned by Mr. Symington, of Baltimore. ‘To the north and south of it are two: 
others, belonging to the United States. 

The columns of the east portico of the capitol, each of a single piece weighing 18 ° 
tons, were obtained at these United States quarries. 

The principal ledge hitherto worked here has a covering of only two or three feet. 
of earth, and lies nearly horizontal, in a vast bed from six to eight or 10 feet in 
thickness, without the slightest apparent seam. For this reason, though the bed is. 
so near the surface, it has been quarried at great expense, at least by the method 
hitherto employed, which is to groove it behind and on one side two feet wide, (or 
sufficient to receive a man,) in a vertical direction, even to its base, and then ‘ loft ’” 
it off in a horizontal direction by the introduction of wedges at the bottom of the- 
bed in the direction of the stratification. 

This Island freestone is of light color, almost white when dry ; and is equal, if not. 
superior, in texture and color, to any of the sandstones in this neighborhood. That 
on Symington’s tract (see specimen No. 27) is rather of a finer grain than in either 
of the United States quarries ; (see specimen 28.) 

tat of the rock employed on the inside of the Post Office was procured on this 
island. 

Numerous other quarries are found in this vicinity, many of them well opened and 
wrought to a considerable extent. None are, however, immediately on the bank of 
Aquia creek. Some lie to the east of the swamp, in the ridge which lies between 
Aquia creek and the Potomac river, and distant from the latter stream from three to- 
seven miles. These were not visited, as there were no means of crossing the swamp. 
Others have been opened in many places along the banks of Rocky run. 

The stream empties into Austin’s run, which bounds the island and swamp on the 
southwest. That nearest to Aquia creek is distance from half a mile to three quarters: 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 665 


of a mile, and is situated on the south side of Rocky run, close to the road which 
leads from the Island to Captain Towson’s. This quarry affords a tolerable freestone 
(see specimen No. 29,) but it has spots and streaks in it, and is of rather a coarser 
texture and not so uniform in color as the Island quarry. 

About one mile further on the same road, and distant about a mile and a half from 
Aquia creek, on the north side of Rocky run, is Towson’s Beech quarry, which has 
been wrought to a considerable extent, and has, as most of the quarries here, a fine 
face on it, all having been worked on the old-fashioned plan of “ grooving” and 
‘‘lofting,”’ as heretofore described. The rock at this locality is of a very fair quality ; 
little inferior to Symington’s Island quarry, (see specimen No. 30,) and well situated 
as regards drainage and covering for quarrying. Occasional clay and ferruginous 
spots are visible; but a large supply could probably be obtained here, by proper 
selection, free from any very unsightly flaws or blemishes. 

Half a mile further on, or two miles from Aquia creek, on the south side of Rocky 
run, is Robinson’s quarry, the property of Mr. Galehorn. 

It will be observed, by specimen numbered 31, that the texture of the rock at this 
place is rather finer, and the color more of a buff, than at the previously described 
quarry. 

Two and a half miles from Aquia creek, and distant about half a mile to a quarter 
of a mile from Captain Towson’s house, is another quarry of freestone belonging to 
that gentleman. The beds here are free to work, but much more interlaminated or 
leafy in structure, than any of the quarries examined, and certainly less durable, 
(see specimen No. 82.) The face of this specimen on which the number stands, gives 
a good idea of the tint which this rock acquires by time and exposure. 

On Jackson’s branch of Rocky run, from a mile to a mile and a half south from 
the island, is a bold quarry, owned by Peggy Norman. The rock here is no doubt dur- 
able, but exceedingly indurated, and would be nearly as expensive to cut as granite, 
(see specimen No. 33.) 

Besides the quarries here enumerated, various others have been opened on both 
sides of Rocky run, of similar quality and appearance to those already described. In 
fact, every hill for many miles in this neighborhood is composed of solid beds of free- 
stone, varying in texture from a conglomerate and even pudding stone, to a fine- 
grained rock similar to number 26, and varying in shade from a yellowish brown and 
a buff color, to a nearly pure white. It is probable enough, that as new quarries are 
opened a better material may be found than any yet disclosed. 

In none of the quarries visited in Stafford county did I observe red and pink free- 
stones like those of Senecacreek. Neither did I see there any of those schistose beds, 
with green cupreous incrustations, such as occur in the sandstone formation of the 
upper Potomac, in the cupferschiefer of Germany, the copper States of England, and 
the Permian system of Russia. On the geological charts of this region, these free- 
stones are designated as of the same age as the red sandstones of the Connecticut 
valley and New Jersey. They differ from these materially in lithological character, 
and apparently in associated minerals, so far as I have had opportunity of judging ; 
nevertheless, they may be cotemporaneous ; this can be ascertained only by a careful 
search after organic remains, which time did not permit. 

On my return to the watering station on Accokeek, I stopped at Major Brooks’ 
for the purpose of seeing a quarryman who has had long experience not only in the 
quarries of Aquia and Accokeek creeks, but also in the marble and granite quarries 
of the eastern States. 

He informed me that at seven miles from the mouth of Aquia creek, close to the 
railroad, at the high bridge on Potomac run, there are solid ledges of freestone in an 
escarpment of 90 feet; and according to his statement, there is at that locality a bed 
very similar in texture and color to that previously described as owned by Syming- 
ton. Unfortunately, it lies deep seated, and would require a stripping of about 15 
feet to get at it; but he says that the strata rise, as you proceed up the Potomac run, 
to the west, and that there is reason to believe that the ledge in question can be found 
near the surface about a quarter of a mile from the railroad. If it remains of uni- 
form texture for that distance, a material not inferior in quality to the best rock on 
the island might be quarried there more convenient to transportation, and in a much 
more healthy situation, than on the island, surrounded, as that locality is on all sides, 
by low marshy plains. ; f 

On questioning this man with regard to the comparative expense of quarrying 
freestones there and on Seneca creek, he confidently asserted that by a judicious mode 
of drilling and very careful blasting, rock might be quarried even cheaper here than 
on Sencea creek, although at the latter locality the beds, being thinner and of a less 
“livery” nature, can be easily split by the ‘‘ plug and feather,”’ because on Aquia 
and Accokeek creeks, and Potomac run, there is much less stripping, and because the: 


666 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


beds lie more level and undisturbed. This, however, is certain—that by the old 
method employed by Captain Towson, dimension stone from Aquia creek has hitherto 
cost $6 per ton of 15 cubic feet, or 40 cents per foot; and even these prices have not 
ufforded an extravagant profit to the owners of quarries; whilst there can be little 
doubt that dimension stone can be furnished from Seneca creek for half that_amount. 

If good material could be obtained near the line of the railroad, either in the 
neighborhood of Potomac run, or, still nearer, the mouth of Aquia creek, transpor- 
tation would certainly not cost as much as from the quarries on the Island and Rocky 
run. ‘There are several obstructions between the quarry and the mouth of the creek, 
which render it often necessary to lighten the vessels by means of scows, over these. 
bars, and none of the vessels of suitable draught for the navigation of Aquia creek 
carry over 80 to 100 tons; whereas, if laden at the terminus of the railroad, they 
could easily carry double that amount, requiring but the same number of hands. 

From all the workable beds of freestone of Stafford county, so far as they had been 
opened, a very considerable portion must be rejected on account of flaws and stains ; 
but, as a general rule, there is less than in the Seneca quarries. 

The general appearance of the lighter ( buff-colored) beds of the freestones of Staf- 
ford county, Virginia, laid up in range work, may be seen by inspecting the east 
gateway of the President’s House, the entrances to the Capitol grounds, and the 
inside work of the Post Office. 

Under the magnifier, minute dark specks may be observed of the color of black- 
smiths’ scales, which are probably small grains of a mixture of the protoxide and 
peroxide of iron. If this be their composition, they will, doubtless, in peroxidating, 
acquire a yellowish or reddish color. Still, in many specimens these are so minute, 
that the effect would be only to mellow the color, without materially affecting the 
durability of the mass. That a proportion of this stone is free from material blemish 
and is a durable material, is confirmed by an inspection of the ledges and blocks in 
sight, and in the structures composed of the best rock, long exposed to atmospheric 
vicissitudes ; by the glistening particles disseminated on the face of fresh fractures ; 
by the action of the rock on the edge of the dressing tool, indicative of a tolerably 
pure grit-stone, free from argillaceous admixture ; by the heavy solid bed in which 
it lies in the quarry, generally free from interlamination ; and, finally, by the hard- 
ening he mass by exposure. 
er tins Ke beliers that the sample of Aquia creek freestone furnished to Dr. Page 
for examination was not equal to the average quality of the better quarries in Stafford 
Ne? Dixon, the contractor, is of opinion that the general run of the freestones 
will be somewhat but not very much more expensive to work and carve than the 
Seneca sandstones. Hed s i 

As the result of my examination of these quarries, in connection with those of the 
‘upper Potomac, I state my belief, that the Stafford county region can furnish an 
unlimited supply of freestone, of which, by dint of careful selection, a portion may 
be obtained both sound and durable; not, indeed, free from yellowish or gray streaks, 
nor, certainly, of as fine a grain as the lilac-gray of Seneca creek, but not disfigured 
by conspicuous holes, pebbles, or stains, such as are almost universal in the blocks to 
be seen in the public buildings in Washington, where this material has been used. 

I think it owes its present bad character as much to indiscriminate selection as to 
inherent defects. Its color, occasionally approaching that of marble, is in its favor, 
though time and the weather change it for the worse. (See specimen No. 32, on the 
face where marked. 

j It Foal make a lighter and more airy looking building than the lilac-gray. But 
I am convinced that it could not be delivered in Washington nearly as cheap as the 
latter ; especially if, as the owners of the Aquia creek quarries thought, slave labor 
only could be employed there. And I feel assured that, even with reasonable care 
in selection, the chance of procuring the white sandstones unblemished by disfiguring 
spots or stains, is uncertain; far more so than in the case of the lilac-gray. 

Upon the whole, this latter inaterial, as found in the middle beds of Bull Run 
quarry, seems to me the safest and best of the Potomac freestones; somewhat darker, 
indeed, than one would desire, if the choice were free, but uniform in color, improv- 
ing in its tint by the bleaching effect of time, not liable to be disfigured by accumu- 
lation of smoke and dust, and of unquestionable solidity and durability. 

I annex to this report a rough chart of the freestone quarries of Aquia creek, 
drawn by the eye, without actual measurement. It will give a general idea of their 


relative situation. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. DAVID DALE OWEN. 


Wasuineton, March 380, 1847. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 667 


Specimens referred to in the foregoing report 


No. 26. Major Brooks’ quarry, lower beds. 

No. 27. Symington’s island quarry. 

No. 28. United States island quarry. 

No. 29. Beard’s quarry on Rocky run. 

No. 30. Towson’s Beech quarry. 

No. 31. Robinson’s quarry, owned by Galehorn. 

No. 82. Towson’s quarry, near his house. 

No. 388. Peggy Norman’s quarry on Jackson’s branch. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the material for the external walls’of the building be freestone, of 
‘the lilac-gray color, similar to specimen No. 19 of Dr. Owen’s report on the free- 
stones of Seneca creek, and that none be used darker than that specimen; to be 
taken either from Bull Run quarry or from any other contiguous quarry furnishing 
freestone of the same color and of equal quality. 

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be furnished to the contractors, and that 
specimen No. 19, above referred to, be carefully preserved for reference. 

Resolved, That if two wells be opened by the contractors, of such size and descrip- 
tion and in such spots as may be designated by the architect, the committee will 
allow for them, when the building is completed, whatever they may then be worth. 

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be furnished to the contractors. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twentieth Meeting, March 31, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
The chairman laid before the committee the following letter, in reply to that 
addressed by him to the President of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company: 


FREDERICK, March 29, 1847. 


Sir: Your letter of the 25th instant, making inquiry whether the Chesapeake and 
Ohio Canal Company would consent to reduce the rates of toll on stone, ‘‘so far as 
regards the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution,” has been received, and I will 
present it to the consideration of the board of president and directors at their next 
meeting, on the 7th of April, and communicate to you their answer. 

I would here, however, merely remark, that the toll charged on stone at present 
on the canal is 1 cent per perch per mile for twenty miles, and 1} cent per perch per 
mile for any greater distance it may be carried; and that with their rates and the 
usual charge made by boatmen for transporting it, the cost by the canal would, I 
think, be less than by the railroad, even at the reduced charge mentioned in your 
detter. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. M. COALE, 
President of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company. 


To the Hon. RoBrert DALE OWEN. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Seaton be a sub-committee to see the Commissioner of Public 
Buildings, and endeavor to procure from him permission for the contractors to use 
the remains of the old fence standing on such portions of the Mall between Seventh 
and Twelfth streets as is not included in the site of the Institution. 

Mr. Owen stated to the committee that it was his intention to proceed to-morrow 
to New York, for the purpose of making preliminary arrangements regarding the 
preparation and publication of the work on ‘‘ Public Architecture’ intrusted to 
him as per resolution passed by this committee on the 6th instant, and that he would 
take that opportunity of communicating with the several presidents of the railroad 
companies between Washington and New York, and endeavor to procure a free 
ticket on those roads for the architect of the Institution. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-first Meeting, April 6, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
Mr. Owen having returned from New York, made, in regard to his proceedings 


there, the following report : 
After conversing with the principal publishers in New York, in regard to the 


668 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


terms on which they would be willing to publish the volume of ‘‘ Public Architec- 
ture,’”’ of which the preparation was intrusted to me by resolution of the committee 
of the 6th March, I finally, with the aid of Mr. Drayton, (to whom I am greatly 
indebted for the valuable information and assistance he gave me,) made with Wiley 
& Putnam, one of the most respectable firms of the city, the following contract : 


Agreement between Wiley § Putnam, publishers of the city of New York, of the first 
part, and the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, by the chairman 
of said committee, of the second part, dated this 3d day of April, 1847. 


Whereas the said Building Committee are charged with the preparation and publi- 
cation of a volume on architecture, to be entitled ‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,’’ 
and to contain numerous and valuable illustrations, including two perspective views 
of the buildings of the said Smithsonian Institution, and also to have an appendix 
containing the results of a research about to be made under the auspices of the said. 
Institution, to test the properties of the most important building materials through- 
out the United States. 

Now the parties of the first part hereby contract and agree to have the said work 
set up in small pica, of such face as the said committee shall select; thin-leaded for 
the body of the work, and either small pica solid or long primer for the appendix, at 
the option of said committee. And the said parties of the first part agree, that the 
letter-press paper shall measure 19}inches by 26, and that it shall be of such quality 
as to cost not less than 16 cents per pound, and that each ream shall weigh not less. 
than 40 pounds. And the parties of the first part further agree, that the printing 
shall be done in the best manner, with ink of the first quality, and the wood-cuts. 
carefully overlaid, (so as to give their full effect,) by a suitable person accustomed to 
such work; and also, that the copperplate paper shall be of quality as good as the 
letter-press paper, of the same size, and of the proper thickness and qualities required 
for fine illustrations, and that the copperplate printing shall be done in the best. 
manner. And the said parties of the first part further agree, that the page of printed 
matter shall be about five inches and three-quarters by nine inches, and that the 
binding shall be in cloth, gilt lettered, and of such material as shall cost thirty cents. 
per volume. And the said parties of the first part agree to do the whole of the above 
work, including materials, at their own cost and expense. 

And the party of the second part agree that they will furnish, at their own cost. 
and expense, the entire illustrations for said work, including two perspective views. 
of the Smithsonian Institution, and that the said illustrations shall be of such 
number and quality as shall cost one thousand dollars, and said illustrations shall be 
executed in the best style of art; and that as many of the said illustrations as are to: 
be incorporated with the text shall be wood-cuts, and that the rest shall be either 
copperplate or steel engravings ; and that they will deliver the same to the parties of 
the first part free of all charge, and completely ready for printing. And the said 
parties of the second part further agree that they will furnish to the parties of the 
first part the manuscript of the said work free of all charge, and that.the same shall 
not exceed, including the appendix, one hundred and fifty printed pages. 

And for and in consideration of the furnishing, by the said parties of the second 
part, of the illustrations and manuscript as aforesaid, the parties of the first part. 
agree to deliver to the parties of the second part five hundred copies of the said work, 
complete and bound as aforesaid, so soon as the same can be prepared; and they 
further agree that, so soon as the sale of the said work shall have returned to them 
the cost of composition, printing, paper, and binding, then, out of the first profits of 
the same they the said party of the first part will further deliver to the parties of the 
second part additional copies of the said work until the said additional copies amount. 
to five hundred, so that the whole number of copies furnished shall be one thousand 
in all, free of all charge to the parties of the second part. 

And it is mutually agreed that after the delivery of the said thousand copies the 
said illustrations shall be and remain the property of the parties of the first part ; 
but the said parties of the first part agree that they will at any time, on being thereto: 
required by the parties of the second part, deliver to the said parties of the second 
part any number of impressions from any of the said plates at the cost of paper and 

rinting. 
i And the said parties of the first part agree that so soon as the illustrations and 
manuscript are delivered to them, they will cause the said work to be published with- 
out unnecessary delay. 

In testimony whereof, the parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands 
and seals, and the chairman of the said Building Committee has hereunto subscribed 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 669 


his name, on the behalf of the said Building Committee, the day and year above 
written. 
; ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
Chairman, on behalf of Building Committee of Smithsonian Institution. 


RatTHBUN ALLEN, 
Witness as to signature of Robert Dale Owen. 
WILEY & PUTNAM. 
WILLIAM B. GRAVES, 
Witness as to signature of Wiley § Putnam. 


The size selected is what is called long quarto, and its somewhat oblong shape is 
suitable for plates. The price stipulated for the paper, $6.40 a ream, insures its good 
quality. The size of the paper and of type, and the size of the printed page, were 
selected in part with reference to the probable form of our Transactions, which form, 
I think, might advantageously be copied, without variation, from this volume. 

I found that no publisher would agree to deliver to us one thousand copies at once, 
nor until they had secured a return of the money actually expended by them. They 
were all of opinion that so large a number as one thousand copies distributed at the 
outset, would so injure the sale as to make it a losing business. 

As it was necessary to obtain considerable assistance from Mr. Renwick, in 
preparing drawings for wood-cut illustrations, revising text, &c., I made a verbal 
agreement with him that, in return for such assistance as I might have occasion to 
require of him, he should receive twenty-five copies of the work out of the first five 
hundred, and twenty-five copies more out of the second five hundred received by us. 

By these arrangements the entire sum of one thousand dollars, appropriated for 
the publication of this work, can be expended on illustrations, giving much increased 
value to it. 

With a view still to increase that value, I took some steps which I hope will secure 
us additional illustrations executed in the best style. 

Finding that the marble front of Stewart’s new dry goods store in Broadway was 
probably the finest specimen of the modern Italian style of architecture in the 
United States, I procured an introduction to Mr. Stewart’s partner, (Mr. S. being 
now in Europe,) and proposed to him that if he would expend $100 to furnish us an 
elevation of his store, on steel, we would afterwards, if he desired it, furnish him as 
many copies as he might require at the cost of paper and printing. He said he 
would write immediately to Mr. Stewart; that he did not doubt that he would agree 
toit. He is to communicate the result to Mr. Renwick, who will superintend the 
preparation of the plate. 

I was also introduced by Mr. Renwick to the principal vestrymen of Grace church ; 
and he expressed to me his hope that he could obtain from the vestry a vote for a 
similar plate of that church, a fine specimen of the latter or Flamboyant gothic. 

T also commissioned Mr. Renwick, who is acquainted with some of the vestry at 
‘Trinity church, to see them, and try to obtain a plate of that edifice. 

These plates, if obtained, would furnish excellent illustrations of the most suitable 
character, and give much additional character to the publication. 

I called upon A. B. Durand, President of the Academy of Design, now a portrait 
and historical painter, and formerly the best engineer in the United States, and 
ascertained his opinion, that the best engravers, for portraits, in the United States 
-are Cassilear, 22 Bleeker street, New York, and Cheeney, of Philadelphia. 

He considers Roberts, of New York, the best wood-cutter. He thinks that to 
Cassilear or Cheeney the portrait of Smithson, for our Transactions, should be in- 
trusted. 

I called on Robert Schuyler, President of the Brunswick and New York Railroad, 
in regard to a season ticket, or free ticket, for our architect, Mr. Renwick. There is 
no chance of obtaining a free ticket. A season ticket at a reduced rate may possibly 
be obtained. Mr. Schuyler promised to write to me on the subject. 

I did not, until further consultation, decide whether the perspective drawings of 
-our Institution, &c., should be in quarto or double quarto form. The folding of the 
latter seems to me so objectionable, that I incline to the former, though it be some- 
what small for so extensive a building. 

Respectfully submitted, by 
ROBERT DALE OWEN. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the perspective views of the Institution, alluded to in the above 
report, be executed in quarto form. 


670 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The chairman submitted from the superintendent the following communication : 


APRIL 6, 1847. 

Dear Sir: On consulting with the Commissioner of Public Buildings in relatiom 
to the use, by the committee, of the old fence around the Mall, between Seventh and 
Twelfth streets, to enclose the lot of the Institution, between the same points, he 
agrees to allow so much of the same as is necessary for this purpose. 

I have made an estimate to determine what the expense would be of removing, 
repairing, and enclosing this open fence with a five feet height of palings, and found 
it would amount to four hundred dollars. 

The circuit of these grounds is 3,680 feet. 


Mr. Dixon reports that the expense of conducting the water from the market- 


house pipe to the building, will cost six hundred and fifty dollars. 


Respectfully submitted. 
ROBERT MILLS, 
Assistant Architect and Sup’t Smithsonian Institution. 
To the Hon. Ropert DALE OwEn, 
Chairman of the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That, for the purpose of conveying to the building a supply of water, as- 
well for the builders as for the permanent uses of the Institution, the consent of the 


Commissioner of the Public Buildings be requested for drawing a supply from the 


water plug at the Centre Market-house, to be conveyed thence, by a leaden pipe, to- 


the Institution. 
Resolved, That an arrangement be made with some responsible contractor for lay- 
ing said pipes, provided the cost thereof does not exceed $650. 


Resolved, That the resolution of the 80th ultimo, in regard to the digging two- 


wells, be and the same is hereby, rescinded. 

Resolved, That Mr. Downer, or some other responsible person, be employed to 
build a substantial paling fence around the Institution ground, provided the same 
cost not more than $400, and that the fence be as high as the present rails will per- 
mit with safety. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-second Meeting, April 9, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 

Mr. Owen stated to the committee that he had spoken with one of the Regents, 
Mr. A. D. Bache, on the subject of procuring a steel plate of the Girard College, 
from the managers of the said Institution, on the same terms proposed to Mr. Stew- 
art, as mentioned in his (Mr. O.’s) report of April 6; and that Mr. Bache promised 
to write on the subject to the principal manager of the Girard College, and to com- 
municate the result to the committee. 


Mr. Owen also stated that he had written on the same subject to Mr. Richard. 


Rush, Regent, from Philadelphia, requesting him to use his influence to procure for 
us the said plate. 

Mr. Seaton stated that he was about to write a similar letter to Mr. Ogden Hoff- 
man, one of the vestrymen of Calvary church, New York, with the view of procuring 


a plate of that church on similar terms, as a specimen of the lancet gothic style of 


architecture ; and that he would communicate the result to the committee. 

Mr. Owen submitted from the contractor, Mr. Dixon, the following: 

WASHINGTON, April 8, 1847. 

GENTLEMEN: After minute examination of all the quarries on Mr. Peter’s land, 
it is extremely doubtful to me whether or not a sufficient quantity of the stone on 
which the contract is based can be procured in any of his quarries, as that stratum 
seems to be nearly exhausted. There seems to be abundance of stone in the bed 
under which No. 19 has been worked off; but it appears to be of a much deeper 
color, and a great deal harder in its texture, and could not be cut at anything like 
the price of No. 19 stone. : 

There are, I am told, a great many quarries of sandstone on Seneca creek, on Mr. 


Vincent’s* land; but knowing that your Board was about to adjourn, I hastened’ 


back to make this statement, and had not time to examine them. 
Respectfully, &c., JAMES DIXON. 


To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


* Supposed Charles Vinson: see p. 43.—R. D. O. 


ee a 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 671 


P. S.—lf Iam right in my opinion that the Bull Run quarries will not produce 
the stone that you have selected, it might be well enough for the Board, before their 
final adjournment, to pass a resolution to this effect: that some discretionary power 
be left with the architect to change or modify the material, otherwise the building 
would necessarily come to a stand ; but this I leave to your better comprehension. 


Laid on the table. 


Mr. Owen submitted from Mr. Joel Downer, carpenter, the following offer to put 
up a temporary fence around the grounds of the Institution : 


WASHINGTON, April 8, 1848. 
GENTLEMEN: I will contract to enclose the ground with a paling fence from five 
feet eight inches to six feet average; the palings to be sawed, three inches wide, of 
the best quality that comes to our market; the palings to be nailed on the rails with 
three nailings, and six nails in each paling, with a bottom board averaging 12 inches 
in width. It is understood that the posts and rails now standing on 12th street and 
B street are to be righted up and made use of; and the posts and rails for the north 
and east line are to be taken up from the public enclosure, and used for that purpose. 

I will put up the fence in a good and substantial manner for $400. 
Respectfully, JOEL DOWNER. 


To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 
[Nore.—On inquiry, I learn that the above bid includes all materials, though not 


expressly so stated. ROBERT DALE OWEN.] 
Laid on the table. 


Ordered, That, for the present, the services of Wm. McPeak, messenger, be dis- 
pensed with. 


On motion of Mr. Owen— 


Resolved, That the architect be authorized to cause to be erected on the ground a 
secure temporary building, as an office for the said architect, provided the same shall 
not cost over $200. 

The chairman stated to the committee the request of Mr. Mills, the superintendent, 
that he be allowed the use of the lower rooms in the City Hall which were granted 
by the corporation to the Building Committee, until the same are required by the 
committee. 


Ordered, That Mr. Mills be allowed the use of said rooms accordingly. 
On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 


Resolved, That the city surveyor be requested to make out a plat of the grounds of 
the Smithsonian Institution, laying down the levels at each intersection of one hun- 
dred feet. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Twenty-Third Meeting, April 10, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


Mr. Owen submitted for consideration the following resolutions, relative to the 
work on ‘Public Architecture,” of which the preparation had been intrusted to 
him: 

Resolved, That the work on ‘ Public Architecture,’’ to be published by the com- 
mittee, contain a comparative review of the advantages, economy, and facility of 
adaptation to modern purposes, of various styles of public architecture, particularly 
the Grecian, modern Italian, Gothic of different ages, and Norman; giving the 
actual cost, compared to extent of accommodations, of some of the principal public 
edifices in the United States, in the various styles, including some of the public build- 
ings in Washington, and others erected by the General Government. ; 

Resolved, That, so far as the funds permit, the said work contain illustrations, in 
the best style of art, representing such among the public buildings of the United 
States as exhibit the purest specimens of architecture, in various styles, including 
two perspective views of the Smithsonian Institution, on steel; one perspective view 
of the gothic plan submitted for competition by Mr. James Renwick, Jr., architect 
of the Institution; one perspective view of the Norman plan submitted by Mr. 
Haviland, provided he (Mr. H.) will, at his own cost, reduce the drawing to the 
required size; one perspective view either of the plan submitted by Mr. Arnot, or 
that submitted by Mr. Notman, provided the architect will, at his own cost, reduce 


672 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


the drawing to the required size ; one geometrical elevation of the Italian plan sub- 
mitted by Mr. Daniel, of Cincinnati, provided he will reduce the same; also ground 
plans and geometrical elevations of the Smithsonian Institution, and one or two 
interiors of the same. 

Resolved, That application be made, in the proper quarters, for plates of the fol- 
lowing public edifices, to wit: 

1. Girard College. 

2. Stewart’s dry-goods store, Broadway, New York. 
3. Grace Church, New York. 

4. Trinity Church, New York. 

5. Calvary Church, New York. 

And if the respective authorities are willing to furnish such plates, without cost, 
then that the same be used in the said work, accompanied by a brief description of 
each edifice. And in that case, that the chairman of the Building Committee be 
empowered to agree with those furnishing the said plates, that the Smithsonian 
Institution will, at any time, furnish to them as many impressions from the plates 
thus furnished by them as they may desire, at the cost of paper and printing. 

Resolved, That, if the funds permit, the said work contain a geometrical or per- 
spective view of the east front of the Capitol of the United States, and a geometrical 
elevation of the south front of the General Post Office. 

In submitting the above resolutions, Mr. Owen stated to the committee that it was 
his intention, in order as far as possible to avoid expense to the Institution, to prepare 
as much of the work as practicable at home, and for that purpose he would take with 
him a few works on architecture; but that it would be necessary for him to spend 
some weeks in New York, and probably in Washington, to consult authorities, to 
which he had not access at home, to receive the necessary aid from Mr. Renwick, 
and to take steps for the preparation of the illustrations. 

The above resolutions, after deliberation, were adopted. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-Fourth Meeting, April 11, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
The chairman laid before the committee the following letter : 


DarneEstown, MontaoMERY County, MD., 
April 7, 1847. 


Dear Sir: Mr. Dixon was here yesterday, and made a superficial examination of 
the quarries, but made no selection, as you informed me would be his purpose, in 
your letter to me dated the 31st of March. He admitted, as I think must be apparent 
to any one, that stone of similar character with the specimen which he says the com- 
mittee have adopted may be found in abundance for all your purposes. Indeed, 
upon examination we find it embraced in a much larger field than I had before 
observed, and I have no doubt it could be obtained to any extent that may be 
required. 

The quarries, from the characteristic position of the stone and the partial manner 
in which they have been worked, present a different appearance from such as we 
commonly see; but as an evidence of the facility with which they may be worked, 
there is a party now engaged in getting stone from them for the use of Mr. Berry, 
who has contracted to deliver the same in Washington for twenty cents a cubic foot ; 
and I have no doubt Mr. Dixon could get his stone delivered much more readily for 
the same, as the quantity he would require would justify the contractor in working 
the quarry to a much greater advantage. 

I would only add that the kind of stone that I understand you have selected may 
be obtained here in any quantity you may require, and the difference in the expense 
of using it is a full justification for its selection. 

I have been induced to make this communication to guard you against any 
unfavorable impression Mr. Dixon may be induced to make, in which I feel justified 
by expressions he used when here. 

Yours, very respectfully, JOHN P. C. PETER. 


Hon. Ropert DALE OwEN, 
Chairman of the Building Committee Smithsonian Institution. 
Laid on the table. 
Mr. Owen, in connexion with the subject of the above letter, stated to the com- 
mittee that he had written to the architect, Mr. Renwick, informing him that the 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 673 


committee adhere to their resolution regarding the color and quality of building- 
material for the external walls, and look to him to see it strictly carried out. 
The chairman laid before the committee, from the ex-messenger, McPeak, the 
following letter: 
WASHINGTON, April 11, 1847. 
Sir: Believing that I can render good service to the committee in my capacity as 
messenger, both in attending in the office and overlooking the grounds of the Insti- 
tution, and removing nuisances, therefore I would respectfully offer my services to 
the committee at one dollar per day. 
Respectfully, Wm. McPzax. 
Hon. Ropert Date Owen, 
Chairman of the Building Committee Smithsonian Institution. 


Laid on the table. 
And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-Fifth Meeting, April 12, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Totten, Seaton, and Owen. 

Mr. Totten, having returned from Mexico, took his seat on the committee. 

The chairman laid before the committee several specimens of building-stone, 
similar in color and quality to specimen No. 19 of Dr. Owen’s report on the sand- 
stones of the Potomac, from the quarries of Charles Vinson, Seneca Mills; (see his 
letter to the Building Committee, page 612 of this journal.) The chairman stated 
that Dr. Owen had examined the specimens, and considered them equal to specimen 
No. 19. 

The journal of the Building Committee, contract with James Dixon & Co., and 
specifications and plan of foundations of the building, prepared by the architect, 
were submitted to Mr. Totten, and examined by him. 

Mr. Totten stated to the committee that the duration of his stay in Washington 
was uncertain, and that he might be called upon to visit some of the fortifications of 
the United States in the course of two or three weeks. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That Mr. Renwick be requested to return to Washington within a fort- 
night, so as to confer on the subject of the details of erection of the building with 
Mr. Totten. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned, 


Twenty-Sixth Meeting, April 14, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 

Mr. Seaton submitted to the committee the following letter from Captain Bucking- 
ham, whom he stated to be known to himself as having executed with faithfulness 
and ability, both for the city corporation and the Government, work of the same 
character as that for which he here proposes to contract : 


WASHINGTON, April 14, 1847. 


Sir: I have made a calculation of the expense of conducting the water from the 
Market square to the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution, on the mall. 

I will agree to furnish all the necessary material, and put down the pipes to said 
building, for six hundred and fifty dollars, and take the necessary risk. I calculate 
that there are about 2,000 feet in all. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. BUCKINGHAM. 


Wo. W. SEATON, Esq. 


Captain Buckingham appeared ; and, on being questioned, informed the committee 
that. his proposal was for a leaden pipe of inch-bore, and of the quality called 
‘‘ strong pipe ;’’ that he proposed to lay the pipe down not less than two feet under 
ground, and to cross the canal with a two inch iron pipe, laid down below the bed of 
the canal. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That a contract with Captain Buckingham be prepared, in accordance 
with the above offer; stipulating that the work be completed in one month from this 
date. 


43 


674 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The communication of William McPeak, laid on the table on the 11th instant 


being called up, it was— 


Ordered, That William McPeak be re-engaged as messenger, to commence from 
the 7th instant, at six dollars per week. 

Mr. French, Masonic Grand Master of the District of Columbia, appeared before 
the committee, and expressed, on behalf of the Grand Lodge of the District of 
Columbia, their willingness to assist in laying the corner-stone of the Smithsonian 
Institution with Masonic ceremonies, 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia be invited, in con- 
nection with any other Masonic lodges who may unite with them, to aid in laying 
the corner-stone of the Smithsonian Institution; and that Saturday, the first day of 
May, be recommended as a suitable day for that purpose. 


Resolved, That Mr. Owen be a committee to wait upon the President of the United 
States and invite him, as head of the corporation, to lay the said foundation-stone; 
and also to wait upon the Vice-President of the United States and invite his presence, 
as Chancellor of the Institution, to deliver a brief address on said occasion. 


Resolved, That Mr. Seaton be authorized to pay any incidental expenses that may 
be necessarily incurred on said occasion. 


Resolved, That the contractor be requested to prepare a suitable corner-stone. 


Mr. Owen expressed to the committee his intention—as Colonel Totten has 
returned, and a quorum could thus be obtained without him—of returning, within a 
few days, home to Indiana; and his regret that, in consequence, he would not be 
able to be present at the proposed ceremony. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-Seventh Meeting, April 15, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


The chairman presented a contract with Captain Buckingham to convey water to: 
the building site, which, in accordance with the resolution of yesterday, he had pre- 
pared and had submitted to Captain Buckingham and to Colonel Totten; both of 
whom had signified their approbation of it, and Colonel Totten had signed it. 


It was approved and signed. It is as follows: 

This agreement, made the fifteenth day of April, 1847, between Caleb Bucking- 
ham, of the city of Washington, of the first part, and the Building Committee of 
the Smithsonian Institution, of the second part, witnesseth : 


That for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars, to be by 
the party of the second part paid to the party of the first part, as hereinafter pro- 
vided, the said party of the first part agrees to furnish all the necessary materials of 
the best quality, and all the necessary work, to be done in the best and most sub- 
stantial manner, to conduct the water from the fire-plug at the engine house, in 
Market square, in the said city, to the building about to be erected for the Smith- 
sonian Institution, on the mall, between 9th and 12th streets. And the party of the 
first part agrees, that he will lay down a leaden pipe of inch-bore, and of the quality 
called ‘strong pipe,’’ at least two feet below the ground; and he will furnish the 
same with a stop-cock of the best quality, at the end where the said fire plug is 
tapped; and also a hydrant cock of the best quality at the end of the pipe next to 
the building. And the said party of the first part further agrees that he will convey 
the water across the canal in an iron pipe of two-inch bore, and of the best quality ; 
which iron pipe shall be sunk below the bed of the canal. And the said party of 
the first part agrees, that he will conduct the said leaden pipe so as to terminate at 
any point, not more than fifty feet from the foundations of the building, that may 
be pointed out by the architect or superintendent of the Institution. 

And the said party of the first part further agrees, that he will complete the lay- 
ing of the said pipe, with its appurtenances, so that water can be used from the 
same one month from the date of this agreement. 

And the party of the second part agree, that so soon as the said work shall have 
been completed to the entire satisfaction of the architect or superintendent of the 
said Institution, and the said architect or superintendent shall have certified that 
fact to the parties of the second part, the said parties of the second part will pay to 
the said party of the first part the above sum of six hundred and fifty dollars. In 
testimony whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and 


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7 
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REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 675 


seal, and the said Building Committee, on behalf of the said Institution, have here- 
unto subscribed their names, the day and year aforewritten. 
C. BUCKINGHAM, [1. s.] 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
J.G. TOTTEN, Building Committee. 
W. W. SEATON, 


The chairman presented from Mr. Randolph Coyle, city surveyor, a chart of the 
grounds belonging to the Institution, crossed with lines of equal levels marked at 
each crossing of one hundred feet. 


Ordered, That the above chart be preserved as a record of levels, by inserting it in 
the journal of the committee. 

The chairman stated to the committee that he had waited upon the President, in 
accordance with the resolution of yesterday, and expressed to him the desire of the 
committee that he would consent to lay the corner-stone of the Smithsonian build- 
ing ; and that he, the President, has expressed his willingness to do so. 

The chairman further informed the committee that the President stated to him that 
he (the President) would order the attendance of the marine band on the occasion. 

The chairman stated to the committee that he had waited upon the Vice President, 
in accordance with the resolution passed yesterday, and that he (the Vice President) 
promised, if he could so arrange his business, to attend on the occasion of laying the 
foundation-stone of the Smithsonian building, and to deliver a brief address on that 
occasion. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-Eighth Meeting, April 16, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
The letter of Mr. Joel Downer, carpenter, dated April 8th, and submitted to the 
committee at their twenty-second meeting, coming up for consideration, Mr. Owen 
submitted a contract which he had prepared in accordance with the offer made by 
Mr. Downer for the erection of a temporary fence around the grounds of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, and which he stated to the committee had been submitted to the 

superintendent and Mr. Downer, and had been approved by them. 
The said contract was approved, and signed by the committee and by Mr. Downer, 
and is as follows: 


This agreement, made the 16th of April, 1847, between Joel Downer, of the city of 
Washington, of the first part, and the Building Committee of the Smithsonian 
Institution of the second part, witnesseth : 


That for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars, to be by the 
party of the second part paid to the party of the first part, as hereinafter provided, 
the party of the first part agrees to fence in the lot or plat of land belonging to the 
said Smithsonian Institution, and situated on that portion of the mall which lies 
between 9th and 12th streets, containing 19 acres or thereabout; the said fence to be 
made in the most substantial and workmanlike manner, and to be completed in one 
month from the date of this agreement. And the said party of the first part agrees 
that the said fence shall be of sawed paling, of the best quality that comes to the 
Washington market, each paling to be about three inches wide, and to be nailed on 
the rails with three nailings, and six nails to each paling, and the pailings not more 
than two and a half inches apart. 

And the said party of the first part further agrees, that the said fence shall have a 
bottom board averaging twelve inches in width, firmly nailed on, and the ground 
levelled up to the bottom of the same. 

And the said party of the first part further agrees that the said fence shall be from 
five feet eight inches to six feet high, and that the posts shall be well and securely set 
in the ground, and that the fence shall stand, as nearly as convenient, on the boundary 
of the said lot, except on the north side; on which north side the fence shall be 
placed fifteen feet north of the boundary-line of the land of the said Institution. 
And the said party of the first part agrees that he will furnish all the materials what- 
ever for the said fence: Provided, however, That the posts and rails now standing on 
12th street and on B street south may be used by the said party of the first part. 
And provided further, That in case the Commissioner of Public Buildings consent 
thereto, the posts and rails now standing on such portion of the mall as lies between 


676 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


7th and 12th streets, and is not the property of the said Institution, may also be used 
by the said party of the first part as part of the material of said fence. 

And the party of the first part further agrees that he will leave openings for gates 
in the said fence, at such points as may be pointed out by the contractor or superin- 
tendent; but no gates are included in this contract. 

If there be not sufficient rails on the said lot from between 7th and 12th streets, 
then the contractor, Mr. Dixon, will furnish the same to the party of the first part, 
as per annexed agreement. 

And the party of the second part agree, so soon as the said fence shall be completed 
to the full and entire satisfaction of the architect or superintendent of the Smithso- 
sonian Institution, and that fact shall have been certified to the parties of the second 
part by the said architect or superintendent, that they, the said parties of the second 
part, will pay to the party of the first part, in full for said fence and material, the 
sum of four hundred dollars. 

In testimony whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand 
and seal, and the said parties of the second part, members of the said Building Com- 
mittee, have hereunto, on behalf of the said Smithsonian Institution, subscribed their 
names the day and year aforewritten. : 

JOEL DOWNER, [t. 8.] 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
JOS. G. TOTTEN, | using Committee. 
W. W. SEATON, 


Agreement with Mr. Dixon, referred to in the foregoing contract. 


If the old rails now standing on the mall between 7th and 12th streets be not 


sufficient to complete the fence around the grounds of the Smithsonian Institution, I | 


hereby agree to furnish to Mr. Joel Downer, at my own cost, a sufficient number of 
good rails to make up the deficiency. I also agree to have made, at my expense, not 
less than two gates, at convenient points in said fence, to be hung on good and sub- 


stantial gate-posts. 
JAMES DIXON. 


Mr. John P. C. Peter appeared before the committee, and reiterated in presence of 
the contractor, Mr. Dixon, his (Mr. Peter’s) complete assurance, as formerly expressed 
in his letter, (page 121,) that there was in his Bull run quarry a sufficiency of rock 
to erect the buildings of the Smithsonian Institution, of a tint not darker than No. 
19 of the specimens appended to Dr. Owen’s report on the Potomac sandstones; a 
portion being of lighter tint. He was informed that the committee adhered to their 
decision not to use for the external walls any material darker than No. 19, but 
they did not object to some portions of the building being of a lighter shade. He 
was further informed that the architect, Mr. Renwick, and perhaps one of the 
committee, would shortly visit Bull run quarry, for the sake of ascertaining, by 
actual excavation and otherwise, whether the supply from the stratum in question 
was sufficient. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Twenty-Ninth Meeting, April 17, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— \ 


Resolved, That the Corporation of the city of Washington, the Independent Order 
of Odd-Fellows, the volunteer companies, and the citizens generally, be invited to 
join in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The chairman stated to the committee that he had consulted Mr. Drayton as to the 
actual size which the plates of the proposed volume on architecture might be made, 
so as to leave adequate margin; and that it was found that they might be eleven 
inches by seven inches, (or, if necessary, eleven inches by seven inches and a half.) 

Mr. Owen stated to the committee that he had written to Mr. Renwick ; instructing 
him to cause the perspective views of the Smithsonian Institution to be of that size. 

The chairman submitted an inscription, prepared by the superintendent, for a plate 
to be placed under the corner-stone of the Smithsonian building. 

It was adopted, and is as follows : 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 677 


Inscription for the foundation-stune of the Smithsonian Institution. 


On the first day of May, 1847, was laid, in the city of Washington, this foundation- 
stone of a building to be appropriated for the Smithsonian Institution ; 


FOUNDED BY BEQUEST OF JAMES SMITHSON, OF GREAT BRITAIN, 
JamMEs K. Poix, President of the United States. 


CORPORATION. 


President of the United States. 
Vice President of the United States. 
Secretary of State. 

Secretary of the Treasury. 
Secretary of War. 

Secretary of the Navy. 

Postmaster General. 

Attorney General. 

Chief Justice. 

Commissioner of Patents. 

Mayor of the City of Washington. 


OFFICERS. 


George M. Dallas, Chancellor. 

W. W. Seaton, Chairman, 

Jos. G. Totten, | roeentn Committee. 
Robert Dale Owen, 

Joseph Henry, Secretary. 

Charles C. Jewett, Assistant Secretary. 


BOARD OF REGENTS. 


George M. Dallas, Vice-President. 
Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice. 

W. W. Seaton, Mayor of the City. 
Lewis Cass, U. S. Senator. 

Sidney Breese, U. 8. Senator. 

James A. Pearce, U. 8. Senator. 

Robert Dale Owen, U. 8. Representative. 
Win. J. Hough, U.S. Representative. 
Henry W. Hilliard, U. S. Representative. 
Rufus Choate, Massachusetts. 

Richard Rush, Pennsylvania. 

Gideon Hawley, New York. 

Wm. C. Preston, South Carolina. 

A. Dallas Bache, National Institute. 
Jos. G. Totten, National Institute. 


BUILDING COMMITTEE, 


Robert Dale Owen, Chairman. 
Jos. G. Totten. 
W. W. Seaton. 


James Renwick, jr., Architect. 
Robert Mills, Assistant Architect and Superintendent. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 
Resolved, That the superintendent be authorized to contract for the engraving of 
said plate, at an expense not exceeding fifteen dollars. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Thirtieth Meeting, April 19, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
The chairman laid before the committee, from Dr. Owen, the following commu- 
nication relative to details of arrangements in the laboratory : 


678 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Aveust 17, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: Several details connected with the arrangement of the laboratory of 
of the Smithsonian Institution have recently occurred to me, or been suggested by 
conversation with gentlemen experienced in chemical manipulation. I place them 
at your disposal, in case you may see fit to adopt all or any of them. 

1 advise that the sliding doors between the laboratory and lecture-room be of sheet 
copper, blackened, so that they may serve as black boards for the purpose of illus- 
tration. 

Pulleys in the ceiling of the laboratory, behind the lecturer’s table, will be found 
very convenient to suspend illustrations, so that they can be raised or lowered. 
Black boards of blackened sheet copper or iron, in nests or sets to slide one behind 
the other, will be found extremely useful to the lecturer, thus suspended by pulleys. 

The floor of the laboratory may advantageously be covered with thick sheet zinc. 

The roof of the laboratory is best covered with slate, as the rain-water caught 
from a slate roof is purer than from a metal one. 

The tops of all the tables in the laboratory, including the narrow tables below the 
shelving, should be of serpentine, and from one to two inches thick. Serpentine can 
be procured from Proctorsville, Vermont. Even the tops of the tables to hold the 
balances are best of this material. It is not acted upon by acids; that is, the 
Vermont variety. 

The flues of the furnace over the hot air chambers should be of half-inch soap- 
stone slabs. 

There should be in the basement, gasometers for hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen 
—very convenient in organic analyses. 

The air should be admitted above the ash-pits in the cellar; for if % be not, the 
ashes blow up with the draught. 

The furnace flues should all be smoothly plastered inside, especially those of fur- 
naces to raise high temperature. For such furnaces Dr. Jackson, of Boston, recom- 
mends flues tapering from below upwards, the larger flues being a little over 12 inches 
ip the basement, and tapering to nine inches at top; and the area at top being 
somewhat greater than that of the flue throat next the furnace. He is of opinion 
that by this form of flue, the lateral currents of cool air that usually pass down 
chimneys are prevented, and thus all the cold air must pass through the furnace. I 
have tried the plan, and they draw well. 

It is unnecessary to line the flues with fire-brick, except at the throat leading from 
the furnace. 

Every table, both in the laboratory and in the working laboratory, should be 
furnished with a blast pipe, proceeding either from a large bellows in the basement, 
or a small bellows fixed under the table, or a condensing syringe. 

If, in the course of the erection of the Smithsonian laboratory, I can be of any 
service in furnishing further details, I shall do so with pleasure, if written to on the 
subject; and to avoid misapprehension, I may add, without any charge to the 
Institution. 

I regret that my oecupation as geologist of Wisconsin is likely to take me to so 
great a distance from your city, that I shall have little chance to aid by personal 
supervision, as otherwise I should have been happy to do. 

Respectfully submitted, by DAVID DALE OWEN. 


To the BuILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


On motion, the above communication was referred to the architect of the Insti- 
tution. 

Mr. Renwick, the architect, appeared before the committee, and stated that it was 
probable that plates of Grace church, and of Trinity, could be procured, if he (the 
architect) were authorized, by resolution of the committee, to make application for 
the same. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, the following preamble and resolution were adopted : 


Whereas it has been represented to this committee that some members of the vestry 
of Trinity church, New York, have liberally expressed their willingness to furnish 
to the Smithsonian Institution a plate on steel or copper, containing a perspective 
view of Trinity church, to be printed in the forthcoming volume on Public Archi- 
tecture, about to be published by this committee ; Therefore, 

Resolved, That Mr. James Renwick, architect of the Smithsonian Institution, be 
and is hereby authorized, on behalf of the said Institution, to state to the said vestry 
that if they decide to furnish said plate, it will be accompanied in the said volume 
with a description of Trinity church, as exhibiting the best example in the United 


on ah 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 679 


States of the style of architecture in which it is erected; and that the Building 
Committee, if thereto required by the above vestry, will furnish to them, at any 
time, as many impressions from the said plate as they may desire, at the cost of paper 
and printing. 

And, on motion, the following additional preamble and resolution were adopted: 

Whereas it has been represented to this committee that some members of the vestry 
of Grace church, New York, have liberally expressed their willingness to furnish to 
the Smithsonian Institution a plate on steel, containing a perspective view of Grace 
church, to be printed in the forthcoming volume on Public Architecture, about to be 
published by this committee: Therefore, 

Resolved, That Mr. James Renwick, architect of the Smithsonian Institution, be 
and he is hereby authorized, on behalf of the said Institution, to state to the said 
vestry that if they decide to furnish said plate, it will be accompanied in the said 
volume with a description of Grace church, as exhibiting the best example in the 
United States of the style of architecture in which it is erected, and that the Build- 
ing Committee, if thereto required by the above vestry, will furnish to them, at any 
time, as many impressions from said plate as they may desire, at the cost of paper 
and printing. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 

Thirty-First Meeting, April 20, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Totten, Seaton, and Owen. 

The architect appeared before the committee, and the various specifications, espec- 
ially those connected with the foundations of the building, having been revised, the 
following items in regard to the same were agreed to: 

That the concrete, as given in the specifications, is unnecessarily rich in mortar, 
and that about 14 parts of stone or brick fragments to two of dry cement, and one of 
lime paste, and eight of sand, is a suitable composition. 

That the concrete under the foundation be laid in two steps, and in six-inch 
courses. 

That a bench mark be set up in some convenient spot in the vicinity of the 
building, for permanent reference. 

That when the foundations are excavated, they be tried with a rammer; and if 
any impression be produced, that the bottom be thoroughly rammed. 

That the architect ascertain from the contractor, and report to the committee, what 
sum would be saved by substituting two-inch furring and lathing for the brick lining 
wall; the flues being sunk to a suflicient additional depth in the wall, 

That a pattern of the jamb of one window, and of such other portions of the cut- 
work of the building as may be designated by the architect, be prepared as a sample; 
and, after being approved, be preserved for reference. 

On motion of Mr. Owen, the following preamble and resolution were adopted: 


Whereas it has been represented to this committee that one of the partners of the 
firm of Alexander T. Stewart & Co., of New York, has signified the probability that 
the said firm might supply an elevation, on steel or copper, of the front of their 
marble store in Broadway, to insert in the volume on Public Architecture about to 
be published by this committee: Therefore, 

Resolved, That Mr. James Renwick, architect of the Smithsonian Institution, be 
and he is hereby authorized, on behalf of the said Institution, to state to Messrs. 
Stewart and Company, that if they decide to furnish said plate, it will be accompa- 
nied in the said volume with a description of their store, as exhibiting the best 
example in the United States of street architecture in the modern Italian style; and 
that the Building Committee, if thereto required by Messrs. Stewart and Company, 
will furnish to them, at any time, as many impressions from the said plate as they 
may desire, at the cost of paper and printing. 

The committee then adjourned to the building site belonging to the Institution, 
where they found the excavation for the foundations of the east or chemical wing 
commenced, examined the character of the ground, as shown in a square trench dug 
for the purpose of ascertaining its character; and decided that the foundations as 
specified in the contract were sufficient. 

The committee then returned to the City Hall; and, on motion, adjourned. 

Thirty-Second Meeting, April 21, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 
The chairman laid before the committee, from the president of the Chesapeake and 


Ohio Canal Company, the following letter, received to-day : 


680 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


FREDERICK, April 20, 1847. 


Dear Sir: As promised in my former letter, I laid your proposal for the reduc- 
tion of the toll on stone for the use of the Smithsonian Institution before the board 
of president and directors of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, at their 
meeting on the 10th inst., and now apprize you that, whilst the board entertain the 
best wishes for the success of the great undertaking you have in charge, they yet feel 
constrained to decline making the reduction suggested. 

As I mentioned in my letter to you, the cost of transportation on the canal, 
estimating the toll by the perch, as is the practice on our canal, is at present much 
less than the rival improvement you allude to, and I hope this consideration will 
suffice to determine you in favor of the Seneca quarries. 

With great respect, yours, &., J. M. COALE, 
President of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Co. 


On motion, the letter was referred to the contractors, Messrs. Dixon and Cameron. 

The chairman stated to the committee that he should set out to-morrow morning 
for the west; but if, at any time during the summer, his presence should become 
necessary on the committee, he would endeavor to return at as short a notice as 
possible. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Thirty-Third Meeting, May 1, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Totten. 

On motion, it was— 

Resolved, That William Beverly Randolph be appointed marshal-in-chief during 
the ceremonies of the day. 

And then, this being the day appointed to lay the corner-stone of the building 
destined to be occupied as the Smithsonian Institution, the committee adjourned to — 
join in its ceremonies; of which the following description is extracted from the 
National Intelligencer : 


CEREMONIES AT LAYING THE CORNER-STONE. 


‘« Karly in the morning the banners in front of the City Hall and at other public 
places gave indication of a holiday and a day of public rejoicing. At nine o’clock 
the volunteer companies, under the command of Captain Tucker and Lieutenant 
Tate, were formed at their respective parade grounds, near the City Hall. At about 
the same hour the ears arrived from Baltimore, bringing hither a large delegation of 
the Free Masons of Baltimore and Philadelphia, to unite with their honored brethren 
in this District in the grand and interesting ceremonies of laying the foundation of 
an institution whose object is the ‘increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.’ 

“ At ten o’clock the members of the various lodges of Free and Accepted Masons of 
the District united with the delegations from Maryland and Pennsylvania, and took 
the station assigned them in the order of the procession by the marshal-in-chief, Wm. 
Beverly Randolph, Esq., who appeared, as most of the assistant marshals, in appro- 
priate badges. The Masonic part of the procession was unusually grand. We never 
witnessed so numerous a turn out in this city of that ancient and respectable fra- 
ternity, who embrace in their body, persons of every condition in life and of all 
countries. The Philadelphia delegation, headed by Colonel James Page, Grand 
Master of Pennsylvania; the Baltimore delegation, headed by Charles Gilman, Esq.,. 
Grand Master of Maryland; and the Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria 
delegations, headed by B. B. French, Esq., the popular Grand Master of the District. 
of Columbia; all these functionaries, and several other officials whose names we do 
not know, with the long line of members in full regalia, with their splendid banners. 
and emblems, presented a very interesting and imposing spectacle. 

‘‘ Not less so the very numerous and respectable body of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, comprehending many of the lodges of this District. The Odd 
Fellows, by their number, splendid regalia, banners, emblems, excellent music, and 
rich costume, added greatly to the imposing appearance of the interesting pageant. 
Dr. W. B. Magruder, splendidly decorated, acted as grand marshal of the Odd 
Fellows, whose chief officers are Dr. Joseph Borrows, Grand Master, and Dr. 
Flodoardo Howard, Deputy Grand Master, who appeared in their proper places, 
supported by other prominent officers and members of the Order. 

‘‘ The procession (formed agreeably to the programme of the day) moved from the 
City Hall to the President’s House about 11 0,clock. The marshal-in-chief and his. 
aids were all on horseback, and wore white scarfs and blue rosettes. Three bands of 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 681 


music accompanied the procession, which was more than a mile in length. Of the 
music we cannot avoid saying that it was excellent. The marine band is uniformly 
so. The national brass band, recently formed under Mr. Massoletti, played ad- 
mirably. Garcia’s band, from Alexandria, attracted particular attention by its ex- 
cellent performances. This band, being uniformed, was taken by several persons for 
Deem’s celebrated Baltimore band; a great compliment truly. 

‘The column moved down 43 street to Pennsylvania avenue, then up the avenue 
to Seventh street, up Seventh to EH, up E to Eleventh, up Eleventh to F, and thence on 
F to the Presidential Mansion, where the President, heads of departments, diplomatic 
corps, &c., were received into the line. The entire column then moved by Pennsyl- 
vania avenue and Twelfth street to the site of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The military was then formed in line on the south side of the site, and the President, 
heads of departments, diplomatic corps, Regents, mayor and corporation of Washing- 
ton, &c., passed in front, receiving their salute, and repaired to an elevated platform 
erected for the occasion near the corner-stone, and beautifully arched and decorated 
with festoons and wreaths of flowers and evergreens. 

‘The column then opened to the right and left, and the Masonic bodies, preceded 
by the Grand Master of the District of Columbia, passed up the line to the corner- 
stone. 

‘©The Masonic ceremonies were then performed, for the details of which we are 
indebted to an official source, as follows: 


‘¢ Proclamation for silence having been made by the Grand Marshal, B. B. French, 
Esq., the Grand Master, accompanied by James Page, Esq., the Grand Master of the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Charles Gilman, Esq., the Grand Master of the 
Grand Lodge of Maryland, took his stand at the corner-stone, and, having announced 
the object of the meeting, called upon the Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of 
peyiand, Brother McJilton, to address the Throne of Grace, which he did, as fol- 
OWS: 


‘C PRAYER. 


‘©O Lord God of nations! There is none like thee in heaven nor in earth; which 
keepeth covenant, and showeth mercy unto thy servants that walk before thee with 
all their hearts. Thou hast kept with thy people that which thou hast promised 
them in all generations; and that which thou hast spoken with thy mouth thou hast 
fulfilled with thy hand even unto this day. (2 Chron. vi, 14, 15.) As thou didst 
with thine ancient people Israel, of small beginning, thou hast raised up a mighty 
nation in this western world. By thy power it has prospered; by thine arm it has 
been begirt with strength; by thine hand it has been overstrewn with blessings. 

‘‘ Few in number, and feeble in strength, our fathers came upon these shores. 
They hewed themselves a home in the wilderness, and sat down weary and toilworn 
amid the wilds of the forests. But they abode beneath the shadow of the Almighty. 
(Ps. xci, 1.) Thou wast to them as rivers of water in a dry place, and as the shadow 
of a great rock in a weary land. (Isa. xxxii, 2.) Thou gavest them rain in season. 
The land yielded her increase, and the trees of the field yielded their fruit. The 
threshing reached unto the vintage, and the vintage to the sowing time. They did 
eat their bread to the full, and dwelt in the land in safety. When their enemies rose 
against them, thou wast the shield of their defence. In thy strength they had 
power to overcome, and their foes fled before them. Thou gavest them independence 
and peace, and madest them to lie down in safety, with none to make them afraid. 
Thou didst set up thy tabernacle among them; thou didst break the bands of their 
yoke, and made them to go upright and free. (Lev. xxvi.) 

‘Thy second Israel has been greatly blessed at thy hands. Thou hast given her 
plenty of corn and wine. Thou hast made peace in her borders, and filled her with 
the finest of the wheat. Thou hast strengthened the bars of her gates, and blessed 
her children within her. (Ps. cxlvii, 18, 14.) Thou hadst respect unto our fathers. 
Thou madest them to be fruitful, and didst multiply their prosperity. Thou didst 
establish thy covenant with them. Under thy fostering care the land became the 
heritage of freedom, the asylum of the oppressed, the home of the stranger, a bless- 
ing to the nations. The gloomy clouds of ignorance and superstition are resting 
darkly upon other lands; but the sun of enlightenment and religion is beaming 
brilliantly upon ours. The shackles of civil bondage are binding the nations of the 
east, and they bow in their captivity to the despot’s iron rule; but no fetters of 
oppression bind the free of this favored land. Civil discord has reared its hydra 
head, and rent asunder the bond that united other States, but ours is unharmed, and 
no enemy appears that has power to sever it. The pestilence with fearful step has 


682 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


trodden other shores, and desolation fierce and fell has marked its direful way; but 
the rude form of the ravager has not reached our favored clime, and the trail of his 
burning footstep is not found upon our soil. The famine has marred the beauty of a 
sister land, and the shrill ery of the suffering still rises from the soil that is made 
desolate by its terrible tread; but our barns are yet full of the harvest’s yield. We 
have enough and to spare. While the oppressed can find a home of happiness in our 
wide domain of liberty, we have bread for the starving, and our ships are bearing it 
to the sufferers beyond the seas. Truly the Lord has been good to us. He has 
remembered us in mercy; he has rewarded us beyond our deservings. 

‘‘And now, O Lord God of nations, that hast so highly favored and so greatly 
prospered the people of this land, hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling place, the ery 
and the prayer of thy servants when they pray before thee, that thy fatherly care 
and protection may be continued over us; that thy power may still be our prosper- 
ity, thine arm the girdle of our strength, thy hand the security of our blessing. 

‘¢ Let thy mercy cover our sins; for we must acknowledge that, like lost sheep, we 
have erred and strayed from thy righteous ways. We have departed from the path 
of thy holy commandments, and we have done evil in thy sight. Give us true 
repentance for our many and grievous offences. Overrule the rebellion of our hearts, 
and the disobedience of our lives, by the interposition of thy abounding mercy, and 
let not our guilt be visited in merited vengeance upon us. 

‘¢ May we never, either in word or deed, deny the Lord, nor neglect his sacred 
worship. But may his blessed name, his doctrine and worship, be so inwoven with 
our institutions of freedom, that the names of American and Christian may ever be 
one and inseparable. As a nation, as well as individuals, may we spurn the creeds of 
infidelity, and in the acknowledgement of the Divine authority supplicate the over- 
ruling providence of God, remembering always that it is He that maketh us to differ 
from others, and that crowneth us with mercy and loving kindness. 

‘‘Grant us wisdom, and purity, and integrity of purpose, that we may preserve 
unhurt the inheritance of freedom that our departed sires have bequeathed us. May 
it be nothing impaired, nothing dimmed, but strengthened and brightened by our 
having used it and enjoyed its blessings. And may we deliver it to the succeeding 
generation as spotless as we received it; as beautiful, as rich a treasure, as it came 
to us, drenched in the blood and crowned with the victorious bays of two fierce en- 
sanguined wars. 

‘In the day of battle thou has been our defence, and our enemies have not tri- 
umphed over us. In the face of our foes thou hast ‘redeemed us from the sword,’ 
(Job. v, 20,) and no weapon formed against us has prospered. So be it ever, when 
the hand of dishonor shall assail us, or the rod of the oppressor be uplifted to our 
hurt. 

‘‘Tn peace may we possess our territory. Do thou make the shout and the noise 
of the battle to cease from our shores, and may friendship and love and righteousness 
prevail. Make us to know that wisdom is better than weapons of war, and a peace- 
ful heritage than much spoil. May the spear of the warrior be speedily exchanged 
for the plow and the pruning-hook, and the dread thunder of battle for the shout of 
thanksgiving to God. 

‘‘Guide us ever in the choice of our rulers, that the wisdom and virtue of the 
nation may appear in the characters and deeds of those who may be honored with 
majesterial distinctions. May the praise which is sounded by thy Church be echoed 
from the high places of the Republic, and re-echoed from the multitudes of the 
people, until, like the rushing of many waters, the voice shall go forth proclaiming 
the Lord Omnipotent to be our God. And in the pursuits of our lives, in the 
expressions of our lips, and in our daily worship, may we prove that we know no 
other God but him. 

‘« With thy favor we beseech thee to behold and bless thy servant, the President 
of the United States, and all others in authority, and so replenish them with the 
grace of thy holy spirit, that they may always incline to thy will and walk in thy 
way. Teach thou our Senators wisdom, that they may establish such laws as are 
wholesome and good. Direct thou the minds of our judges, that they may decree 
justice, and that their judgments may be rendered with equity. Imbue the people 
with a spirit of patriotic devotion, and enlighten them with heavenly wisdom, that 
they may be zealous of their country’s honor, and exercise with prudence the fear- 
ful trust of freemen which is committed into their hands. Make us a people fearing 
thee and honoring thy most holy name; loving each other as brethren, and living 
for the good of mankind. 

‘‘ We invoke thy blessing upon this present undertaking of thy servants. Grant 
that the structure here commenced under the eye, and, we trust, by the direction of 


ll Nate 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 683 


thy Providence may be reared up in thy name, and redound to thy glory. May the 
building here to be erected as a depository of the curious works of art and nature, 
and emblems of national distinction, be more than sufficient for this worthy and hon- 
orable purpose. May it become a monument of usefulness to us as-a nation, and a 
matter of admiration to the nations of the world. In the deposit of national sym- 
bols, may it be a central point of peace and friendship for the kingdoms and gover- 
ments of the earth. And may the nations which shall be represented in its halls find 
themselves in union, firmly leagued for the encouragement of national prosperity, 
the promotion of art and intelligence, and the increase of human happiness. May it 
be as a central sun of science, about which systems may revolve, and from which 
light and knowledge may be reflected throughout every clime and kingdom of the 
globe. And, in the accomplishment of these great and important results, may the 
blessings of the nations follow the memory of the projector, and America become 
the almoner of a bounty whose benefits shall not cease to flow until time shall be no 
more. 

‘¢ Tn all our civil and domestic relations may we remember our religious duties, 
and contribute of our means and services and characters to the increase of thy 
Church, and the advancement of thy glory; that we may be a people truly serving 
thee, honoring thy name in our walks and works of righteousness, and in the pos- 
session of happiness under thy smiles and favor. 

‘* Let thy priests, O Lord, be clothed with righteousness, and thy saints rejoice in 
goodness. (2 Chron. vi, 41.) Let thy way be known in all the earth, thy saving 
health among all nations. 

‘‘ Grant that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy gover- 
nance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; that thy 
people may walk in the ways of truth and peace, and at last be numbered with thy 
saints in glory everlasting. A 

‘« Hearken, O Lord God, we beseech thee, to the prayers and supplications which 
we have now presented before thee. And let it be thy good pleasure to grant us our 
requests, which we offer in the name and through the merits of thy son Jesus, and 
our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory: world 
without end. Amen. 


‘« There was then deposited in a cavity in the corner-stone a leaden box, containing 
the following articles, viz: 

‘The gold and silver coins of the United States; report of the Committee on 
Organization ; Constitution of the United States; the New Testament; Declaration 
of Independence ; Congressional Directory for 1847; Bulletins of the National Insti- 
tute ; report of the first National Fair at Washington; report of the United States 
agent appointed to receive the legacy of James Smithson; medal portrait of James 
Smithson; reports of the Commissioner of Patents; journal of the proceedings of 
the Board of Regents, 1846; with the previously described engraved plate. 

“The address of the Chancellor of the Institution on laying the corner-stone ; 
astronomical observations made at the National Observatory ; a copy of the Directory 
of the city; the city newspapers of the day. 

‘‘ There was also deposited in the same cavity, by the Free Masons, a leaden casket 
containing the following articles, viz: 

‘An elegant copy of the Holy Bible, presented by the Rev. Charles A. Davis, on 
behalf of the Bible Society of Washington ; a stereotype page of Bancroft’s History 
of the United States; Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia ; 
an impression of its seal in metal; a copy of its proceedings for 1846; a silver plate, 
inscribed with the names of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges of the District. 

‘“The Grand Master then applied the square, level, and plumb, and pronounced 
the stone properly squared, duly laid, true and trusty. 

‘‘ He then proceeded to place upon the stone the corn, wine, and oil, preceding this 
ceremony by an appropriate explanation of their symbolic meaning, concluding his 
remarks by the following quotation from the venerable Harris: ‘ Wherefore, 
brethren, do you carry corn, wine, and oil in your procession, but to remind you 
that, in the pilgrimage of human life, you are to impart a portion of your bread to 
feed the hungry, to send a cup of your wine to cheer the sorrowful, and pour the 
healing oil of your consolation into the wounds which sickness hath made in the 
bodies of affliction rent in the hearts of your fellow-travellers.’ 

““Upon pouring the corm upon the stone, the Grand Master said: ‘I do this, 
expressing a hope that the hearts of those who are charged with carrying into effect 
the intentions of the generous donor whose legacy has established the Smithsonian 
Institution, may be strengthened in the performance of all their duties.’ In pouring 


684 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


thereon the wine, the Grand Master said: ‘May the Regents of this Institution, and 
all connected therewith, be cheered onward and rejoice in the success of all their meas- 
ures connected with the erection of this building, and with the government of the 
Institution.’ In pouring the oi/ upon the stone, he said: ‘ May harmony, peace, and 
brotherly love prevail among all connected with the Smithsonian Institution, and 
may they witness the placing of the capstone of the complete edifice under circum- 
stances as propitious as those which attend the present ceremonies.’ 

‘‘ The Grand Master then informed the assembled multitude that he held in his 
hand the identical gavel used by the immortal Washington in conducting the Masonic 
ceremonies upon laying the corner-stone of the Capitol of these United States—this 
happy and glorious Union, which had now so greatly extended, and was still extend- 
ing, so that no man could foresee its magnitude or its power. He also stated that he 
had the honor then to wear an apron worn upon the same occasion by the Father of 
his Country, which was presented to Washington by the Grand Lodge of France, 
through that great and good patriot and Mason, General Lafayette. This apron, he 
said, had been in possession of Mount Nebo Lodge, of Shepherdstown, Virginia, for 
many years, and that that lodge had kindly delegated a brother, S. McElroy, Esq., 
to bear the apron to this city, and to present it to the Grand Lodge, with a request 
that:it be worn by the Grand Master on this occasion, which he had done at the 
meeting of this morning. 

‘‘ The Grand Master then gave three raps upon the stone with the gavel of Wash- 
ington, the Masonic brethren gave the grand Masonic honors, and the Masonic cere- 
monies were concluded. 


ADDRESS BY HON. GEO. M. DALLAS. 


‘¢ Mr. Dallas, the Chancellor of the Board of Regents, then rose and delivered the 
following address : 


‘* Friends and fellow-citizens : It has been deemed proper, that, at a ceremony so 
interesting as the present to the Smithsonian Institution, its chief officer should make 
to you a few general remarks explanatory of its origin, its purposes, its plans, and its 
prospects. Let me, therefore, ask your attention while I undertake that duty. 

‘ The Congress of the United States, by an act passed on the 10th of August last, 
organized ‘an establishment,’ through the instrumentality of which to apply faith- 
fully to its directed objects a legacy of five hundred thousand dollars, received by our 
Government under the will of a philosophic and benevolent Englishman. This 
‘ establishment’ is composed of our highest public functionaries for the time being: 
the President, the Vice-President, the Chief Justice, and the Heads of the six Execu- 
tive Departments, with the Commissioner of the Patent Office and the Mayor of 
Washington ; and, as the active council of management, a board is created of fifteen, 
known in the act by the scholastic name of ‘ Regents,’ one-fifth of them chosen by 
the Senate, another fifth by the House of Representatives, and of the remainder, two- 
fifths, by the joint action of both legislative chambers. It is to accommodate this 
imposing agency, to give it permanent and suitable means with which to effectuate 
its important and various purposes, and to shelter as well as exhibit its collections 
and property, that Congress enjoined to be erected, ‘of plain and durable material 
and structure, without unnecessary ornament,’ the edifice whose corner-stone you 
have seen deposited. 

‘¢ James Smithson, a Londoner born, and claiming to be the son of a distinguished 
nobleman, gave his life exclusively to intellectual pursuits, and especially to researches, 
in physical and experimental science. Supplied with larger means than his wants 
required, and steadily practising a strict scheme of personal economy, he amassed 
considerable fortune. He died at Genoa in 1829, and, by his will, bequeathed his 
accumulated property to this Union—a country that, notwithstanding his frequent 
change of abode, he had never visited, whose citizens he had never associated with, 
but in whose inevitable future he saw the most solid ground on which to cast the 
anchor of his fame. This legacy, for some time the subject of litigation in the Brit- 


ish Court of Chancery, was finally secured, brought over, and received into the trea- . 


sury of the United States on the Ist of September, 1838. Its exact amount, when 
deposited, was five hundred and fifteen thousand one hundred and sixty-nine dollars. 

‘‘ The legacy was accompanied by a declaration of its design ; and the execution of 
that design has been assumed, as well by an acceptance of the money, as by several 
open and formal avowals by our Government. It was to ‘found an institution at 
Washington for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men ;’ to found, not an 
academy, not a college, not a university, but something less technical and precise, 
something whose import and circuit should be bolder and more comprehensive; an 


- 
a 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 685 


institution not merely for disseminating, spreading, teaching knowledge, but also, 
and foremost, for creating, originating, increasing it. Where at? In a city whose 
name recalls the wisest, purest, and noblest spirit of the freest, newest, and broadest 
land. And among whom? Nota chosen or designated class—not the followers of a 
particular sage or sect—not the favorites of fortune, nor the lifted of rank; but 
among MEN—men of every condition, of every school, of every faith, of every nativ- 
ity. Men! It was with a purpose thus elevated and expansive, thus as well distinct 
as undiscriminating, that James Smithson committed his wealth to the guardianship 
of the American Republic. Whatever may be the difference of opinion as to the com- 
parative merits of the many modes of practically realizing this purpose, it is quite 
certain that the good faith and best exertions of our country are solemnly pledged to 
its fulfillment. We must try it—try it sincerely, indefatigably, trustworthily—try it 
through all the diversified and promising channels—try it with no narrow exclusive- 
ness of choice or prejudice as to systems, sciences, or arts. The intention of the 
benefactor was to make his endowment a perennial fountain of wisdom, as well prac- 
tical as theoretic or imaginative, whose living waters should be unceasingly distribu- 
ted to advance the intelligence, comfort, and happiness of human beings. 

‘¢ When, at no distant day, I trust, it shall be seen that within the walls of this 
building the truths of nature are forced by persevering researches from their hidden 
recesses, mingled with the stock already hoarded by genius and industry, and thence 
profusely scattered, by gratuitous lectures or publications, for the benefit of all; 
when it shall be seen, that here universal science finds food, implements, and a trib- 
une—art her spring to invention, her studio, and her models; and both shall have 
throngs of disciples from the ranks of our people, emulous for enlightenment or eager 
to assist—then the condition of our legacy will have been performed, and the wide 
philanthropy of Smithson have achieved its aim |! 

‘‘ As a beginning to the plan for effecting a result so interesting, Congress have 
deemed and declared the erection of a large and commodious edifice indispensable. 
The Board of Regents were, by the legisiative charter, instructed to select, as soon as 
they were organized, a site,.and to cause a structure to be reared, and that structure 
to make ‘ of sufficient size, and with suitable rooms or halls for the reception and 
arrangement, upon a liberal scale,’ first, of objects of natural history, including a 
geological and mineralogical cabinet ; second, of a chemical laboratory ; third, of a 
library : fourth, of a gallery of art; fifth, of the necessary lecture-rooms ; and, sivth, 
of the national cabinet of curiosities and relics, now poorly and partially accommo- 
dated in the upper story of the Patent Office. It is the first duty of the Regents to 
obey the unequivocal behests of Congress, to carry them out faithfully on the scale 
and in the spirit they obviously import; and to let their measures flow, not from 
their own discretion, but from the provisions of the law which they are empowered 
to execute. I say this in explanation of the dimensions which the building must nec- 
essarily take. It is consecrated to the various and boundless objects that tend to 
‘increase and diffuse knowledge.’ It is designed to participate, as a satellite, in the 
duration and march of our glorious Union, to be the depository of all the rare pro- 
ductions of nature and art which centuries may gather, and to throw open halls 
sufficiently ample to contain the knowledge-seeking masses of our countrymen. 
Congress have stamped this character upon it, by prescribing and appropriating its 
vast interior compartments, and by other positive expressions of their will. ,. 

‘‘To conform strictly to instruction, and yet keep within the pecuniary limits 
assigned to them; to provide the space called for, and yet avoid even the appearance 
of unnecessary expansion; to combine solidity with architectural beauty, and whole- 
some ventilation, and to satisfy at once true taste and stern economy by banishing 
useless embellishment, were aims always controlling and uppermost with the Regents. 
How far they have succeeded, time will show, and must be left to the candor of pub- 
lic opinion. “ Not doubting that the experienced and reliable contractors for the work 
will accomplish their undertaking, in all its details, with exactitude and fidelity, I 
may venture to give you an anticipation in brief of the building whose first stone is 
now laid. ‘ : 

‘Tts exterior will present a specimen of the style of architecture that prevailed 
some seven centuries ago, chiefly in Germany, Normandy, aud southern Europe, 
which preceded the Gothic, and continues to recommend itself, for structures like 
this, to the most enlightened judgment. It is known as the Norman, or, more 
strictly speaking, the Lombard style. It harmonizes alike with the extent, the grave 
uses, and the massive strength of the edifice; it exacts a certain variety In the forms 
of its parts ; and it authorizes any additions that convenience may require, no matter 
how seemingly irregular they may be. | 

‘‘ It will extend, east and west, an entire front of four hundred and twenty-six 


686 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


feet, having a central building of fifty by two hundred feet in the clear inside, with 
two towers; two wings of unequal fronts, the east one forty-five by seventy-five feet 
in the clear inside, with a vestibule and porch attached to it; the west one thirty- 
four by sixty-five feet in the clear inside, with a northern semicircular projection. 
These wings will be connected with the central building by two ranges sixty feet in 
length in the clear inside. It will have a central rear tower, and other towers of 
different heights, sizes, and characters, two of them placed in the wings. All these 
numerous towers are essential to arrangements within, as flues, stairways, ventilators, 
and detached rooms ; and are of different heights, varying from sixty to one hundred 
and fifty feet. 

‘The first story of the central building will be occupied by the library, the chief 
lecture room, and the principal hall; the second story by the museum. ‘The labora- 
tory and chemical lecture room will occupy the east wing; the gallery of art the 
western wing and western connecting range. The chosen material is a freestone of 
a lilac-gray color, drawn from a quarry on the banks of the Chesapeake and Ohio 
canal, near Seneca creek, and twenty-three miles from this spot. 

“Jt is gratifying to me to be able to accompany this imperfect sketch with the 
statement, that the entire pile is to be finished, and furnished, and fitted up, for a 
sum less, by thirty-seven thousand dollars, than the one set apart by Congress as 
applicable to the building alone. 

‘¢ How best to put this Smithsonian Institution in progress; to give it definite 
character and views; to shape its line of march as Congress has either ordered or 
intimated that it should be, and to let the testamentary purpose be apparent in all 
its operations, was a task on which ability and much consultation have been expended. 
There were, I may almost say, necessarily, and of course there were on this cardinal 
point, great diversities of sentiment and construction, as there had been during the 
masterly debates which prefaced the passage of the law. What constituted ‘ knowl- 
edge,’ in the sense of Smithson’s bequest? In what manner shall its ‘increase’ be 
provided for? By what method shall its ‘diffusion’ be sought? Should the devel- 
opments of the laboratory be more engrossing than the stored resources of the 
library ? Will oral expositions or printed treatises be preferable? Are permanent 
professorships to be systematized, or temporary teachers to be enlisted? In fine, what. 
should be the instruments and the orbit of an establishment whence the light of 
knowledge was required constantly to radiate among men? 


‘‘They to whom was confided the resolution of these problems into practical meas- 
ures, have felt the weight and delicacy of their mission. They began by profoundly 
studying the subject in its several aspects. They cherished with ardor, and discussed 
with freedom, their respective projects. The conflicts of upright minds, however, 
rarely fail to end in mutual concession and compromise; and thus scarcely a single 
measure was adopted except by unanimous concurrence. The Regents have submit- 
ted their labors and conclusions to the country--the report of their proceedings was 
duly made for legislative supervision; and may they not confidently hope for (what 
they know knothing of theirs can succeed without) the co-operation and sympathy of 
the American people? 


‘‘ There are some results to be anticipated from the success of the Institution, 
which, though not as obvious as others, are, nevertheless, such as no sound American 
heart can wholly disregard, and which it may not be misplaced to glance at. That 
we shall fulfill, in the presence of watchful civilization, an admitted obligation, and 
that the common mind of our country, on which the permanency of its liberties so 
closely depends, will be exalted and invigorated, are considerations abundantly 
strong to rally us all to the manly effort. No greater shame, and no greater loss can 
readily be incurred, than would be consequent on ignoble failure. But may it not 
be justly said, that the mild and genial influence of this establishment will strengthen 
and tighten the cords of our Union, and give to the capital of that Union a new 
charm, with greater stability ? 


‘The Smithsonian design is, as I have already suggested, a peculiar one. It can- 
not, as a scene of educational training, have any pretensions or provoke any jealousies. 
It is no rival of the many admirable schools which adorn the respective States, and 
can in no manner intrude upon their spheres of action. Yet it will be a factory and 
a storehouse of knowledge, accessible to all the agents of this vast confederacy—its 
executive, legislative, judicial, civil, military, foreign and domestic agents. It will 
be the recipient, too, of such fruits of the labors, and such acquisitions of the enter- 
prise and travels of these agents, as may contribute to illustrate, and explain, and 
facilitate the public service, or to give precision and vigor to its operations of every 
kind. As a resource and a sanctuary for intellect, the Institution can hardly fail to 


eee) 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 687 


become an object of patriotic pride and attachment, and must be felt as a persuasive 
inducement to preserve inviolate the constitution, with whose fate its own is identified. 

‘¢ J will not dwell upon its special claim to the fostering kindness and hospitality 
of the Metropolis. Her citizens doubtless appreciate that justly. By designating 
Washington for its local habitation, the generous testator has summoned the intelli- 
gence, the courtesy, and the philanthropy of her inhabitants, as auxiliaries to his 
beneficent project. Already it has added to her social scene a fixed star, whose beams 
pervade the scientific world; and, ere long, this rising temple, consecrated to the 
highest of human pursuits, KNOWLEDGE, will give fresh attraction and firmness to 
her destiny. 


‘Mr. Dallas having concluded, a national salute was fired by the Columbian artil- 
lery, while the band played a national air. 

“The benediction was then pronounced by the Rey. F. 8. Evans, and thus were 
concluded the ceremonies of the day, which were witnessed by at least six or seven 
thousand persons.”’ 


Thirty-fourth Meeting, May 25, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Totten. 

Mr. C. Buckingham appeared before the committee, and represented that, in laying 
the water-pipe from the fire-plug on the Market square to the site of the Smithsonian 
building, according to his contract, he had incurred (over the amount of $650, as 
agreed on in that contract) an excess of expenditure which, including the sum of $84 
for his personal services, amounted to $138.23; as shown in the following specifica- 
tion of items: 


Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution 


May 18, 1847. To C. Buckingham. 
To lead pipe to conduct water from avenue to the site of building, 8,090 

GIR Reem Pai GARCOINESS See oF i cee, oe ee $536 18 
i elosotmond pipe, at (4. centsoo. 2 2a eS ee 9 50 
L5Gplbssot lead pipe, at 74 cents---------=- 5 BERS RAS fn ede 11 70 
iron pipe across the canal__.....-___..__. Bo pe Sse eet 42 75 
Peles bill tor making: joints...-2 2 2-2 ee 36 10 
excamanonuandgillino In: Same l=... fae ee ee ee ee 80 00 
OMepisnad men pays eat) SUH Ou. ts ee Oe ene 15 00 
Onemianororswenidays, At O1:00\- 2 5 ee ee 10 00 
BUEN COC CHE So Soe RS oa no eo eee aaa wae 5 50 
bexcsiaspipe ac Canal, and box at end_——.. =< 226) tn 3 00 
mevuaderndor cock at Market square__—_—-_"S.2- 5225 SSS eee 2 50 
relaying payment on 9th street and market___.__--..---. --..-.---_~- 2 00 
ima wHsenyiCes|POldays, AL Go —2a> oa = = oa ee a ee eee 84 00 
788 23 
650 00 
$138 238 


The amount of $138.23 Mr. Buckingham asked to be allowed, over and above the 
amount in the contract agreed to be paid to him. 

Mr. Buckingham further alleged, in support of his request, that he had laid down 
extra strong pipe, instead of strong pipe, as by his contract he was alone bound to 
lay—say about 1,800 lbs. weight of pipe beyond the contract, at 6} cents, making 
$117; that when he received this pipe he had called on one of the committee, (Mr. 
Seaton,) and informed him that he proposed to return it, as his loss in so doing would 
have been but $50, in the shape of freight; but was dissuaded by Mr. Seaton from 
so doing. 

The eireamnitics declined acting upon Mr. Buckingham’s application, but informed 
Mr. B. that they would lay the case before the Board of Regents. 

The committee instructed Mr. Seaton to pay over to Mr. Buckingham the amount 
of his contract, to wit, $650; which was accordingly done. 

Mr. Seaton stated to the committee, that on the 22d inst., Mr. Downer, contractor 
for the erection of the fence enclosing the Smithsonian lot, had represented to him 
(Mr. S.) that the said fence would cost him much more than the sum of $400, for 
which he contracted to erect it; and that he (Mr. Downer) offered to relinquish to 


688 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTER. 


the committee all the work he had already put on the fence; they releasing him 
from the contract and paying him the cost of the materials purchased. 

The committee, after consultation, decided that it was inexpedient either to release 
Mr. Downer from his contract, or to make him any allowance beyond the sum in 
that contract specified to be paid for the work. And the superintendent was instruc- 
ted to inform Mr. Downer what had been the decision of the committee in his case, 
and in that of Mr. Buckingham. 

Mr. Seaton submitted to the board the following letter, which had been forwarded 
by Mr. Owen from Indiana, with a request that it be spread on the journal of the 
committee : 

OFFIcE oF New JerRsty BR. R. anp Trans. Co., 
New York, April 8, 1847. 


Dear Srr: I am instructed by the directors of the New Jersey Railroad and 
Transportation Company to inform you that it is not in their power to give a 
favorable reply to your application for reduced rates of fare over their road, in favor 
of Mr. Renwick, as the architect of the Smithsonian Institution. The board, as I 
mentioned to you, do not feel themselves authorized to act in favor of applications in 
cases where there may be a diversity of opinions and interests among the stockholders 
whom they represent. 

I am, respectfully, yours, ROBERT SCHU YLER, 
Vice-President. 
Hon. R. D. OWEN, 

New Harmony, Indiana. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Thirty-fifth Meeting, July 23, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Totten. 
Mr. Seaton submitted from one of the contractors the following letter : 
WASHINGTON, June 1, 1847. 


GENTLEMEN: By an agreement between Mr. Cameron, my present partner, and 
myself, I have determined (provided it be-agreeable to you) to retire from the firm 
of Dixon & Cameron, as contractors of the Smithsonian Institution. JI am anxious 
to be released from all responsibility provided the Building Committee should deem 
proper to release me. i 

Mr. Cameron offers Mr. Horace Butler, of New York, as his security for the com- 
pletion of the building, should the committee deem the same sufiicient. 

Yours, very respectfully, JAMES DIXON. 


To the BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


This letter was, without any action upon it, on motion, laid on the table. 

Mr. Seaton submitted from Mr. Cameron, one of the contractors, the following 
letter : 

JuLY 10, 1847. 

GENTLEMEN : In consequence of the withdrawal of Mr. Dixon from the contract 
for erecting the Smithsonian building under your charge, which leaves me wholly 
dependent on my own funds to fulfill the contract which we jointly entered into with 
your honorable body, I would respectfully solicit of the committee the privilege of 
being paid once a month on my contract, with the architect’s certificate, in place of 
every two months. My expenses for work, and also for materials, and heavy outlay 
at the Seneca quarries, and payments to my men once every two weeks, absorb my 
means very fast. 

Praying you, gentlemen, to take these things into your consideration, I beg to add 
that the compliance of the committee with this, my respectful request, will much 


oblige your obedient and humble servant, 
GILBERT CAMERON. 


To the Burnp1na CoMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

After consultation with the architect, it was— 

Ordered, That payments be hereafter made to the contractor monthly, upon the 
architect’s estimate, and with reduction of fifteen per cent. as heretofore. . 

Mr. Seaton stated to the committee, that on examining the fence around the 
Smithsonian lot, though executed according to contract, he believed it would be 
insecure and exposed to frequent injury without a stout top-rail; and he submitted, 
on this subject, from the architect, the following: 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 689 


JULY 22, 1847. 
Dear Sir: Mr. Carr has made an estimate for putting a 3 % 14 inch top-rail on 
the fence, with two wrought-iron nails to each paling, and says that it can be done 
for sixty dollars. 
Will you be so kind as to let me know by McPeak whether he shall proceed with 
it. 
Very truly and respectfully yours, 
JAMES RENWICK, Jr. 
W. W. Staton, Esq., 
Member of Building Committee. 


On motion, it was— 
Resolved, That the architect be authorized to contract for the addition of a 3 x 1} 


- inch top-rail, to be firm nailed to the fence at a cost not exceeding sixty dollars. 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was further— 


Resolved, That the architect be authorized to make a contract for whitewashing 
the fence around the lot, at an expense not exceeding sixty dollars. 


Mr. Seaton submitted, on the suject of a resolution heretofore passed by the com- 
mittee, the following letters, which he received from Mr. Owen: 


SUYDENHAM, NEAR PHILADELPHIA, May 20, 1847. 


My Dear Sir: Referring to my former letter, I now enclose you the answer 
from the Girard College, through their architect, Mr. Walter, which would have 
been transmitted immediately, but that I was from home when it arrived. I regret 
its nature and endeavored by personal exertions to render it otherwise, but without 
success. 

The engraving of the college, to which Mr. Walter alludes in no commendatory 
terms, I will leave with my son, 98 South Fourth street, Philadelphia, (Benjamin 
Rush,) subject to your order at any moment, should you desire to have it. 

On the eve of my departure on the French mission, I cannot lose this occasion of 
saying with what constant interest I shall continue to follow up the proceedings of 
the Smithsonian Regents; and of adding, that if it ever be thought I could render 
the least service to the Institution, while in Paris, it would afford me the greatest 
pleasure to be called upon. 

I beg you to believe in the esteem with which I am, dear sir, very faithfully yours, 


RICHARD RUSH. 
Hon. RoBERT DALE OWEN. 


GIRARD CoLLeGE, May 8, 1847. 


Dear Sir: I received your favor of the 15th ultimo, enclosing a letter from the 
Hon. Robert Dale Owen, both of which I laid before the Building Committee of the 
Girard College; and I am sorry to say, that in consequence of their having no power 
nor right to expend the funds intrusted to them for any other purpose than the build- 
ing of the college, they find themselves unable to comply with the request. 

They desire me to say that they highly appreciate the flattering notice Mr. Owen 
has taken of the work under their charge, and their inability to meet his views by 
furnishing an engraving for the contemplated work. 

The only engraving of the eollege over which they have any control is no doubt 
entirely too large for the proposed book, and its execution is not such as would do 
credit either to the Institution or the college. 

I send you an impression, by which you will see that it is by no means fit fora 
work like the one in question. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
THOS. U. WALTER. 

Hon. RicHarp Rusu. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Thirty-sixth Meeting, October 18, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


Mr. Seaton stated to the committee that he had received several letters from Mr. 
Notman, of Philadelphia, one of the architects to whom a premium of $250 had been 
awarded, and who at first had declined to receive said premium in full compensation 
for his plans; and that Mr. Notman had finally agreed to receive said premium in 
full, as appears from the annexed check on him (Mr. Seaton) for the amount: 


44 


699 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


PHILADELPHIA, September 28, 1847. 

Hon. W. W. SEAtoN, 

Regent of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Sir: At sight pay to my order two hundred and fifty dollars, being in full of pre- 
mium awarded me as compensation for my design for the Institution, by the Board 
of Regents; this being my receipt in full for the same, as ordered. 

$250. JOHN NOTMAN. 

Mr. Seaton further stated to the committee that Mr. Notman requested the return 
of his drawings, stating that ‘‘ drawings are invariably returned, except the one pre- 
ferred: 

On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 


Resolved, That the request of Mr. Notman, for the return of his drawings, be 


referred to the Board of Regents at their next session. 
: Mr. Seaton submitted from Mr. William Archer, of Washington, the following. 
etter : 

WASHINGTON, August 27, 1847. 

Sir: I address you as a member of the Building Committee of the Smithsonian 
Institution. It will be remembered the subscriber furnished a plan, specification, 
and estimate of an edifice for the Institution. 

That plan was made to suit what was believed to be the object of the testator, and 
according to the true meaning of the act of Congress—to ‘‘ be of the best and most. 
durable materials, and fire-proof.’’ That plan was received by the Building Com- 
mittee, and taken by them to the eastern cities and shown to the artists, architects, 
and builders, along with, and in contrast with, the plan of Dr. Owen. And as Dr. 
Owen was paid for his plan, though not adopted, and as all the other architects that 
copied from him were paid, surely I have the same if not a better right to be paid 
than they, as both the committee and the architects had the benefit of my specitica- 
tion and estimate for comparison, or to copy from. Therefore I hope the committee: 
will allow me the same consideration as the others. 

I am, with all due respect, your obedient servant, } 
WILLIAM ARCHER. 
To W. W. Szaton, Esq., 
Building Committee Smithsonian Institution. 

Mr. Seaton was instructed to inform Mr. Archer, in reply to the above communi-- 
cation, that he is mistaken in supposing that Dr. Owen’s plan was paid for; that 
although the general internal arrangements of that plan were substantially adopted, 
and though one of the present wings is a copy, somewhat modified, of the original 
elevation submitted by him, (Dr. O.,) yet that he (Dr. O.) received no remuneration 
whatever for his plans, they being considered, like Mr. Archer’s, a voluntary offering 
to the Institution ; further, that no portion whatever of Mr. Archer’s design, either 
of its general plan or its elevation, had been adopted or copied, with or without 
modifications ; and therefore, even if it be considered as submitted in competition 
with the other plans, it stands but in the same situation as many others that were 
returned to the respective architects without any remuneration ; and finally, that the 
committee has no authority to award a premium or grant remuneration in this or 
any similar case. 

The chairman submitted, as a memorandum regarding the condition of the build 
ing fund, a copy of a letter yesterday addressed by him to the Chancellor, as follows : 

WASHINGTON, October 17, 1847. 

My Dear Sir: J arrived here last evening from Baltimore, and called upon Mr. 
Seaton this morning. He showed me a letter from you, in reply to a request of his. 
for a power of attorney to draw $7,500 of the funds of the Smithsonian Institution 
to pay contractors, &c., for which same $7,500 you had previously, to wit: on the 
4th instant, signed a requisition ; and he requested me to write to you, and comply 
with your request to be furnished with a copy of such portion of the minutes of our 
Board as gives authority to draw or apply this sum. 

I see you have forgotten how this matter of appropriation stands. Just previously 
to the appointment of the Building Committee, to wit: on the 28th January last, the 
Board passed resolutions that the said committee contract for the building at an 


amount not exceeding $210,000, with 10 per cent. added—say ~_.--_------ $231,000° 
Hor; warmincyand¢lichtime: the sames. 2) Sees ae ee eee 5,000: 
For fitting uprand furnishing the same) 2-45 2h eee ee ees ee eee 20,000 
For fencing) thelotcetea ee Bois sll ee ee ee ee See 10,000» 


and some other appropriations. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 691 


After which, the board passed the following resolutions : 


‘« Resolved, That the Executive Committee certify to the Chancellor and Secretary 
of the board the total amount of debts incurred, contracts entered into, and contracts 
authorized by the board ; and that the Chancellor and Secretary, after examination 
and approval of the same, certify the same to the proper officer of the treasury for 
payment.” 


This, you will recollect, was done, and $250,000 of treasury notes obtained. 
And they also passed, the same day, the following additional resolution: 


‘‘ Resolved, That the Executive Committee be authorized to receive said payment 
in Treasury notes, payable to the order of the Chancellor of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution in one year from date, bearing an interest of six per cent. per annum; and 
that they be further authorized to exchange $150,000 of said notes as soon as practi- 
cable for an equal amount of six per cent. stock of the United States, payable in 
twenty years, which stock shall be payable to the Chancellor of the Institution ; 
which said notes and stuck shall be deposited for safekeeping only with the Treasurer 
of the United States, or such other person as they may deem proper, to be drawn out 
only upon checks or warrants signed by the Chancellor, the Secretary, and the chair- 
man of the Executive Committee.” 


Now the amount of $7,500, which we now want, and for which you have already 
signed a requisition, (not the proper form; it should have been ‘a check or warrant 
signed by the Chancellor, the Secretary, and the chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee,’””) we desire to draw in the shape of interest, namely: the half-yearly interest 
due in August last on the above Treasury notes, which treasury notes are the result of 
a requisition already duly made in accordance with the first of the above resolutions 
for $250,000, and now, as it were, in the hands of a disbursing agent. 

It is clearly expedient and proper to draw the interest first, and not to touch the 
notes themselves till we are compelled to do so; and to obtain this interest a power 
of attorney from you, it seems, is necessary. 

The Chancellor, Secretary, and chairman of the Executive Committee, have the 
full authority to draw not only the interest, but, in proportion as they may be required, 
the treasury notes themselves also, without any ulterior appropriation, or other action 
whatever, of the board. 

To make our payments to the contractors, we shall have to draw a portion of the 
notes themselves, and sell them before New Year’s day, the date when our semi- 
annual interest on the principal sum of $515,169 becomes due. 

You may remember that the understanding was, that of the entire sum at which 
the building might be contracted, not more than one fifth was to be spent by the 
building committee in each of the five years during which the building will be in 
progress of construction. Now you will see by the items of expenditure since the 
1st of March last, which Mr. Seaton informs me he has sent you, that we have in 
the present year, so far, paid to the contractor but $14,088. I learn that the probable 
amount we shall have to pay to him up to the Ist January next, may be about 
$10,000; and up to the 19th March next, (being one year from the date of the 
contract.) perhaps $5,000 more; making the total payments in the first year but 
$29,000, instead of $41,000, (one-fourth the amount at which the building was con- 
tracted,) being the amount we were authorized to expend. 

We have thus, you will perceive, husbanded our resources so as to save interest 
much beyond the anticipations of the board. 

The building proceeds as well as could be desired; and its appearance, so far as I 
can learn, gives universal satisfaction. 

Iam, my dear sir, faithfully yours, 
ROBERT DALE OWEN. 

The Hon. GroraE M. Dawuas, Chancellor. 


The chairman, in connection with the subject of the treatise on Public Architecture, 
of which the preparation by resolution of the 6th March last (see page 22) was 
intrusted to him, stated to the committee that he had commenced the collection of 
materials for said work, but had been able to make but little progress in it while at 
home, for lack of the necessary works of*reference; that it was his intention now to 
devote his time to it, without interruption, in the hope that he might be able to 
complete the letter press before the meeting of the board in December, and that some 
of the chief illustrations were already in hands in New York. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


692 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTER. 


Thirty-seventh Meeting, October, 22, 1847. 
[Held on the site of the Institution.] 
Present, Messrs. Seaton, Totten, and Owen. 


Representations having been made to the committee by sundry individuals, in 
regard to the insufficient quality of some of the materials employed by the contractor 
in the building, they proceeded to the building, and after carefully examining the 
materials complained of, they decided that, although there were some pieces of timber 
in the east connecting range which were not merchantable, these were not of such a 
character, nor so placed, that any practical injury would result to the structure from 
their use ; and, therefore, the committee decided that it was not necessary to condemn 
or remove them. They instructed the architect, however, for the future to throw 
out every piece of timber, no matter how unimportant its destination, which was not 
strictly merchantable. 

The committee fully approved all the other materials used in the building. 

And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Thirty-eighth Meeting," October 26, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


The chairman informed the committee that he had visited, in company with the 
architect and contractor, the several quarries of Bull Run from which material is now 
getting out for the building, and had inspected the blocks prepared for transporta- 
tion, of which a large number had accumulated in the quarry in consequence of the 
injury done to the canal by the freshet several weeks since. He was completely 
satisfied with the quality and color of all that had been quarried. The stone quarries 
with remarkable facility, and with such regularity that the face, as it splits, is often 
smooth, and regular enough to resembie stone roughly dressed for the external face 
of a building. It resembles in this respect the granite described by Dr. Owen, 
and is quarried in the same manner. 

As to the quantity, it seems, as the quarries open, to be absolutely inexhaustible ; the 
representations of Mr. Dixon, former contractor, to the contrary notwithstanding. 
The contractor proposes to open another quarry, immediately on the bank of the 
canal, and some 300 or 400 yards nearer Seneca creek than that which has heretofore 
furnished material ; in which new quarry the face of the rock, so far as it is dis- 
closed, promises even a better quality and color than that in the old; while the trans- 
portation from the quarry to the scow will be greatly shortened. 

Nothing can be more satisfactory than the aspect of these quarries, the facility 
with which they are worked, the grain and tint of the material they have furnished, 
and their promise for the future. 


On motion, the committee adjourned. 
Thirty-ninth Meeting, November 1, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton, Totten, and Owen. 


The chairman submitted the first chapter of the work which, in accordance with a 
resolution of the committee he is preparing, on Public Architecture. 

It was approved. 

The chairman, in connection with the preparation of the said work, stated to the 
committee his intention to visit New York in a few days, as well to examine the 
illustrations now in progress, and put others in hand, as to consult authorities not to 
be found in this city. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 
Fortieth Meeting, November 9, 184 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 

On motion of the chairman, it was— 

Resolved, That the architect be requested to cause to be prepared, so as to be ready 
next summer, the furniture of the Regents’ room, as set down in the specifications, 
to wit: eighteen chairs and a table; and that he cause also to be made, as furniture 
for the Secretary’s room, and to be ready at the same time, a desk, six chairs, and a 
small centre table. 

On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 

Resolved, That the remuneration of William McPeak, messenger, be, from the 
date of his last payment, to wit: the second of August last, seven dollars per week. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 693 


On motion of Mr. Seaton, it was— 


Resolved, That the chairman order, for the use of the Board, 250 copies of Senate 
document No. 212, being the first report of the Board of Regents to Congress ; pro- 
vided the cost of the same do not exceed fifteen dollars. 


And, on motion, the committee adjourned. 


Forty-first Meeting, November 26, 1847. 


Present, Messrs. Seaton and Owen. 


The chairman, on his return from New York, made the following report : 

In regard to the illustrations of the work on Public Architecture, I find that to 
procure their execution in a manner that shall be creditable to the Institution, will cost 
more than I had anticipated. Mr. Drayton, who has charge of the publications of 
the Exploring Expedition, and has, in consequence, great experience, both in regard 
to the relative talents of engravers and to the proper cost of engravings, has afforded 
me much assistance in this matter. We found it impossible, however, to contract 
for the steel engravings, giving two perspective views of the Institution, one from 
the southeast, and the other from the northwest, and executed in the best style of art, 
for less than three hundred and fifty to four hundred dollars for the two ; which is 
fifty per cent. more than I expected to pay. 

Having satisfied myself, however, that engravings of this character could not be 
obtained for less, 1 empowered Messrs. Sherman and Smith, corner of Broadway 
and Liberty street, to whom Mr. Drayton recommended that they should be intrusted, 
to proceed with one specimen; after which they would be able to fix the exact price 
at which the two could be completed. 

For the reasons above stated, and considering the very limited amount placed at 
the disposal of our committee for illustrations, I judge it prudent to trust, for the 
other illustrations, to wood cuts, which are now executed in New York in very good 
style, and which will not cost more than half as much as steel engravings. 

Accordingly, I called on Mr. Adams, by whom were executed the wood-cuts in 
Harper's Pictorial Bible, and who has since, as I learn, retired from the profession. 
I had been advised to consult him as one who knew more about the relative talents 
of wood-cutters in this country than probably any other man, and he recommended, 
as the best for architectural engraving, Mr. John H. Hall, Fulton street. I had 
several interviews with Mr. Hall, obtained his prices, and inspected several specimens 
of his work, with which I was well pleased, and of which two are herewith submitted 
to the committee. The effect does not seem to me greatly inferior to that of steel 
engraving. 

Mr. Hall offered to execute the perspective view of the Gothic plan of Mr. James 
Renwick, ordered by resolution of this committee of April 10, and which requires 
more work than the perspective view of the Institution, for $100. 

It will be necessary to employ more than one wood-cutter, in order to complete 
the illustrations in reasonable season; and if the committee decide that it is best to 
procure the illustrations chiefly on wood, I have made the arrangement for putting 
them in hands. Mr. Roberts, whom I stated in my report of April 6, to have been 
recommended by Mr. Durand as the best wood-cutter in this country, I found exclu- 
sively engaged by one of the tract societies. 

In regard to the application made by resolutions of this committee, under date 
April 19, to the vestry of Grace church, and of Trinity church, and to the firm of 
Alexander T. Stewart & Co., for plates of Grace church, Trinity church, and Stewart’s 
new marble store, I have to state that the Grace church vestry have liberally agreed to 
pay one hundred dollars for a plate of their church, on the terms of our resolution. 
The Trinity vestry have not yet come to a final decision. Mr. Stewart was not seen, 
though twice called on; but one of his partners informed Mr. Renwick that they 
would probably furnish an engraving of their building, as it is to be ultimately 
completed. 

By the terms of our resolution, the engraving of Grace church must be executed 
on steel or copper; and as it is a much less elaborate engraving than that of the 
Smithsonian building, Mr. Drayton thinks we can have it executed on steel for a 
hundred doilars. 

Even if we decide to Jet all the other illustrations be cut on wood, it will, I think, 
be impossible to execute those already embraced in our resolutions, and such as are 
indispensable to a due explanation of the text to the general reader, for the sum of 
$1,000, to which the appropriation is at present limited. Nor do I believe that the 
treatise itself, including the appendix, can be advantageously condensed into a 


694 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


hundred and fifty pages of letter-press, as by the agreement with Wiley & Putnam 
it was stipulated it should. I deemed it proper then to seek to obtain from these 
publishers a conditional supplement to that agreement, based on the contingency 
that the Board of Regents might vote an additional appropriation. They agreed 
to the proposal I made to them, and signed the following supplement to the agree- 
ment of April 3, 1847: 

Whereas, by an agreement made the third day of April, 1847, between Wiley & 
Putnam, publishers, of New York, and Robert Dale Owen, on behalf of the Build- 
ing Committee of the Smithsonian Institution, regarding the publication of a trea- 
tise, to be entitled ‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,” it was stipulated that the illus- 
trations of the said treatise (that is to say, its engravings and wood cats) should cost 
not less than one thousand dollars, and that the number of pages of said treatise 
should not exceed one hundred and fifty pages of letter-press. Now, therefore, it is 
further agreed, that in case the said Building Committee should see fit to increase 
the value of the said illustrations, then the said Wiley & Putnam agree that the 
number of pages of letter-press may be proportionably increased; as, if five hun- 
dred dollars additional be expended for the illustrations, then one-half of one hun- 
dred and fifty pages—say seventy-five pages—may be added to the letter-press; and 
so of any larger or smaller sum: Provided, however, that the entire number of pages 
of letter-press shall not, in any case, exceed two hundred and fifty. 

Witness our hands and seals this 22d of November, 1847. 

WILEY & PUTNAM, [L. 8.] 


In presence of THos. B. Graves, as to Wiley & Putnam. 


ROBERT DALE OWEN, 
On behalf of the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution. 


I recommended that in the report of the Building Committee to be made to the 
Board at their next meeting, it be proposed that they should increase the appropria- 
tion accordingly. 

I examined, with a good deal of care, most of the churches that have been reeently 
erected and are now in progress of erection in New York. They are, as a general 
rule, very creditable to the architectural talent of the country. Among those yet 
unfinished, one of the most promising is St. George church, (Episcopalian,) situated 
at the corner of Sixteenth street and Stuyvesant square, built in the same style as 
our building, namely, in the Lombard style of the twelfth century. The general 
effect will, I think, be very fine, especially of the front towers. The rear terminates 
in an apsis, somewhat similar to that on the north front of our west wing—a beau- 
tiful feature. The building, when completed, it is said, will cost one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars; and though I could not obtain its exact size, it will be one of 
the largest churches in New York, being some ninety feet in width. Its galleries are 
to be supported from the side walls without pillars. Some of its details appeared to me 
faulty, as the corbel course along the upper portion of its side walls and on its towers 
is feeble, and not sufficiently projecting for a building of such magnitude; and I 
think the architect would have done better to trust to the flat Norman buttress run- 
ning into the corbel course above, rather than to introduce a buttress of a much 
later date, deep and heavy, and which, from many points of view, wholly conceals 
the windows. The latter (the windows) are both wider and higher than is usual in 
the Lombard style; but I think the effect is good. 

I purchased, and herewith submit, a perspective view of this church, as one of 
the first proofs that the opinion I expressed when the style of our building was 
objected to on the score of its singularity, (namely, that a greater objection might 
hereafter be, that Lombard buildings would be repeated all over the country, as Gre- 
cian and Gothic have been, until we were tired of them,) is not unlikely to be veri- 
fied. 

I visited, also, some of the older churches—among the rest St. Paul’s, in Broad- 
way, near the Astor House. It exhibits great beauties and great defects. Its spire 
is, in my opinion, one among the prettiest in its style (the Roman) in the world; 
and as such, I had it daguerreotyped, and shall use it as an illustration in our work. 
The interior, with its Grecian pillars and broken entablatures, forming imposts for 
the arches of its galleries, furnishes a striking illustration of the bad effect produced 
by that heterogenous mixture of Gothic forms and Grecian details that goes under 
the name of Roman. 

Through the kindness of Professor Renwick, I obtained admittance to the New 
York Society Library, and spent sometime there examining its works on archi- 
tecture. 


= iw 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 695 


I also obtained, through Professor Renwick, an opportunity of examining Canina’s 
great work on Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman architecture, published a ‘few years 
since at Rome. It may be said, in each style of which it treats, almost to exhaust 
the subject—at least to furnish the best and most extensive modern illustrations of 
Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman buildings, to be found in any one collection now 
extant. As almost all the works on architecture heretofore purchased by us have 
been on Gothic and Norman architecture only, I think this work would be a valu- 
able and important purchase. It is the property of a private gentleman, Mr Pavish 
who imported it; and I understand, from Professor Renwick, it could be Heal tror, 
him at first cost in Rome, with duty added. It would be of much use to me in the 
‘preparation of the work I have now in charge. 

At Philadelphia I saw Mr. Notman, and at New York Mr. Arnot; both of whom 
expressed a desire that their designs should be published in our work, I think it 
likely that if we agreed to furnish each of them a hundred copies of the engraving 
(which we can obtain at the cost of paper and printing,) they would supply us, at 
their own cost, with a reduced perspective view from which to enerave; and if the 
board votes us an additional appropriation, I recommend that such a proposition be 
made to them ; and also to Mr. Daniel, of Cincinnati, who has signified to me a 
similar desire in regard to the publication of his design—a design, as the committee 
may remember, in the Italian style. 

At Philadelphia I called upon Mr. Joseph R. Ingersoll, who has always shown 
much interest in the Institution, and he has promised to procure for me, from 
authentic sources, the exact dimensions of the Girard College building ; its Gost to 
the present time ; and the estimated cost of its completion. He also stated to me that 
he would endeavor to procure some particulars regarding the stvle and dimensions of 
a large cathedral of which the foundations have recently been laid by the Catholics 
of Philadelphia. : 

I made the acquaintance in New York of Mr. Kellogg, the artist who has charge 
of Mr. Power’s ‘‘ Greek slave.’? He expressed to me a strong desire that some 
arrangements might be made by which our Institution should obtain that statue, and 
fit up one of the rooms in our building (perhaps in one of the central towers) for its 
reception. It is, in my opinion, one of the finest statues that has ever been produced 
in ancient or modern times, and as well worthy of a separate tribune as the Venus 


de Medicis. 
ROBERT DALE OWEN. 
WasHineton, November 26, 1847. 


On motion of Mr. Owen, it was— 

Resolved, That Professor Renwick be authorized to purchase on behalf of the 
Institution, of Mr. Parish, Canina’s work on Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman architec- 
ture, provided the same can be obtained at the first cost in Rome, with the duty 
added. 

Resolved, That the chairs for the Regents’ room and Secretary’s room be covered 
~with maroon-colored leather. 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1848. 


During the past year the Smithsonian building has been advanced in a manner 
satisfactory to the committee. 

An inexhaustible supply of freestone of excellent color and quality is afforded by 
the quarries ; and the deliveries have met with no such interruptions from failures 
in the canal as were experienced last year, to the great delay of work upon the build- 
ing. 
The east wing of the building, and the adjacent connecting range, are so far com- 
pleted that the architect promises a state of readiness for occupation early in January. 
He reports the whole interior of this part to be finished, with the exception of the 
‘shelving of the cases—purposely delayed to enable the Secretary of the Institution 
to adjust it to the apparatus which it is to receive. He reports, also, that the furnaces 
for supplying warm air to these rooms, and also the ventilating apparatus, will be 
completed at the same time. 

The west wing and its connecting range are completed externally, and the interior 
-of the hall of the gallery of art—intended to be used temporarily as a library—is 
well advanced. A portion of the book-cases are in progress, and will be placed in 
this apartment until the library room proper, in the centre building, shall be ready 
for their reception. 


696 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The foundations of the whole of the main building, including the towers, are laid, 
and the superstructure carried about five feet high. The campanile and octagonal 
towers, and two smaller corner towers of the centre, are 30 feet above their founda- 
tions. 

The architect also represents that the contractor, Mr. Cameron, has cut all the 
stone for the first story of the main building, and designs, if possible, to have the 
whole of this part of the structure under roof before the winter of 1849-’50, in order 
the better to protect the walls. 

The committee see no reason to doubt that the whole structure will be completed 
within the time specified in the contract, namely, by the 19th day of March, 1852. 
The total amount expended on the building and on the fencing of the 

lot, including superintendence, and all incidental expenses connected 

therewith, up to the lst of December, 1847, was, as stated at that 

1 a ee $25,002 67 


The amount expended on the building and its appurtenances from 
the lst of December, 1847, to the 31st December, 1848, is as follows: 


BE sy ee pV ore son @) ex UOT NCC OTN TA CO ee mee $50,860 00: 
Paid Mr) Renwick; architect's silary--=_"> “~ 22 _ "oe ee eee 1,800 00 
Paid Mr. Renwick for travelling expenses-----_--------------------- 820 04 


The expenses of architect’s office, including furniture for and incidental 
expenses of the same, drawing instruments, stationery, and pay of 


Sees aa SCAT ee ee 253 69 

Paid Mr. Robert Mills, assistant architect and superintendent, for part 
of the year -_-- ------ ----------~-----~- -----~--~-----~. ---------- 392 73 
Paid Mr. Brown, superintendent, for three months-_-__-_______-_____ 187 50 
Paid for improvement of grounds--_--- ee ee oe 109 88. 
Sy ee ee $53,934 74 


The total expenditure on the Smithsonian building from the begin- 
ning up to the 31st of December, 1848, may be thus stated: 


Paid Mr. Cameron, contractor for the building.___-____-____________. $71,700 00 
Paid Mr. Renwick, architect, .as salary -22 28 es 3,475 48 
Pads Ma Renwick tory brave llin one xen SCS =e eee eee 629 78 


The expenses of architect’s office, including furniture for and incidental 
expense of the same, stationery, drawing instruments, and pay of 


draughtsman.—-—~- ---=-- ---~- == == === =< =-=5 <= <= 25 == <5 5 == a 583 23 
Paid Mr. Mills, as assistant architect and superintendent__________-__- 1,247 84 
Paid Mr. Brown, as superintendent, for three months_-_____-_--_--___ 187 50: 
Mor improvement Of eoOuUmnds =a aan ee eee eee 743 88 
For water-pipes and laying the same--------_-_------_-------------- 660 00: 
Making a total to the end of the year 1848, of -_------_--_______-.-__- $79,227 21 


At the last annual meeting (December, 1847,) it was resolved that there 
should be considered applicable to the building, (including preceding 


expenditures,) up to the 19th day of March, 1848, the sum of____-__- $42,000 00 
And for the year ending March 19, 1849, the further sum of__---_---- 52,000 00: 
SO yt ee $94,000 00: 

But, as shown above, the expenditures to the end of the year 1848, have 
Meyer 


Leaving a balance applicable, of the building fund, between 1st January 
SATE CL MALO) AN eye Ea SS ree $14,772 79: 


Judging from the progress already made, the committee are of opinion that the 
contractor will be able to finish the building, and all other matters comprised in his 
contract, for the stipulated amount; and that all expenditures connected with the 
building, including the laying out of the grounds, planting, sodding, fencing, road- 
making, heating, ventilating, &c., may be comprised within the limit of $250,000, set. 
by resolution of the board at the last meeting. 

During the past year the committee have entered into a contract, amounting to- 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 697 


$1,050, with Mr. John Douglass, of Washington, for enclosing the grounds of the 
Institution with a hedge, and for planting trees and shrubbery. The architect 
having marked out the paths and roads, and indicated the positions of the trees and 
shrubs, these, comprising about 160 species, principally American, have already, for 
the greater part, been planted, as well as the surrounding hedges, which are to 
consist of pyrocanthus, Osage orange, Cherokee rose, and hawthorn, respectively, on 
the four sides of the lot. Investigations and inquiries that have been made on this 
subject, satisfy the committee that this climate in favorable to the growth and 
maintenance of hedges, and that for a moderate expense a permanent and beautiful 
enclosure will be secured. The architect has been requested to prepare drawings and 
estimates of the gateways necessary to connect the building with the adjacent streets. 

Proposals have been obtained for putting up furnaces in the east wing; also, for 
sodding a portion of the ground immediately around the building, and for making 
permanent roads and paths from the streets to the building and through the grounds ; 
but it is not contemplated to engage in these last-mentioned works at present. 

In relation to the work entitled ‘‘ Hints of Publie Architecture,” prepared by the 
late Chairman of the Building Committee, for publication by that committee under 
resolution of the Board, it is to be stated that the manuscript has been submitted, 
under vote of the committee, to the inspection of Judge J. K. Kane, of Philadelphia, 
Governor Kemble, Esq., of New York, and President Everett, of Cambridge Uni- 
versity. From all of whom letters communicating their opinions of the work have 
been received, and are submitted with this report. 

Mr. Owen, in a late letter to one of the committee, states his intention to be in 
New York by the 20th December, to superinted the printing; the printer refusing 
without his supervision and arrangement of the illustrations, &c., to put it to press, 
and expresses his confident belief that it will issue by the 10th of February—certainly, 
before the adjournment of Congress. 

The architect of the Institution, who has drawn many of the illustrations, and 
superintends the engraving gratuitously, states that all the engravings are ready, or 
nearly so, and that the illustrations will amount to upwards of 100, of which six will 
be lithographs and the remainder wood-cuts by the best engravers in the country. 

The wood-cuts generally do great credit to the engravers; a few of the principal 
ones have been brought on by the architect, and are herewith laid before the board. 

The expenses of the engravings contracted for will be $2,000, of which $ 
has been paid up to lst December, 1848, the remainder being due the engravers. 

The vestry of Grace Church, in the city of New York, have presented to the 
committee a lithograph of that building, which will cost the vestry $100. The 
draughtsman, Mr. Wade, Messrs. Bobbett & Edmonds, engravers, and Mr. Putnam, 
the publisher, have presented a beautiful illustrated title page which was designed by 
the architect of the building. 

As it may be satisfactory to the Board to learn as much as can now be communi- 
cated in relation to such expenditures—not embraced in the contract with Mr. Cam- 
eron—as have been, or will be, necessary upon the building and grounds; and which 
must fall within the building fund of $250,000—the committee proceed to add the 
following statement: 


Amount of Mr. Cameron’s contract -----------------------~ --_~-- ---- $205,250 
Remainder applicable to other objects connected with the building or x 

grounds than those provided for in said contract ------_-------------- 44,750 

$250,000 

Amount applicable as above-_---------- ---.--- ---------~ ------ -------- 44,750: 


Portions of the expenditures now referred to, are either fixed and definite 
in their nature, or have been already settled by resolution; they are as 
follows: 


Architect’s salary for five years__._-- ------------------------- 9,000 
Superintendent’s salary for five years ------------------~------ 5,000 
Incidental expenses allowed to architeet------------~---------- 2,000 
Facing area wall with cut stone, extra work, allowed by resolu- 

GTO 2S NE en en ee 480 
Adding battlements to cloisters of east wing, extra work, allowed 

by resolution_----- ~~ WA gy Vall dy 2 an eet alls oer ees 200 
Additional cases for apparatus, ordered by Secretary ----------- 200 
Contract for hedging, with Mr. Douglass-_---------~----------- 250 


Contract for planting trees and shrubs, with the same person___- 800 


698 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Furnaces for warm air, registers, &c., already contracted for— 
SE Viate oh Lee ke whl Fh Ee aS Ca de 0 ate ee $600 


$18,530 
Which amount of $18,530, deducted from the above sum of $44,750 leaves, 

applicable to other objects of the same nature, the sum of____-____-_-- 26,220 
Two or three other small expenditures may be set down as admitting spe- 

cific and close estimate, viz: 
Two chimneys to east wing, being extra work already done, and 


which, in the opinion of the architect, should be allowed_-_-_-- 400 
Sodding ground near building, estimated at ------------------- 100 
Deductmevtbistotaljwwizges. 5220 ee ee eee ee ee 500 


There still remains the sum of 


Some of the matters to which attention is addressed as having claims upon this 
sum, are: the addition of other battlements to cloisters; of a clerestory to the 
museum ; the substitution of flights of iron for wooden steps in the towers; other 
hot-air furnaces; registers for ventilation; gateways into the grounds; additional 
trees and shrubs; making roads and paths, &., &c., &c. These objects, some indis- 
pensable, others more or less urgent, all conducive to utility, permanence, beauty, or 
convenience, will be decided on by the committee under the authority with which 
they consider themselves intrusted, and as occasion shall arise, only after mature 
‘deliberation on careful estimates in detail, and in a spirit of strict economy. The 
committee, above all things, intend to keep an earnest regard upon the pecuniary 
limits set to their operations, and to allow no transgression thereof, either by actual 
expenditure, or by engagements, or pledges. 

A few words remain to be added in explanation of the extra work and alterations 
of plan alluded to in the preceding statements: as to which it is due to the architect 
to premise that these have not been caused by any omissions in the specifications of 
the contract. One item is for facing the areas with cut-stone—the contract having 
provided a facing of good blue Potomac gneiss. The change was adopted because it 
was thought that a stone facing of the same material as the face of the superstructure 
would be more harmonious with, and conducive to, the general effect of the exterior 
-of the structure. 

2. Battlements of cloisters.—After the cloisters of the east wing were completed, it 
became evident to the architect that from the comparatively low situation of the 
building, the roofs were too conspicuous, and should be concealed by an appropriate 
battlement. He therefore advised, and the committee sanctioned, the expenditure of 
$200 for the battlements of the eastern cloister. The committee has yet to act upon 
a like suggestion as to the western range. 

3. Two extra chimneys in the east wing were added by the Building Committee 
after the plans were made, but before the contracts were signed. Mr. Cameron 
states that he was not aware of this addition, as it was made after he had completed 
his estimate; and the architect is therefore of opinion that his claim of extra com- 
pensation is just and equitable. 

JOS. G. TOTTEN. 
W. W. SEATON. 


HENRY W. HILLIARD. 
WASHINGTON, December 81, 1848. 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1849. 


WASHINGTON, January 2, 1850. 

The Building Committee have the honor to report as follows: 

In the great desire of the contractor to get the whole Smithsonian building under 
roof before winter, the progress thereon during the year just elapsed has been rapid 
—that object having been fully attained before the occurrence of severe weather. 
The Building Committee deemed this result so important for the protection of a 
large amount of masonry and wood work, that they participated in this desire of the 
contractor ; and did not hesitate to permit an expenditure on the building somewhat 
ljarger than the year would have been entitled to under the project of extending the 
process of construction through a period of five years. It must not, however, be 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTER. 699 


supposed that the expenditures have exceeded the portion of the building fund liable 
to expenditure under existing resolutions. The portion of this fund thus liable u 

to the 19th of March next, reckoning from the beginning, is $146,000; the Bee pais 
expenditure on building and grounds now falls short of that sum $10,678.88-—which 
last sum must therefore be the limit of expenditure in the interim—that is to say 
from the Ist of January to the 19th March, 1850. me 

Should the Board of Regents leave the project of a five-years course of construction 
undisturbed, it will be necessary to lessen, for the next two years, the rate of expendi- 
ture on the building. On the other hand, should circumstances lead the board to 
desire an earlier completion than has heretofore been contemplated, the advanced state 
of the bnilding resulting from the labors of the past year will be in lucky accordance 
with such change of policy. 

Besides carrying up the walls of the main cell of the building, and finishing its 
roof, the central front towers and the four corner towers of the ‘main building are 
carried up as high as the walls of the main building—the central rear tower being 30 
feet high. & 

The architect reports that the stones for the unfinished portions of the building are 
nearly all quarried; and that the stone-cutting for the campanile south, and two 
north towers, is nearly completed. : 

The east and west wings, and ranges, are finished, except some few matters of 
detail, and are ready for occupation. The workmen are now fitting the west wing 
with book-cases, for a temporary library; and the west connecting range, for uses 
connected with the library. . 4 

During the past year, with the concurrence of the Secretary of the Institution 
and under the advice of the architect, the committee have caused the following alter- 
ations to be made in the interior arrangement of the building : F 

The original lecture-room, in the east wing, proving to be entirely too small, the 
adjoining apparatus and laboratory rooms were removed, and the whole wing formed 
into one large lecture-room, provided with seats for one thousand persons. ~ By this 
arrangement, the apparatus rooms in the east connecting range are in close proximity 
with the lecturers’ table; with which, also, direct and easy communication will be 
had from the large apparatus museum mentioned in the sequel. 

This lecture-room, thus enlarged, being capable of containing as many persons as 
the lecture-room which was originally designed to occupy about half the lower story 
of the main building, the latter has been dispensed with, and the space thus obtained 
divided—giving a room of 65 X 50 feet as a depository of physical apparatus, and 
throwing the remaining space into the library. 

Besides a manifest gain of useful room by this alteration, it tends to security against 
fire—since the lecture-room, and the researches and experiments connected with it, 
will be in a separate wing, easily cut off from all the other parts of the structure, by 
fire-proof doors of iron. 

Another change of internal arrangement is as follows: The two stairways, that in 
the original plan were carried up between the middle north front towers and the 
main building, have been dispensed with, and the space they occupied added to the 
library ; as also the central hall; and, as before said, a portion of the former lecture- 
room. By these several alterations, the library has been nearly doubled in area, and 
@ spacious museum obtained for physical apparatus. The central staircase of the 
north front will now be carried up within one of the front towers. 

The changes above mentioned in the interior of the building will be accomplished, 
on agreement with the contractor, at an extra cost of $100. 

It must be considered, however, that the large addition to the library room will 
require a large addition to the library equipment and furniture. But as it must be 
many years before the contents of the library can spread beyond its limits, as first 
planned, and provided for in the contract, the committee would consider it unwise 
now to incur any portion of this considerable expense. 

A clerestory to the long upper room, or museum, of the centre building, has been 
adopted by the committee. The architect states that this was originally contemplated 
by him, and was explained at the time the contract wasmade. The committee under- 
stand that the adoption of the recommendation was left to further consideration. 
They were satisfied, however, that it was a necessary modification; the great length 
of this room—nearly 200 feet—being out of all proportion to the low pitch of 27 
feet, originally contracted for. The additional amount for which Mr. Cameron, the 
contractor, engages to carry out this improvement, is $2,350. 

No other alterations have been made in the building, and the committee think no 
others will be needed: none, at least, that will involve much expense 

The arrangement of the west wing and range for a temporary library and reading- 


700 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


room, has entailed an expense of $372, which should properly, perhaps, be charg®d@ 
to the library fund. It has, however, been comprised in the following statement of 


expenditures : 

The total amount expended on the building, and on the fencing of the 
lot, including superintendence and all incidental expenses connected 
therewith, up to Ist December, 1847, was, as then stated ___-___.-_-_ 

The amount expended on the building and its appurtenances, from the 
Ist of December, 1847, to the 31st of Deccmber, 1848, was, as stated 
inthe last annual reporters see oe cons ee) Re a oe en 


Total expended on the building, &c., up to the 31st December,1848 ___- 
The expenditures on the building and its appurtenances during the year 
1849 have been as follows: 


Paid Mr. Cameron, contractor for the building -------__. $50,300 00 
Paid Mr. Renwick, architect, as salary_______---__--_--. 1,800 00 
Paid Mr. Renwick for traveling expenses-_--____--__ -__- 266 15 


Paid Mr. Renwick for expenses of architect’s office, includ- 
ing incidental expenses of the same, stationery, pay of 


drawelitsman, (Gey 255 22 oe eee Se er ee 268 25 
Paid Mr. Brown, as superintendent, one year’s salary -_-- 750 00 
Paid Messrs. Culver & Co. for three furnaces .-_.-------- 786 11 
iRaidevin Barrows tor one turn acess === =e ee 849 52 
Pardavirs Cassiday tor uuree sCrapersmes see eae eee 3 75 
Paid Mr. Beckert for recoloring east wing------_---_-_--_ 50 00 
Paid Mr. Buckingham for plumbing----___~---__-_--__-_-- 12 00 
For additional furniture of library --..----_. ---- $60 47 

oe ce Ch) uted ta lney (Panes dons 50 75 
cc oe COLT 22 A pe itu “ek 25 00 
ce oe COT aL alee coe Beta 176 25 
ce ce CCE Uwe PA es RW a 319 62 
Paid also for temporary library furniture-_____--- 872 00 
1,004 09 
Paid Mr. Cameron for extra work on building--_-. 21 650 
cc ce cc TR A 81 62 
53 12 
Paid Mri Cameron tor coal eee 89 72 
For improvement of grounds— 
Mr. Douglass for'trees, &c.----— ~-_---4=---— 520/00 
Mr. 8. Bryan for ‘plank roadiS2s!2es eeees 62 00 
Mr. Cameron for road making____-__- $45 43 
ce ce CC a puke eS eee 56 12 
——- 101 55 
- 683 55 
Paid for hack-hire for Building Committee -------------- 17 50 
$56,383 76 


Amount expended on the building and its appurtenances up to the 31st 
December): S48 Ms eee ee a a Te a 
Amount expended on the same during the year 1849__________________ 


Total amount expended on the same up to the end of the year 1849 ___- 


At the annual meeting in December, 1847, it was resolved 

that there should be considered applicable to the building 

and grounds (including preceding expenditures) up to the 

19thiday of March) 1848° the sum of. 2s.) oe ee $42,000 00 
And for the year ending March 19, 1849, the further sum of 52,000 00 
And for the year ending March 19, 1850, the further sum of 52,000 00 


But, as shown above, the total expenditures to the end of 1849 has been 


Leaving, of the building fund, a balance applicable between the Ist of 
Januaryrand loth iof March, 1850) 0f2- "= ieee ane a eee ae 4m 


$25,002 67 


63,9384 74 


78,937 41 


$78,937 41 


$78,937 41 
56,383 76 


135,321 17 


—— $146,000 00 
135,821 17 


10,678 83 


The furnaces that have been set up in the building for heating the rooms have not 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 701 


proved satisfactory to the architect, nor to the persons who have occupied some of 
the rooms. He reports that they do not diffuse the heat equally throughout the 
rooms—that while some apartments are highly heated, others cannot be made com- 
fortably warm ; owing, as he thinks, to the difficulty in conveying the heated air 
horizontally. He also objects to the number of fires which are necessary in the use 
of furnaces, and has advised that the other portions of the building should be warmed 
with steam. The committee have requested the architect to obtain full and definite 
information of all circumstances involved in the use of steam as suggested by him, 
and to furnish a report such as will enable a judgment to be formed of its adaptation 
to our purposes, and of its relative cost. The Secretary of the Institution is also 
engaged in some inquiries of the same nature. 

The work entitled ‘‘ Hints on Public Architecture,”’ authorized to be published by 
oo Building Committee, has been issued, and is submitted to the inspection of the 

egents. 

The amount expended being somewhat beyond the amount appropriated by the 
Board of Regents, the committee requested an explanation from the Hon. R. D. Owen, 
who had superintended the publication of the work. That gentleman states that the 
landscapes of the lithographs at first executed were so badly done as to be unfit for 
the press; and that though the lithographer who engraved the building was the only 
one who would undertake the architectural portion, he did not prove sufficiently 
experienced in landscape drawing, to render that part of the plates either artistical 
or effective—this portion was, therefore, redrawn by another lithographer, at an 
additional expense of $80: that the remainder of the additional expense was incurred 
by the necessity of altering the size and form of many of the wood-cuts, in order to 
enable them to come properly into the letter-press; that this was an unforeseen 
expense, and could not have been ascertained before the work was about being set up 
in the printing office: that he was compelled to make the alterations in the cuts, or 
to destroy the beauty of the pages of the book. These additions to the cost of the 
work having materially enhanced its beauty, the committee hope the Board of 
Regents will sanction the course of the committee in paying the extra charges. 

The committee now present a statement of the expenditures as yet incurred, or 
pledged on the building and grounds, and chargeable to the building fund of $250,000, 
heretofore set apart. 


Total amount appropriated for building and grounds_________--____-_~- $250,000 
Anount ol, Mire @ameron’s contract.= 222225. - 22) as oaee $205,250 00 
werchivect ssalary tor five years.— 22-22 ee ek 9,000 00 
Superintendents and draughtsmen for five years____---_-_- 5,000 00 
Incidental expenses allowed architect_-_-___-_-.---_____ 2,000 00 
Bcine areas with Cut stOnNe@=22o—— 22 see ee 480 00 
Building battlements to. cloisters._—-—--—---__---___ = --__ 200 00 
Beadhinvonalwapparatus cases. _—_.-S_--...- 5 aes 200 00 
Beeclommiee ng plantings ak he oe 1,050 00 
urnaces alreany, put Up 222-22 - ee en 1,135 63 
Prd ditionkorelerestony, to museum E = = ee eee 2,350 00 
PeiLoraonvOm stairway, GC. -- 28 So i 100 00 
@himneys added to the east wing-___~.. -____-.___ ...--__. 400 00 
Beddine cround near building -2__2-—_— o_o Sasa ie 100 00 


Heating central bnilding with steam, including cellar for 
boiler and as a coal vault—approximate estimate of the 


ATC MIG CC basa ae eee eae ay ee nee en ee eee 8,200 00 
Additional furniture and incidental expenses—say _-_-~----- 1,000 00 
— 231,465 63 
Leaving, as applicable to unforeseen expenses connected with the build- 

HE ema OE COU ANA CD Sp LEN SULIT OE ee cca eee $18,544 37 


A contract made with Mr. John Douglass, jr., for planting and cultivating trees 
and shrubs within the Smithsonian grounds, and another with the same person for 
planting and cultivating hedges along the margin of the same, not having been 
complied with on his part, have been annulled by the committee. The committee 
are sorry to say, that from these failures the year just past may be considered as 
almost wholly lost, as respects the establishment of trees or hedges. They look, how- 
ever, for better results from their future arrangements of this nature. 

JOS. G. TOTTEN. 
W. W. SEATON. 
H. W. HILLIARD. 


a; | 
702 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1850. 


The Building Committee, in compliance with their appropriate duty, present the 
following report of the operations, expenditures, and progress on the building during 
the year 1850: 

At the last session of the Board, resolutions were adopted, directing a survey of 
the whole building, and a report on the manner and faithfulness in which the build- 
ing contract had been executed, and the best plan for finishing the remainder of the 
building. 

It was found by this examination, that the exterior of the building had been welk 
constructed, but that, in order to reduce the cost, a plan had been adopted and mate- 
rials employed for the interior, not proper for a building destined to contain property 
too valuable to be exposed to even a remote danger of fire, and which, especially, so 
far as it shall consist of donations, will involve the implied condition that it shall be 
safely preserved. 

In accordance with this result, a resolution was adopted, directing the interior of 
the centre building to be constructed in fire-proof, and that the time of finishing it 
be extended until the accumulating interest would be sufficient to meet the additional 
expense. 

Niosondinie to the decision of the architect, who, by the terms of the original con- 
tract, is the umpire between the Regents and the contractor, the latter is entitled to 
the sum of $185,154 for completing the whole exterior of the building and the inte- 
rior of the wings, ranges, and towers. When this much is finished, the present con- 
tract will terminate; though the same contractor has agreed, should the Regents 
choose to accept his proposition, to finish the remainder of the interior in fire-proof, 
on the terms mentioned in the annexed report of the architect. 

Agreeably to the estimates of Mr. Renwick, and the proposition of Mr. Cameron 
for fire-proofing, the whole cost of the building when finished, will be $284,000; but 
as the preliminary expenditure for premiums to architects and other incidental 
charges connected with the work are not included in this estimate, the committee 
think it will be safer to state the whole cost at, say in round numbers, $300,000. 

Since the commencement of the building there has been expended on the grounds 
$3,747.51. The committee, however, are pleased to be able to inform the Board, 
that but little more expenditure on this account will probably be necessary beyond 
that which is requisite for the preservation of the trees and shrubs already planted. 

An appropriation has been made by Congress for the general improvement of the 
public grounds, or, as they are commonly called, the Mall. Mr. Downing, the well- 
known writer on Rural Architecture, at the request of the President, is now prepar- 
ing a plan for converting the whole Mall, including the Smithsonian grounds, into 
an extended landscape garden, to be traversed in different directions by graveled 
walks and carriage drives, and planted with specimens properly labelled, of all the 
varieties of trees and shrubs which will flourish in this climate. 

In the opinion of the committee, the adoption of a general plan for the improve- 
ment of the public grounds is an object of much importance. A small appropriation, 
annually expended with teference to a well digested plan, would do more in a few 
years to produce lasting effects, than many times the same sum, expended in accord- 
ance with the peeuliar fancy of each succeeding superintendent. 

If the plan before mentioned be adopted, (and the committee hope that it will be,) 
the Smithsonian lot will form a part of an extended park, of which the Smithsonian 
building, by its site and picturesque style of architecture, will form a prominent 
and most attractive feature. 

For the accommodation of those who attend the lectures, plank walks have been 
put down from the doors of the building to the east and west extremities of the 
Smithsonian grounds. Much difficulty is still found, however, in getting access to 
the building during muddy walking; but in the opinion of the committee, it belongs 
to the corporation of the city of Washington, or other authority, to construct, and. 
keep in good condition, the approaches to the building which are beyond the Smith- 
sonian possessions. 

A foot bridge across the canal at Tenth street, would greatly increase the facility 
of access to those who reside in the central portion of the city. The construction of 
such a bridge has been proposed to the city council, and your committee hope that 
the objects and operations of this Institution will commend the proposition to their 


favorable consideration. 
For a minute statement of the progress made in the building, and other details 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 703: 


connected with the subjects noticed in the foregoing remarks, the committee refer to- 
the report of the architect hereto appended. Respectfully submitted. 
(Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
HENRY W. HILLIARD. 
WALTER LENOX. 
‘WASHINGTON, January 7, 1851. 
To the Honorable the Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution: 


GENTLEMEN: By a resolution of the Honorable the Board of Regents, passed July 
8, 1850, it was determined to change the plan originally adopted for the finish of the 
interior of the central building, which consisted of wooden columns and girders, and 
to substitute in its place a plan of fire-proofing. 

In accordance with the above resolution, the undersigned prepared and submitted 
to the honorable the committee, charged with the examination of the building, four 
different plans for fire-proofing, and the one preferred by him was adopted. 

This plan may be described as follows: The foundation will consist of a series of 
stone piers, connected by a system of inverted arches of brick, resting on base courses 
of long stone and laid in cement-mortar ; the inverted arches are arranged in such 
manner as to insure an equal pressure in all parts of the foundation, and thus to 
counteract, as far as possible, any unequal settlement of the earth upon which the 
building rests. The first story of the building, containing the library, &c., will be 
constructed with piers and groined arches of brick, laid in cement-mortar ; and the 
second story containing the museum, will be finished with cast-iron columns and 
girders and a groined ceiling furred with wrought-iron. The whole interior will be 
plastered on the above-described brick and iron work, in the same manner as was 
specified in the original contract, so as to complete the building in harmony with the 
original design. 

Though this change, in construction, will add to the expense of the building, it is 
believed that the additional cost will be repaid by the permanence of the fire-proofing, 
and the perfect security it will afford to the valuable collections which muy hereafter 
be placed in this portion of the building. 

The above determination of the honorable the Board of Regents, also rendered it 
necessary that only such portions of the work embraced in the original contract for 
the building as would harmonize and become an integral part of the fire-proofing, 
should be constructed by the present contractor and that the expense of the portions 
not necessary to effect this change should be deducted from the original contract price. 

It therefore became necessary to determine accurately the exact amount to be paid 
to the contractor under the above alteration in plan, and the undersigned, by the 
direction of the honorable the Building Committee, made a pro rata estimate of all 
the work embraced in the original contract, which estimate was based upon the origi- 
nal contract price. 

From this estimate an exact decision was then made of the amount to be paid to 
the present contractor for the work, which he would be required to finish in con- 
formity with the plan of fire-proofing, which was found to be $185,154. The follow- 
ing is an estimate of the cost of completing the whole building and its accessories, on 
the amended plan : 


Amount to be paid G. Cameron, for completing portions of building 


embraced in original contract, and necessary in amended plan_-_-_- $185,154 00 
Expense of fire-proofing central building, estimated at--_---.-----___- 44,000 00 
Peace cacentialbuliding 2 6e 2s el 8s ee ee le Case 8,000 00: 
Eoulenestto library and Museum) 222-522 ci eo ee 2,000 00 
Stairways to ‘ OY Oe seccnanece tacee Sea eae ee 425 00 
Furniture to ‘¢ Gib 'U, fob os asso die Silva 3 Se PA 4,700 00 
Pieironeaetacioys oAE 3 YES 5 Se Joe ea oe eee eo ee 200 00 
MBER es try lupe nie Ce ha os oe of CUA EN ON Ree eee 1,000 00 
Pees @ongral building 22 ese. 2s uk ec hed ee dee ee 3,500 00 
BUSeEces MIreaAGy PUbi Upic nate =i 2-b 2k Cee eee, Eee ais 1,135 63 
Architect, superintendent and incidental expenses of office ------______ 16,500 00 
ERG UINNCL S pees nes epee ed 2 ee Se Stal ee eS Ca ee 4,000 00 
PNG Ci NOM en Tne kas be a St = ks ee ee 4 4,000 00 

274,614 63 
admior contimeencies: sic nessi2 {ek De eee ea ie te 9,385 37 


falcanewphe stotalyamount Of: s8i.es5. 2 Spek eee eos see ~.-- $284,000 00 


704 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


It is the belief of the undersigned, that the above amount of $284,000 will, with 
proper economy, be sufficient to defray the expense of completing the building, and 
that when thus finished, it will, for cheapness and durability, be unsurpassed by any 
building with which I am acquainted. 

By a resolution, passed at the same time as the one directing the above alteration 
in plan, the honorable the Board of Regents also decided at the suggestion of the 
Hon. Jefferson Davis, ‘“‘ that the exterior of the building, and the interior of the 
towers be completed in accordance with the plan, and within the time specified in 
the contract.”’ 

To carry out this decision, the operations on the building, during the last year, 
have principally been directed to the completion of the exterior of the building and 
towers. 

It was the hope of the undersigned, that the towers would have been finished and 
roofed in before the winter. ; 

This expectation, has, however, not been realized, owing to the delay occasioned 
by the repairs in the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, which was not navigable for a 
period of nearly four months. 

The contractor was therefore unable to convey his stone from the quarry, and very 
little work was done on the building during the months most favorable for working. 

The present condition of the building is as follows: The eastern and western 
wings are completed with the exception of some small items which will be left un- 
finished until a few weeks before the completion of the present contract. 

The central is roofed in and slated, and enclosed in such manner as to be perfectly 
protected from the weather. 

The principal front tower is carried up to a height of one hundred and twenty-two 
feet, and covered in temporarily for the winter. 

The stone and mason work of the lower central front tower is completed, and the 
roof is on and slated. 

The campanile and northeast corner towers are roofed in. 

The central south tower is carried up to a height of forty feet. 

The southeast and southwest corner towers are carried up to the height of the 
cornice of the cell of the main building. 

The contractor states, that all the stones necessary for the completion of the build- 
ing are quarried. The greater portion of them are delivered at the building, and 
will be cut during the present winter. 

During the last year portions of the roads around the building have been graded 
and many trees and shrubs have been set out on the grounds. 

It is a source of satisfaction to the undersigned that the walls of the building have 
not as yet, shown any signs of settlement. When the various heights of the wall 
and towers, ranging from twenty-six to one hundred and twenty-two feet are con- 
sidered, this circumstance affords a satisfactory proof that the principles adopted in 
the construction of the building are correct, and that the care taken in calculating 
the weights and pressure of the different walls has not been uselessly expended, and 
that the construction of these most important parts of the building has been well 
performed. 

The following is a statement of the amount expended in the building up to the 
3lst of December, 1850: 


Amount expended on building up to December 1, 1847, was, as then 


stated. 222 2 eS ce Nea eh ye a ee ke $25,002 67 
Amount expended from December 1, 1847, to December 31, 1848-__-___ 53,934 74 
Amount expended from December 31, 1848, to December 31, 1849-----__ 56,383 76 


The amount expended on the building during the year 
1850, has been as follows: 


Paid (G..‘Cameron, contractor... 2s Le ee es oe OORT0G 
Paid architect, superintendent, and incidental expenses of 

TEN GG er Ts See Naf el cap ead a neg EE OE a 2,459 42 
IMiiscellaneouse ius ret mle Ne ale ey eee ae ape eee ei 1,868 05 
Grounds improvement of:. 92 so) ie or. 2 eee eee 1,616 46 


29,943 93 


Making total amount expended on building up to December 31, 1849, $165,265 10 


I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JAMES RENWICK, Jr., 
Architect Smithsonian Institution. 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 705 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1851. 


The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution beg leave to submit the 
following report of the progress of the building during the year 1851, and of the 
expenditures which have been made under their direction during the same time: 

By the resolution of the Board, at their session in 1847, the whole expenditure of 
the building, grounds and furniture, was limited to $250,000; and for the purpose of 
meeting this expense, without encroaching too much on the accruing and accrued 
interest, the building was not to be finished under five years from the time of its 
commencement. 

On account of the giving way of a part of the interior, the Regents, at their 
meeting in 1849, ordered a survey of the whole work by a commission of architects. 
This commission reported that the exterior of the building was well constructed of 
good materials ; that the interior, consisting of wood and plaster, was not proper for 
a depository of valuable property, much of which will be donations, presented with 
the implied condition that it would be properly secured against danger from fire. 

In accordance with this report, the Regents found it necéssary to deviate from their 
original intention, and to order the removal of the wood work which had been erected 
in the interior of the main building, and to direct that its place should be supplied 
by fire-proof materials. 

This change in the materials of construction, according to the estimate of the 
architect, James Renwick, jr., will require an additional outlay of about $44,000. 
In round numbers we may therefore estimate the entire cost of the building and 
furniture at $300,000. To meet the additional expense, the Regents have directed an 
extension of the time of completing the building. 

The contract of Mr. Cameron includes the finishing the whole of the exterior of 
the edifice, of the interior of the two wings, of the two connecting ranges, and of all 
the towers. This contract must be finished before the 19th of March of the present 
year; or, in other words, within the period of five years from the date of the con- 
tract. 

During the past year, all the exterior of the building, including all the towers, has 
been completed, and the public have now an opportunity of judging of the architect- 
ural effect, relative to which much discrepancy of opinion has existed. The majority 
of strangers who visit the city consider it a very beautiful edifice, of which the effect 
will be heightened by the improvement of the grounds and the planting of the trees. 

The committee, since the last meeting of the Board, have thought it advisable to 
order some changes and additions for the better security and use of the building. 
They haye directed that the spiral stairs leading from the bottom to the top of the 
octagonal tower, shall be constructed in iron, and that the groined arch, which forms 
the ceiling of the space between the front towers over the main entrance, shall be 
constructed in brick instead of wood and plaster; also, that the floor of the second 
story of the vestibule of the southern tower shall be laid with tile instead of wood. 
Besides these changes, intended to render the building more secure from fire, the 
committee have authorized the fitting up of three rooms in the basement of the west 
connecting range, for printing and stereotyping uses. 

In view of appropriating a portion of the main building to the purposes of a large 
lecture room, the committee have directed that the large doors of the main entrance 
shall be made to open outward, in order to avoid the fatal consequences sometimes 
occasioned by the rushing cut in a panic of a large crowd of individuals. 

To facilitate the approach to the Institution from Pennsylvania avenue, the corpo- 
ration of the city have appropriated $2,500 to the construction of an iron foot bridge 
across the canal at Tenth street, and the necessary footways. This bridge but for an 
accident would have been finished before this time and will probably be completed in 
the course of a few weeks. To connect this bridge with the centre of the Smithsonian 
building, Mr. Downing has constructed a gravel walk underlaid with coarse stone to 
serve asadrain. Across the bridge and along this path a series of iron pipes have 
been laid for conveying gas to the Smithsonian Institution from the main pipe along 
Pennsylvania avenue. 

The plan of the improvement of the public grounds mentioned in the last report 
of the committee has been adopted by the President, and is now in the process of 
rapid execution under the direction of Mr. Downing. When it is completed, the 
whole of the area known as the Mall, extending from the foot of Capitol hill to the 
Potomac river, will be converted into a beautiful park, adorned with evergreen and 
other ornamental trees, and traversed with carriage drives and gravel walks. In the 
midst of this variegated landscape the Smithsonian building will occupy a prominent 
position, and with its picturesque architecture will produce a harmonious effect. 


45° 


706 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The President of the United States in 1847 appropriated to the use of the Institu— 
tion nineteen acres of land, in the middle of which the building has been erected. 
This space was enclosed with a fence and planted with trees at the expense of the 
Smithsonian fund. The whole amount of expenditure for these objects was about 
four thousand dollars, but the execution of the plan before mentioned, at the expense 
of the general government, will render unnecessary any farther disbursements on. 
this account. 

Without surrendering the right of use of the ground appropriated to the Institu- 
tion, the partition fence between it and the other part of the Mall has been removed 
and the whole given-in charge to Mr. Downing, and his able assistant, Mr. Brecken- 
ridge. 

The committee recommend that the interior of the north and south towers, which 
connect with the rooms hereafter to be used for the library and museum, shall be 
made as far as possible fire-proof. It is also suggested that the gas and water-pipes. 
be laid in the building as it progresses. 

The attention of the Board is invited to the consideration of such measures as may 
be deemed preparatory to proceeding with the completion of the centre building, such. 
as plans and estimates. 


The following is submitted as an account of the expenditures of the Smithsonian 
Institution relative to the building during the year 1851. 


(Pay ON (COMErae ts tee a aa ee hat aE ee ee eee $22,000 00: 
SENY) (OMMAME MAGE CL: jC Cs is ee ak EO We eS ee eee 2,214 45 
Hixpenses of building Committee, ice 22222 ee eee 43 53 
Miscellancous:to building 2.222203 o ee ee ee 62 07 
Furniture, &c., to building_--___- Jou SE eace LS ok ais ee ne 1,135 95 
COU oe al an ge Ry ee 515 54 

$25,971 54 


Respectfully submitted : 
WALTER LENOX, 
GRAHAM N. FITCH, 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1852. 


The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution presents the following 
report of its operations during the past year: 

The contract between the Board of Regents and Gilbert Cameron has been declared 
completed by Mr. Renwick. It includes the finishing of the exterior of the entire 
building, the interior of the extreme wings and connecting ranges, and the interior 
of the towers, leaving the whole interior of the main building to be finished. This 
comprises a space of two hundred feet long by fifty wide, and about sixty high, to be 
divided into a basement and two stories. 

Mr. Renwick has presented to the Board his final decision as to the state of 
accounts between the Regents and the contractor. According to this, there is due to 
the latter the sum of $11,607.24. 

By a resolution of the Board, all the wood work and framing which now occupies 
the interior of the main building is to be removed, and its place supplied by fire- 
proof materials. In accordance with the direction of the Regents, the committee 
have procured plans and estimates of the proposed work, which are herewith submit- 
ted for the consideration of the Regents. These plans differ in some respects from 
the original design of the main building, and the changes are such as materially to 
improve the edifice, rendering it more stable and better adapted to the purposes of 
the Institution. Should the plans presented be adopted, the committee would advise 
that the new work be commenced as soon as the preliminary arrangements can be 
made, and prosecuted as rapidly as the funds will allow. The experience of last year 
has shown that, beyond a certain degree, the extension of the time of completing the 
building does not tend to improve the condition of the funds. The cost of superin- 
tendence is in proportion to the time, and not to the work done; and a more advan- 
tageous arrangement can be made for finishing the remainder of the building at once 
than by doing it in detached portions, unless the whole work be stopped for some 
years. The present condition of the building would scarcely warrant this measure. 

Mr. Renwick, in a letter to the Regents, signified his intention of declining fur- 
ther services to the Institution unless his account for full salary was paid by a speci- 
fied time. The Board of Regents, considering themselves unauthorized to continue 
his large salary for an indefinite length of time after the end of the five years, which 


Neel 
OS 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 707 


limited the duration of the original contract, passed a resolution that his claim should 
be paid, provided he would report as to the state of the account between the Board 
and the contractor previous to the discontinuance of his services. Mr. Renwick 
agreed to this proposition, and in accordance with it has presented his final report to 
the Regents. 

After Mr. Renwick left the charge of the building the committee employed Captain 
B. 8. Alexander, of the United States Corps of Engineers, to prepare detailed draw- 
ings and plans for rendering the remainder of the building entirely fire-proof. This 
gentleman is now engaged as superintendent in the erection of the military and naval 
asylum for the District of Columbia, and is highly recommended to the committee 
by the officers of the army and navy, as well as by the fact that so important a work 
has been intrusted to his superintendence. 

Should the plans which are herewith submitted to the Board be adopted, the com- 
mittee would recommend that Captain Alexander be appointed, with the consent of 
the superior of his corps, to superintend the completion of the building. As he is an 
officer of the army, on duty in this city, he will be enabled to give daily attention to 
the work at a comparatively small expense. 

GRAHAM N. FITCH, 
Coo Hee. Building Committee. 
JOSEPH HENRY, 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1853. 


The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution beg leave to present to 
the Board of Regents the following report of their operations and expenditures 
during the year 1853: 

It will be recollected by the Regents that the first plan of the Smithsonian building 
contemplated finishing the interior with wood and plaster, and that the Board subse- 
quently adopted a resolution directing the wood-work to be removed and its place to 
be supplied with fire-proof materials. 

In accordance with this resolution, the Building Committee directed plans and 
estimates to be made by Captain B. 8. Alexander, of the United States corps of 
engineers. These plans were laid before the Board at the last meeting, and approved ; 
reserving, however, to the Building Committee the right to make any changes which 
they might think desirable during the progress of the work. Mr. Renwick having 
retired from the office of architect, Captain Alexander was appointed in his place. 

It will also be recollected by the Board that, shortly before the close of their last 
session, Mr. Gilbert Cameron, the former contractor, petitioned the Regents to be 
allowed to finish the building, alleging that, if he was not granted this privilege, his 
reputation as a builder would be injured; and also affirming that he was legally 
entitled to be allowed to complete the work, by the terms of his original contract, 
which the Board had never declared forfeited. 

This subject was referred to the Building Committee, and legal advice was asked 
by them, in reference to it, from J. M. Carlisle, Esq., who has acted for some years as 
counsel to the Board of Regents. His opinion was in favor of the claims of Mr. 
Cameron. The question was also submitted to P. R. Fendall, Esq., United States 
district attorney, who coincided in opinion with Mr. Carlisle. 

In accordance with these opinions, the committee concluded to let Mr. Cameron 
proceed with the work on the terms which he had previously submitted to them, and 
which was within the estimate which had been made by the architect. 

Some delay unavoidably took place in arriving at this decision, and consequently 
the work was not commenced until June 13, 1853. Since then, however, it has been 
prosecuted with great vigor, and to the entire satisfaction of the committee. The 
roof has been temporarily secured, the entire frame of wood-work which occupied 
the interior removed, and a cellar excavated. A large brick sewer has been con- 
structed through the middle of the building, and carried outward toward the canal, 
by which the cellar may be thoroughly drained and all waste water discharged. The 
foundation walls, piers, and arches, of a spacious and commodious basement, have 
been completed; the piers in the main story have been built, and the beams and 
arches of the floor for the rooms above finished. The brick-work of the upper story 
has also been completed ; in short, the masonry from the foundation to the roof, and 
more than nine-tenths of the brick-work, have been finished. The principal part of 
the work yet remaining to be accomplished, according to the statement of the archi- 
tect, may be classified as follows: 


708 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


1. Finishing the necessary stairways for the lecture-room and gallery. 

2. Supporting the roof, so that the columns in the second story may be dispensed 
with. 

3. Completing the interior finish, such as flooring, plastering, painting, &e. 

4. Fitting up the lecture-room with seats. 

The committee found great difficulty in deciding upon a proper position and plan 
of a lecture-room, and, after much deliberation and frequent consultations, finally 
concluded to place it in the second stcry, in the middle of the main building, where 
the greatest width could be obtained. 

The original plan contemplated the placing of the large lecture-room on the first 
floor; but in this position it was impossible to procure a sufficient space, uninter- 
rupted by large columns, which would materially interfere with the employment of 
the room for the purpose intended. In endeavoring to overcome this difficulty, it was 
at one time proposed to support the floor of the whole space of fifty feet in width by 
means of heavy girders; but this being considered unsafe, the idea was abandoned. 
The only plan, therefore, at the option of the committee for providing a suitable 
lecture-room, was that which has been adopted. According to the present income 
and policy of the Institution, this is cheaper than any other plan proposed; and 
should the building ever be required for other purposes, such as an entire museum or 
library, the division walls could easily be removed, and the whole space reconverted 
into one large room. The plan adopted, therefore, makes the best provision for the 
present wants of the Institution, and can readily be adapted to any proposed change 
in the future application of the building. ‘The whole of the first story has been 
thrown into one large room, with arrangements for dividing it, if necessary, by 
screens, into two apartments, with a central hall or wide passage between. 

The committee have kept constantly in view the idea of rendering the main build- 
ing entirely fire-proof, and of constructing it in the most durable and substantial 
manner. This they have been enabled to accomplish through the constant supervision 
of Captain Alexander, who, as it appears to the committee, has successfully evinced 
in this work a combination of practical skill and scientific knowledge. 

From a comparison of the work done with that which remains to be accomplished, 
the architect is of opinion that, should nothing happen to prevent it, the building 
will be finished during the present year, and at a cost within the estimate; conse- 
quently, the $58,000 recommended to be set aside by the Executive Committee in 
their last report, together with a portion of the income of the past year, will be suffi- 
cient to defray all the expenses, and leave the $150,000 untouched. This refers, how- 
ever, mainly to the completion of the building, and not to the furniture, which must 
be purchased by degrees out of the accruing interest on the above-mentioned sum. 

At the last session of the Board of Regents a resolution was adopted authorizing 
the erection of a small building for a magnetic observatory. This structure has been 
completed, and is now furnished with instrwments, and will soon be in successful 
operation. It consists of a small room twelve feet by sixteen, under ground, enclosed 
by a nine-inch brick wall, within which the instruments are placed. This room is 
surrounded by a rough stone wall, leaving a space of two feet in width on each side 
to permit a free circulation of air, for keeping the interior apartment dry. Above 
ground the structure is of wood, so finished as to correspond to some extent with the 
architecture of the Smithsonian building, and consists principally of an entry and 
one room sixteen feet square, to serve as an office and computing room for the 
observer. The whole cost of this building is $1,578.28. The entire expenditure on 
the building during the past year, exclusive of the magnetic observatory, is as follows: 


env ON COD LRACES 2g ees pee ea alas See a eee eae eS $25,500 00 
Architect and draughtsmen -----_-__~-- pb ebede ease ook eee eee 1,580 70 
iMrscellaneous incidentals Soe. 2 Sona ee ee ee 261 84 
SHRI GUT) LS ee ie ee eee ee re 471 16 


$27,813 70 


Respectfully submitted. 
RICHARD RUSH, 
JOHN W. MAURY, | Batting Committee. 
JOSEPH HENRY, 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1854. 


The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution presents the following 
report of their operations and expenditures during the year 1854: 


i IPE cet eta Ea EY ee 6 


— ee 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 709 


It was stated in the last report that the work of completing the building was com- 
menced by Mr. Gilbert Cameron, the original contractor, under the direction of 
Captain Alexander, of the engineer corps, on the 18th of June, 1853. It has been 
uninterruptedly prosecuted from that time to the present, and the committee are now 
pleased to inform the Board that the main or centre building is finished, with the 
exception of*a few and unimportant additions. 

It was, however, discovered, in the progress of the work, that many changes and 
additions would be required, in the plan adopted, for the better security and adapta- 
tion of the building, which would involve an additional expense; but in the present 
state of the Institution, and in consideration of the long delay in finishing the 
edifice, the committee thought it best to press on the work. 

The main building, which is 200 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 60 feet from the base- 
ment floor to the upper ceiling, is divided into three stories. The first story consists 
of the basement, separated into two large rooms, and the space between them for the 
heating apparatus. The two apartments are intended for store rooms and other pur- 
poses connected with the mechanical operations of the Institution. 

The second story consists of one large room, 200 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 25 feet 
high, the ceiling of which is supported by two rows of columns extending the whole 
length ; at the middle of the space corresponding to the principal entrances, are two 
wing walls, by which, with the addition of screens, the whole space may be divided 
into two large rooms, with a hall extending across the building between them. This 
story may be used for a library or a museum, or for both, as the wants of the Insti- 
tution may require. It is finished in a simple but chaste style, and has received 
general commendation. Indeed it is, perhaps, in appearance, one of the most 
imposing rooms in this country, apart from adaptation to its purposes. 

The floor through the middle part is formed of cut stone, that of the other parts 
is of wood, which, resting on the arches beneath, without space between to contain 
air, is considered sufliciently fire-proof, and not subject to dampness from the varia- 
tion of temperature and humidity of the atmosphere. 

The upper story is divided into three apartments without pillars, a lecture room 
of about 100 fect in length in the middle, and two rooms, each 50 feet square, on 
either side. These rooms are intended for collections. The one on the west may be 
connected with the library, and that on the east with the museum. The latter has 
been fitted up with cases in which to deposit the collection of apparatus presented to 
the Institution by Dr. Hare, the other with a separate case to contain the personal 
effects of James Smithson. The lecture room, the optical and acoustic properties of 
which are probably unsurpassed by any apartment intended for the same purpose in 
the United States, occupies one-half of the upper story of the main building, besides 
a portion of the front and rear towers; its precise length is 96 feet, and extreme 
width 62 feet. It will comfortably seat 1,500 persons, and, when crowded, will con- 
tain upwards of 2,000. The apartments on each side of the lecture room, besides 
being fitted up with cases for books, specimens, or apparatus, can be used for meet- 
ings of associations, while large assemblies for public discussions can be accommo- 
dated in the lecture room. 

The whole arrangement of the upper part of the building is made with a view to 
afford facilities for meetings of large associations which have for their object the 
promotion, diffusion, or application of knowledge. If at any time the space now 
occupied by the lecture room should be required for other purposes, the seats and 
gallery may be removed and the partition walls which are unconnected with the 
roof may be taken down and the whole upper story converted into one large hall. 
Besides the main building just finished, the whole edifice consists of two wings, two 
connecting ranges, and a front and rear projection at the middle on which towers 
are erected. 

The whole amount paid on account of the building, the grounds, and furniture is 
$299,414.14. The amount paid during the past year is $55,021.14, of which $13,000 
is on the work previously done under the direction of the former architect. In order 
to secure the faithful performance of the work, fifteen per cent. has been withheld 
from the monthly payments until the whole should be finished. The sum which, 
on this account, is still due to the contractor, has not yet definitely been ascertained. 
According to an addendum to the original contract, the Regents were at liberty to 
make any changes in the building or in the time of its completion which they might 
deem necessary, and the contractor should receive pro rata, according to the prices 
agreed upon, for work so executed, and reasonable compensation for damages which 
might be sustained. 


The following letter from the architect will give additional information : 


710 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Wasuinaton, D. C., December 80, 1854. 


GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to report to you that the work on your building 
has been prosecuted during the past year without intermission, and that the central 
portion of it is now nearly completed. 

There are some small matters yet to be attended to, and a few trifling.repairs and 
alterations yet to be made in the other parts of the building. These can all be 
completed in a few weeks. 

Iam happy to state that the building has been completed without any accident, 
either to the workmen employed, or to the building itself, and that in my opinion, 
every part of the work has been substantially done. 

I have devoted much study to the plans which have been executed, und given the 
work my personal supervision nearly every day. 

An examination of the rooms of the central building will impress one with the 
idea of great simplicity. There is not much ornament, but still enough, as I think, 
to enable the building to do its duty with grace and dignity. 

The lower hall is equally adapted to the purposes of a museum ora library. The 
lecture room is the best which it was possible to make within the walls of the build- 
ing, and now that it has been completed, I am happy in being enabled to state that 
were it to be made over again, I would not alter any of its essential features. 

I would not be doing justice to Professor Henry were I not to acknowledge the 
great assistance I have received from him in arranging the details of this room. I 
am free to confess that during the progress of the work he has given me suggestions 
which have materially improved my plans. 

It will be seen by an examination of the payments which have been made to the 
contractor, that the cost of completing the building considerably exceeds the esti- 
mates which I prepared before the work was begun. This is due in part to the rise 
in the prices of materials and labor, but principally to the execution of many 
improvements which were not originally contemplated, but which it was thought 
best to make during the prosecution of the work. These improvements were the 
sewers for drainage; the cisterns for supplying water; the substitution of stone for 
iron stairs; the making of new sashes for many of the windows; the strengthening 
and in part reconstruction of the roof of the main building, putting in copper 
gutters and leaders on the towers, besides other alterations and additions tending 
to swell the cost of the work. 

Hoping that my efforts to improve your building will meet your approbation, as 
well as that of the Board of Regents, 

I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, you obedient servant, 
B.S. ALEXANDER, 
Architect Smithsonian Institution. 
To THE BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


A full statement of the amount due the contractor cannot be given until a more 
precise estimate of all the items of work done under the direction of the architect 
has been made. 

Respectfully submitted. 
RICHARD RUSH, 
WILLIAM H. ENGLISH, | puting Committee. 
JOSEPH HENRY, 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1855. 


The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution present the following 
report of their operations and expenditures during the year 1855: 

It was stated in the last report that the main or centre building was nearly finished 
on the Ist of January, 1855. Since then the whole edifice has been completed, and 
the final report of the architect approved by the committee. After the construction 
of the new lecture-room, the east wing of the building was entirely unoccupied. It 
consisted of a single room 75 feet long, 45 feet wide, and about 30 feet high. This 
has been divided into two stories, the lower one principally consisting of a large room 
at present used for the reception and distribution of all the articles of exchange, and 
also a depository of the extra copies of the publications of the Institution. The 
upper story is occupied by a suite of rooms for the accommodation of the Secretary, 
in accordance with the original intention of the Board, as expressed in their resolu- 
tion fixing the compensation of that officer. The fitting up of this wing was made 
under a separate contract with Mr. Wm. Choppin, and the whole completed to the 


REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. GA 


satisfaction of the architect for $8,500. This sum includes both the finishing of the 
large room below and the apartments of the Secretary above. 

The grounds around the building have been kept in repair under the direction of 
the Secretary of the Interior, and it is hoped that an appropriation by Congress will 
enable this officer to complete the design of Mr. Downing for the general improve- 
ment of the"Mall, and the supply of specimens of our native forest trees which may 
be used for ornamental purposes. 

The whole amount paid on account of the building during the last year, including 
furniture and fixtures and grounds, is $19,312.87, which added to the sum previously 
paid for the same objects as stated in the last report, ($299,414.14,) will make 
$318,727.01. Of this sum $308,184.49 are for the building and grounds; and if to 
this we add $4,569.10 due the contractor, and about $1,000 due on gas fitting, fixtures, 
&c., the whole amount expended on building and grounds, exclusive of furniture, 
will be $313,753.59. The whole cost of the building was at one time limited to 
$250,000; but this limitation was made with the intention of finishing the interior of 
the main edifice in wood and plaster. This plan was afterwards abandoned, and one 
in which fire-proof materials were employed was substituted. 

A statement on file from Capt. Alexander gives in detail the work done and the 
payments made thereon from the time he took charge of the work until its final com- 
pletion. According to this, the whole amount paid for completing the interior of 
the main building in fire-proof materials is $79,684.17. This sum is much larger 
than his original estimate ; the cause of the difference, as stated by himself, being as 
follows: 

‘Tt is due in part to the rise in the prices of materials and labor, but principally 
to the execution of many improvements which were not originally contemplated, but 
which it was thought best to make during the prosecution of the work. These 
improvements were the sewers for drainage ; the cisterns for supplying water; the 
substitution of stone for iron stairs; the making of new sashes for many of the 
windows ; the strengthening and in part reconstruction of the roof of the main build- 
ing ; putting in copper gutters and leaders on the towers, besides other alterations 
and additions tending to swell the cost of the work.”’ 

So many changes had been made in the plan of finishing the interior, and such 
different materials had been employed, that it was impossible to be guided by the 
original bid of the contractor, and therefore the committee were obliged to be gov- 
erned entirely by the estimate of the architect. They, however, took the precaution 
to submit his award to Capt. Meigs, superintendent of the Capitol extension, who, 
under the circumstances of the case, expressed his approval of it. 

Though the building is finished, an annual appropriation will be required for 
repairs and the substitution on parts of the roofs of the ranges and wings, of copper 
in place of tin. 

Respectfully submitted. ; 
RICHARD RUSH, 

W. H. ENGLISH, 
JNO. T. TOWERS, 
JOSEPH HENRY, 


| Building Committee. 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1856. 


The Building Committee of the Smithsonian Institution present the following 
report of their operations and expenditures during the year 1856: 

At the date of the last report of the cémmittee, the building was considered finished, 
but it has been thought best, during the past year, to make a series of additional 
drains from the principal windows and doors of the basement to the main sewer, 
which passes under ground from the extreme east end of the building along the 
middle of the cellar to the west end of the principal edifice, and thence through the 
grounds to another sewer emptying into the canal. The length of these additional 
‘drains in the aggregate amounts to about seven hundred and thirty-three feet. They 
were necessary to carry off the water which descends through the spouts from the 
roof, and the rain which falls into the sunken spaces exterior to the windows and 
doors of the basement. They are constructed of brick, and supplied in each case 
with a trap to prevent the escape of offensive effluvia. 

During the last summer, according to the statement of the Secretary, a very dis- 
agreeable odor was perceived in the east wing of the building, which was readily 
traced to the main sewer. It was observed to be more intense at certain times than 
at others, and after considerable examination was found to depend on the tide wave 


712 REPORTS OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


of the Potomac, which enters the extreme mouth of the sewer, condenses the con- 
tained air, and forces it back to the extremity of the drains, where it escapes through 
the minute crevices of the encasing brick-work. The cause of the difficulty having 
been discovered, a remedy was readily suggested. This consisted in tapping the 
main drain before it reached the building, and erecting over the opening a chimney 
communicating with the exterior atmosphere. Through this the condensed air 
escapes, the internal pressure is relieved, and the disagreeable effluvium is no longer 
forced into the building. 

The attention of the Building Committee has also been directed by the Secretary 
to the fact that, in the original plan of the edifice, it was intended to provide for the 
drainage in a manner differing from the present mode. For this purpose, three large 
cylindrical excavations were made in the ground, two on the front, and one in the 
rear of the building. They are each about nine feet in diameter, thirty feet deep 
cased with brick, and covered with plank and earth. Fear has. been expressed that 
the wooden coverings of these wells may decay, and that accidents may occur from 
the breaking through of carriages. The committee would, therefore, recommend 
that they be either filled up, or permanently secured by a dome of brick over each. 
The latter plan is perferred, both on account of cheapness and the fact that one of 
the excavations may hereafter be used as an ice-house, and the others for investiga- 
tions connected with subterraneous temperature and other physical phenomena. 

From the statement of the accounts given by the Executive Committee it will 
be seen that the following sums have been expended on the building, viz: 


Pay on contracts, &c.------ ee ee $6,036 38. 

Repairs and miscellaneous incidentals___-_.._2--_- __--__= -__-_-____ 1,359 23 

The first item includes the amount paid the original contractor, Gilbert Cameron, 

to close his account, and also for the drains and other permanent additions to the 

building. The second item includes all the sums paid for work done on the roof, 
and for repairing and painting all the water-courses lined with tinned iron. 

Respectfully submitted. 
WM. H. ENGLISH, 


JOSEPH HENRY, \ Building Committee. 


Report of the Building Committee for the year 1857. 


The building of the Smithsonian Institution having been completed, the special 


object of the Building Committee for which it was originally appointed, might be: 


considered accomplished, and therefore an annual report no longer necessary ; but. 
as a large portion of the edifice remained unfinished, and since repairs are required 


which will probably be very expensive, it is thought proper that the committee 


should be continued. , 
At the last session of Congress an appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars was 


made for cases for the accommodation of the collections belonging to Government. 
These are now finished and form a beautiful addition to the large hall, and are 
apparently well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended. With strict 
economy the appropriation of Congress has been found sufficient to provide accom- 
modations for the present reception of the articles, though in the course of time 
additional cases will be required. 

The west wing of the building, devoted to the library, has been furnished with 
alcoves and a gallery extending around three sides of the large room. This arrange-. 
ment, which will serve very much to increase the accommodation and security of 
the books, produces a very pleasing architectural effect. 

The large cisterns in the grounds near the building, which were directed to be 


arched over at the last session of the Board, have been properly secured, and one of 


them converted into an ice house. 
The balance of a bill for gas fixtures, which had been contracted by the architect, 


and which remained unsettled, on account of a disagreement as to certain charges, 
has been finally paid, after a reduction of $352.99. 

The peculiar style of architecture of the building, and the large amount of surface 
it exposes to the weather, renders constant repairs necessary. During the past year 
almost the whole time of two workmen has been occupied in this service. 


Respectfully submitted. 
RICHARD RUSH, 
WILLIAM H. exenisi, } puting Committee. 
JOSEPH HENRY, 


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


It has been stated to the Board that the fire which occurred on the 24th of 
January, 1865, destroyed the roof and all the interior of the upper story of the 
main building, the interior of the two large north towers, and also of the large 
south tower. 

The first step toward the reconstruction of the building was to secure the 
services of a competent person as architect and engineer to prepare plans and 
superintend the work. For this purpose Mr. Adolph Cluss, who had designed 
and directed the building of the principal school-houses of the city, was em- 

loyed. ; 

4 The next thing to be done was the making of a critical survey to ascertain 
the actual state of the walls, and to determine what parts it was necessary first 
to rebuild. This survey forced upon the committee the conviction that the 
original construction of the building, as a whole, was very defective, and, in 
many respects, unsuited as a receptacle of records and other valuable articles, 
the loss of which could never be repaired. The exterior of all the walls con- 
sists of a facing of red sandstone, bound to an irregular backing of bluestone 
of very bad workmanship: In the main building, and in the lower portion of 
the large south tower, was inserted a four-inch brick lining, separated by an air 
space from the main walis. This lining is not bound to the walls, and, there- 
fore, does not add to their strength. It is merely a furring, intended to pre- 
vent dampness by the condensation of moisture from the atmosphere. This 
furring is open at the top, and it was into this that the stove-pipe was inserted 
which led to the accident by fire. In all the other rooms of the towers the 
plastering was upon the rough rubble work. 

The heavy projecting cornice of the south tower was merely set in place 
without fastening, and, consequently could not withstand any disturbing action. 

The parts of the building which were not injured by fire, namely, the two 
wings and connecting ranges, as far as the committee have had the opportunity 
of examining, are defective in materials and construction. 'The floors, in some 
cases, though covered with flagging and filled in with deafening, rest upon 
beams of pine wood, which is decayed, and in the course of a few years the 
interior of these parts will require renewal. 

It is proper to state that the foregoing remarks on the character of the mate- 
rials, and the construction of the building, are not applicable to the work on 
the main edifice, subsequently executed under the superintendence of Captain 
(now General) B. S. Alexander, of the United States engineers. This work, 
which principally consisted in the arching of the basement and main story of 
the upper building, was executed in fire-proof materials, and prevented the ex- 
tension of the fire, and, consequently, the destruction of the entire edifice and 
all its contents. 

From the foregoing account of the original construction of the building, it 
will not be surprising that the effect of the fire was found to be much more 
serious than previous to this survey it had been supposed, and that the work to 
be done could not be confined to the mere repairing of the injury caused by the 
fire, but would include also the rebuilding of a considerable part of the edifice; 
and this was particularly the case on account of the decision of the Board that 
the restoration should be in all parts indestructible by fire. 74, 


714 REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The heavy projecting cornice of the south tower had fallen down, in part, 
and the remainder was unfit to receive a new roof. 


The high brick columns, extending from the cellar to the eaves of the main — 


building, and supporting the northern wall of the south tower, were so much 
damaged by the fire as to require to be removed, and, consequently, with them 
the above-mentioned wall itself. The lining of the upper story of the main 
building was also so much injured that the greater portion of this will require 
renewal. But the most instable portion of the building, and that which gave 
rise to most anxiety, was the principal northern tower. ‘This, which is one hun- 
dred and forty feet high, starts from a square base, and is gradually transformed 
into a regular octagon of smaller dimensions. Four sides of this octagon rest 
upon the sides of the original square, but project into the interior, while its 
other four sides extend diagonally across the angles of the square, and are sup- 
ported by rough and impertect corbel work, consisting of masses of bluestone 
very seriously affected by the fire. The tower was originally divided intv a 
series of stories by transverse wooden beams and plank floors, which were en- 
tirely destroyed. The anxiety in regard to this tower was increased by ob- 
serving a vertical crack extending a considerable portion of the height of the 
tower, but whether this had previously been produced by unequal settling, and 
had merely been increased by the unequal expansion of the exterior and inte- 
rior walls, due to the fire, or entirely produced by the latter cause, could not be 
definitely ascertained. As this part of the building imperatively demanded im- 
mediate care, the architect was directed to give it his first attention. After a 
due consideration of its then present condition and its future use as a receptacle 
of heavy articles, it was considered necessary to erect within it a lining of solid 
brick-work nine inches thick, laid in cement, from the bottom to the top, firmly 
united to the original wall, and serving as the support to iron beams of the brick 
floors. And, furthermore, it was concluded to fill up, in brick-work, a number 
of the high, narrow windows in each story, which would add to the strength of 
the structure without affecting externally its architectural appearance. 

A similar construction was directed in the other principal north tower, and 
the work in both has been executed in such a manner as to give assurance that 
these parts of the building will not merely be restored, but will also be rendered 
more stable than they were before the conflagration. The crack above men- 
tioned has been found, by the undisturbed condition of a thin stratum of plaster 
placed over it, to have remained the same, and the walls, for several months 
previous and during the winter, have not undergone any perceptible change. 

While the work immediately required for the safety of the front towers was 
in progress, plans were discussed and prepared for the interior of these as well 
as for that of the south tower, with a view to their better adaptation to the 
wants of the establishment. 

The original plan of the building included four principal staircases leading to 
the upper story of the edifice, one on each side of the north entrance, and a 
similar arrangement on the right and another on the left of the south entrance. 
As these occupied a large portion of useful space, it was thought best to increase 
the size of those at the north entrance, dispense with those on the southern, and 
so arrange the heights of the stories of all the towers as to render them more 
available for the business operations of the establishment. 

The work which has been done on the southern tower consists in the removal 
of the north wall and a considerable part of the upper portion of the other 
three walls; the preparation of a part of the freestone, from which to reconstruct 
the exterior wall; the greater portion of the brick-work of the basement, and 
the furnishing of the cast-iron columns intended to replace the brick piers which 
supported the northern wall of this tower. ; 

Immediately after the fire, measures were taken by the Secretary to secure 
the property from the weather by a temporary roof over the main building, and 


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 715 


this was effected through the kind assistance of the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Seere- 
tary of War, who authorized General Meigs, Quartermaster General, to con- 
struct, under the direction of General Rucker, the covering required, though at 
the expense of the Institution. The work was executed, during the most in- 
clement period of the year, in the short space of two days. ‘this temporary 
roof, covered with felt saturated with tar, has served the purpose intended. It 
will, however, rapidly deteriorate, and, consequently, the first object of the 
committee, during the coming season, will be to decide on the character of the 
roof, and to hasten its completion as rapidly as the work can properly be ac- 
complished. 

In the restoration of the building the committee have been governed by the 
following considerations : 

1st. To render the work entirely stable, both in regard to material and mode 
of construction. 

2d. To render it thoroughly fire-proof. 

3d. In view of the great cost at present of material and workmanship, and 
the condition of the funds of the Institution, at first to do such work as should 
be necessary to preserve the stability of the several parts of the building, and 
prevent injury to the property by the weather. 

The following is a detailed account of the expenditures on the building up to 
the close of the operations for the winter. It includes not only the items of 
expenditure immediately connected with the reconstruction, but also those 
which were necessary as preliminaries in the security of the property and the 
temporary repair of such parts as could not be deferred : 


Expenditures on the Smithsonian building from January, 1865, to April, 1866. 
PRELIMINARY WORK AND CURRENT EXPENSES. 


Pay of laborers removing debris after the fire, taking 


down walls, and general cleaning up.......---..-. $1,055 29 
Temporary roof, constructed under direction of Quarter- 

REE OTOL pavac 5 xc,ac arco, 5-01: arcvclar « Serato ee Sisnewionees 1.974525 
moby Of Carpenters—repairs -....5.-2-.055555.5--4- 254 75 
MEMEO ICKEINIGHS) 2.2). 22 <scece ec see clacive casas 28 25 
MEP IDZICED a) oho. 2-- we) ale o\s,s/eje\s\>)s sje > leis 2: 5/afs.ecia 121 95 
BERG UOOSLCtElS «core 5 wc oo oe 2 spon ew = cleeniee c= aos 98 00 
Rts RCH SOULE ocelot cie, Sere ayes imine o/ sia) wc ieisialaraeerla, « 544 50 
See tOOlss ANd, hardware. ...--.-.s<cesecgude sees 849 33 
Water and gas pipes, new plugs, extensions, and repairs 1,569 44 
Tin work, new roof on tower, and repairs.......-.... 256 20 
Repairs to felt roof, and miscellaneous items.......-- 93 92 

—--—— 6,845 88 
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING. 
Iron work, beams, doors, frames, &c........--...--- 9,052 22 
Sata a) l= fat =o \a) vir, “icine = inte sitet ei 400 00 
ear brick (240,333, at $15) ..-...--.20---ee0 sen 3,605 00 
Pressed brick (32,200, at $23) .-...----.--.--.---- 740 60 
SMPTE IPE 8 = oo ol olny Sinia Sine ave: oje/m see PRee e reels 2,185 84 
BERTINI DATTCIS <.<.0.55 2-00 do cus ae cjoseemce ele 1,436 52 
DETR P ETH IMEG KEL Gia ce2) 2) faa ats dle ela wiaveald cern glaladharetators 546 05 
DRT UNO oes ht oh ars ah5) sos aw (aile) o's)et etatriafapotereleveceila)s 12 64 
Hardware, nails, steel, iron clamps, tools, &c.......-.- 632 82 
fepe; blocks, and derricks +... . <2. 55s-s.cessee see 135 95 


RCRA Ga) COs oy ors Scho: oie larela! o-aeveyayeyererainle afew averse 18 00 


716 REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


Brieklayergiiii i. te Giclee eis ae eines ee ee 6,066 86 
Stonecutters (265 2s BE A cic eh RE A EL a 6,609 29 
Carpenters and ‘laborers! oi. 2am ioe we Se ee 4,464 35 
Blacksmithial: 247 2G eee Ree es Eke yee 465 37 
1 ors) ge MA es Rr UMP 4 eae Ey 2 475 75 
(Painters spucs, OU hb ee neem ele ya 2) 2a 20d ieee 46 00 
‘Architects aoe eae e cr eerie So anus fe 925 00 
Freight ‘nad hauling: Ue Sees os ce fo Sse ee ee S22) 82s 
——— 38, 641 08 


ee 


*$45, 486 96 


The following are the estimates of the architect for the work to be completed 
as Tar as possible during the present year : 

1st. 'To finish the floor, ceiling, and walls of the northern vestibule or prin- 
cipal entrance to the main building, and doors from this into rooms in the two 
towers, one on each side; also to put sashes in the tower windows and openings, 
further to roof in main tower, and space between the two front towers; also to 
finish the space occupied by main stairs, $8,000. 

2d. For iron work and necessary masonry for the principal staircases and 
doors into rooms and apartments from the lower hall, about $6,500. 

3d. For roofing the main building, $17,500. 

4th. For the masonry of the south tower, so far as the completion of the en- 
closure, and for roofing the same, $9,600. 

Respectfully submitted. 
RICHARD DELAFIELD, 
RICHARD WALLACH, 
JOSEPH HENRY, 

Building Committee. 

WASHINGTON, April 28, 1866. 


* The difference between this sum and that given in the report of the Executive Committee 
is due to the difference of the dates of the two accounts. 


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


The restoration of the building has been prosecuted during the last year as 


| rapidly as the funds at the disposal of the committee and the character of the 
work would permit. 


It will be recollected that the damage occasioned by the fire consisted princi- 


_ pally in the destruction of the roof and upper story of the main building, the 
interior of the large north and south central projections, and the towers con- 
_ nected with them. 


It will be further recollected that in the reconstruction of the building, as 
stated in the last report, the committee were governed by the following consid- 
erations : 

1. To render the work entirely stable, both as to material and mode of con- 
struction. 

2. To render it thoroughly fire-proof. 

3. In view of the great cost at present of material and workmanship, and 
the means at the disposal of the committee; to do first, such work as would be 


| necessary to preserve the stability of the several parts of the building, and pre- 


vent injury by the weather. . 

Immediately after the fire, a temporary covering was placed over the main 
building in such a position as not to interfere with the subsequent erection of the 
permanent roof. ‘T’o secure the northern towers, a 9-inch lining of brick was 
laid in cement from the bottom to the top, and firmly united to the original wall. 
In this and all the other parts of the building reconstructed, wrought-iron gird- 
ers and brick arches were substituted for wooden beams and floors. 

The large south tower was so much injured that thirty feet of the upper por- 
tion had to be taken down and rebuilt, the cost of which was much enhanced 
by the necessity of recutting a large amount of new stone for the facing. This 
tower has been divided into six stories, affording as many large rooms, the 
lower for an extension of the museum, an upper one for the meetings of the 
Regents, and the others for storage, &c. The offices for the accommodation of the 
Secretary and assistants will be in the northern towers and connecting space. 

The principal access to the second story of the main building is by two large 
iron staircases, one on either side of the northern entrance. These have been 
completed. 

All the towers and connections with the main building have been covered with 
substantial roofs. After much inquiry and personal investigation it was con- 
cluded to adopt the plan for the roof of the main building of wrought-iron 
framing, and slate covering, the latter secured in place by wire to iron purlines, 
and pointed underneath by a coating of cement. 

A contract was made for the roof in July with the Phoenix Iron Company, of 
Philadelphia, the proposals from which were the lowest; but owing to unex- 

717 


a 


718 REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


pected delays the iron frame was not received until too late in the season for 
putting on the slate, without injury to the cement by frost. The work will, 
however, be prosecuted as early in the spring as the condition of the weather 
will permit. 

The inside lining of the walls of the second story of the building, which had 
been much injured by the fire, has been removed and its place supplied by anew > 
9-inch brick wall laid in cement, securely tied and clamped to the outer stone- 
work. 

The chairman of the committee has given personal attention to the work in 
its progress, and can state from actual knowledge that the plans, material and 
workmanship are of a satisfactory character, alike creditable to the talents and | 
careful supervision of Mr. Cluss, the architect. 

The following is an exhibit of the whole amount expended up to the end of © 
the year 1866, on the reconstruction of the building: 


Detailed statement of payments made on the reconstruction of the Smithsonian 
building, from January 1, 1865, to January 1, 1867. 


Tron-work—beams, doors, frames, &c..--.--.-- -------++--+-s-: $12,728 58° 
iron-work-—staircase north: halle ss 2 oe ote ike See 4,043 25 | 
Tron-work—new, wOOl as aioe eee cee ie oe ee eee 482 55 | 
Stone, from quarry at Seneca creek, Maryland........-.-.---. 1,468 94 | 
Sione cutting and setting: o = G2. one ale elec ne ia = ee oea 14,165 40 | 
Brick: for walls. foorsweces asiacteis ole cies Syl ee cay 7,242 2a 
bia d Eh (oa eeee ROE UN ORSem t MMM Seca seinecm cer 5 9,371 34) 
Dame Reiss ee Pelee ict eats oh ccicio a oie ue eataronteen skeletons eet fie eee 2,185 84 | 
Carpentersiand JaborerseeSaitect olsen eect Reet 6, 571 2a 
Qement ose a ce ace eieiate Sea alate eae ete a tererarerenne a hal ete ELeneae 1,436 52) 
Said. wan Ue) etsie teeny eicne ote tata taratets rors fc Sega Ce che ere 558 69 | 
Black Sm Glas) Liev ec eyes ea pie es ware cape ate hac ree 544 82! 
Hardware—nails, tools, clamps, steel, &c....-...------------ 705 32) 
Rope, blockewnd derricks 7.22) seeeeeiatps elie ee chee 173 to 
Painting vio se woe enh ieis Slee me an Rata aia = Sloe eae eee 46 00° 
‘Tin’ roof ‘on northeast. tower. 2 22 UA Oe eeeoeeer 168 05. 
Felt and pitch for repairing temporary roof........----------- 212 92) 
Freight and hauling on iron beams and stone........--------- 1,027 89) 
Slate formew, TOOL. gat. yrs me enna eee RO eeps kyon ot MCN RS ante ee 182 60 | 
Compensation of architect............--...-----s0---- ..-. 1, 7805 


65, 104 10 
In addition to the aboveamount which was expended for the re- 
construction of the building, under the superintendence of Mr. Adolf 
Cluss, architect, the following amounts were paid for work done for 
the preservation of the building after the fire : 


Removing debris and clears up... 2.22. ----4-- =. $1,055 29 
dlemmorary wooden roofs... 2. <j ae oleate ere 1,974 25 
Carpenter's Work. <.j00 22 sie cele + ae erie er ee ere 254 75 
Blacksmiths work «32 Gs. 2. eee Seer eee 28 25 
Glaziereiwonkir sce cites ek clone selene eee eeee ee 121 95 | 
Plasterers ework: c.<.< cic cele ominiccee ohne eee seer 52 00 | 
Glass, oil and paint.......... Sette ae tee eter enero 544 50 


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 719 


Making the whole amount expended on the building in consequence 

Gane bre daring 1865 and, 1866.44.02... <2 ss coh ust anaes $69,135 09 
There was also expended during 1865 and 1866 for general re- 

pairs on the parts of the building not injured by the fire, the 

introduction of additional water-pipes, new plugs, hose, hard- 

MIRE MIDE ece., LE BUM OF ls -:4 lc crn 'cie os o'eie wie a oiw e ere ele 4,268 97 


eats ied eae $73, 404 06 


Whole expenditure on building for 1865 and 1866 


It is proposed during the present year to complete the roof of the main 
building and all the rooms in the projections and towers, leaving the large room 
of the upper story of the main building unfinished until funds may be accu- 
mulated for the purpose, and its future use be determined upon. 

Respectfully submitted : 

: RICHARD DELAFIELD, 


Chairman Building Committee. 
WASHINGTON, February 1867. 


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR 1867 J 


It was stated in the report presented to the Board at its last session that it 
was proposed, during the year 1867, to roof the main building and towers and | 
finish the interior of all the rooms, halls, staircases and main entrance, leaving 
the large room of the upper story, over the museum, unfinished until funds 
could be provided for the purpose and its future use be determined. 

In accordance with this proposition the iron work of the roof over the museum 
was erected early in the spring, and covered with slate, fastened to the iron 
purlines with wire, and plastered inside with wall plaster. The iron gutters, as 
well as the roof, were found perfectly secure from leakage during the hardest 
summer rains. ‘The severe test of ice and snow during the present winter has 
shown the necessity for additions in the arrangements for conducting the water 
from the roof. Plans for this purpose are now under discussion with the archi- 
tect for persevering in the original plan, or adopting scme additional security 
that the late severe season has indicated to be advisable. 

The adaptation of new to old work, in restoring the building from the 
destructive effects of the fire, by substituting incombustible materials for wooden 
partitions, floors and roofs, has been attended, as was foreseen, with much labor 
and expense, as well as making additional means indispensable for rendering 
the roof-surfaces, valleys, and gutters water-tight in winter, when covered with 
snow, and occasionally ice, as well as the summer rains. Like the public build- 
ings generally in this city, (and we may say elsewhere,) where battlements 
extend above the eaves with gutters behind them upon the roof, or resting upon 
the walls, much inconvenience, and at times damage, arises from leaks, the 
result of such a system. It is experienced in the Smithsonian building in con- 
sequence of the stone battlements capping all its exterior walls. 'The present 
architect’s original design, approved by the committee, is set forth in his report 
of the operations of the year, annexed hereto. Neither time nor the funds of the 
Institution would permit his carrying this part of his plan into operation; and 
until it is done, together with some additions that the late inclement season has 
pointed out as advisable and necessary, the building is not secure, nor the pro- 
perty within it, from dampness and moisture. 

The introduction of the proposed warming apparatus for all the apartments 
is the next most essential particular to be undertaken, to be commenced when- 
ever the funds of the Institution will justify. 

The security of the several apartments and contents are im a great measure 
dependent upon such an apparatus as a substitute for the stoves temporarily in 
use, and for which no permanent smoke-flues or other arrangements were pro-_ 
vided. 

All the rooms in the north tower, forming three suites of three in each, with 
two rooms on the entrance floor, one for the janitor and the other for a recep- 
tion room for visitors, have been completed and are now used and occupied as 
offices for conducting the operations of the Institution. The several apart- 
ments in this north tower, above these offices, have also been completed. ‘The 
rooms and apartments in the south tower have also been finished and are now 
occupied. ‘I'he lower one, or that on the first floor, forms a part of the general 
museum and is new devoted to the reception of the larger and most weighty 

720 ’ 


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE tok 


articles of ethnology, such as the stone images from Central America and the 
stone sarcophagus from Syria. 

The apartments on the next story have been fitted up with shelves, bins, and 
other fixtures for the transaction of the business of the literary and scientific 
exchanges, packing and distributing the same. 

The apartments next above have been finished for the meetings and conven- 
ience of the Board of Regents; and those on the three remaining floors have 
also been finished and appropriated to storage and such other purposes as may 
become necessary. In this tower are also provided an elevator, with conven- 
ient mechanical power for removing books, specimens, etc., to and from the 
basement and four stories above it; water-closets and other necessary con- 
veniences, with arrangements for the use of the Potomac water for general pur- 
poses and in large quantities in case of fire. 

To increase the accommodation, two additional floors have been added to the 
original subdivision of the stories of the north and south towers. To furnish 
light to the new rooms in the south tower, circular windows have been opened 
through the walls, without interfering with the original architectural effect of 
the exterior, thus furnishing sufficient light for the purpose for which these 
apartments are intended. 

The result of the year’s labor has been to provide ample space and con- 
venient accommodation to subserve all the wants of the Secretary of the Insti- 
tution, to enable him to carry the views of Smithson into effect for the present 
and several years to come. 

The floor-surface in 57 apartments of the building, not including the Secre- 
tary’s quarters, is 66,252 square feet, or one and fifty-two hundredths of an acre, 
a space, so far as now can be foreseen, abundantly sufficient for the wants of 
the Institution, only requiring to be adapted therefor, from time to time, in 
details, furniture and special finish. 

The following is a detailed statement of the expenditures on the building 
during the year 1867: 


FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF PARTS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. 


Sema wotk, DEATHS, GOOrs, G00... 4-22 sis senile eee ee et ecu ee $2,791 67 
ene MTS MTIPGNATOOR \-(-' 122 2°52 -)-"2' 212) c/o onibie “tise io iepeaieres eee 8,591 50 
arone-Catuing and setIng .-./.-. 34.20.22 o nemo ss 224s as 3,354 05 
Matteo ota! ot) oie eis esl s wlscaig $513 old sien miele aa aie Kem e 116 87 
See te eRe Vrs cie te = co ha) fs nye intsle apes a iet ect iate = elena 4,277 53 
neta a= 0= orn =p eee fet aa otto ee 1,000 00 
Se MMOME Yee lee se -- =) 2 = > 2 5 oii ee oe ee 7,398 50 
Nk ee te ees (=a = n= ai cee = ie Se te 450 00 
PRES eee P(e 2 3 '2o) 312 205 = = ss Fico oie nm ie eee oe eee 844 00 
ee eee elect o sas 6 as a erwi= i mycre ee yale et ae 31 82 
PepMMREMIL NG EE ES oo. oie 2 Loe s 22's Sea siecle me eee 7 50 
ape teal = ci= cic) Sima lal ois wie) leet ie ie cea 174 90 
oe eee elas tee ol ale cas aio iain) 21S a wie anim ai pelea ate) ahaa ite 8 25 
Beatie ra tetae a is/o) <5 5 =< 22= 2 2s ovine inyeiniwe aisle smelai= amie ais at claim) 1,927 00 
SOO calle So 5 ss 502s see bok oe ea eel cicin si aes 730 00 
Min and metal work ....-..---.------2+-0cesee- eee cee ee 3,135 26 
plating’ new roof.....-....---------- 222 eee eee eee eee eens 3,534 89 
MSM MIM. 3 soln een ee ee eee ice sesamin sence canes 1,000 00 
Gas-fitting. .. 2... 22.222 cee eee ee cect eee ee een nee 296 55 
Plastering .. 2... 22022. eee eee e eee eee eee eee e ee ce eeee $2,000 00 
Architect........ Geteescecsccccssacens ww eleasin wes eees sees 2,315 75 


722 REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE. 


In addition to this sum the following expenditures were made on 
the parts of the building not injured by the fire, or for general 
repairs : 


Carpenters == <.-5 55. 2's ses eee eee eens onan $960 00 
plumbers and Pas-Otters. ee alee ee eee cise == re 132 95 
Paints, oil olds, and Slazineseemen cea. 2 2) = ele 510 68 
AoA Der eee ore settee ise ee ete ele ee = oe te mich ete 335 73 
Miscellaneous oo Joma oa sie minleielwinls mais e's onl mele ain 198 55 

2,137 91 
Whole expenditure on building in 1867 ........-.........---- 46,123 95 


Of this expenditure, $8,883 69 were paid out of the appropriation by Con- 
gress for the preservation of the government collections. 
RICHARD DELAIIELD, 
RICHARD WALLACH, 
Building Committee. 
‘Wasuincton, April 14, 1868, 


GENERAL 


FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL STATEMENTS 


OF THE 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


723 


724 GENERAL STATEMENT. 


General Statement of Receipts and 


RECEIPTS. 


1847. | 1848. | 1849. 


interestion) Mund ase es eee _-| $242,129.00 |$46,365.14 $30,910.14 |$30,910.14 
Premium On Gold eae ee a ee ee | 


Interest Hamilton Bequest... 2-2 || eee 
Interest on Treasury Notes_-_..----|------------| 7,621.67 | 14,536.00] 6,780.00 
Premium ion salerok Notes: — 2-2 -2)2 = oe ea See ee 481°25'|\_- = eee 
nterest Gipericent: tock -_~- 2 a ee ee eee 4,614.24 
Premium onsale jor tock — 32. ai a eee eee 2,847.50 
dnterest State and City Bonds ...2_ |. 0. oe ees ee ee 
Premiumssale of Bonds... 2.25 -|.0 2 al ee 
Interestikemporary Deposits.222. 4-22. 2 ee ee ee 
Int; Deposit with Corcoran & Bigos-|_____ ___ | 2 ss ee 
Interest United States 7-80: Bonds) —.).-.--- .-. |) 2 2s_ a] eee 
Promium sale of Bonds 2.42522 sls 2 a 
Cash from.Friend of ‘Science ..22-2 0) oye ee ee 
ivepayments oe a Feo S Fes te) 1,000;00) 22-2 2222 | 

Notal- 25222 242,129.00 | 53,986.81 | 46,927.39 | 45,151.88 

EXPENDITURES. 
1847. | 1848. | 1849. 

Binlding 2222. 2222 Se as oe ee $30,210.13 |$53,577.75 |$55,419.80 
WUPNItUIO 2s os oo eS ek oes oe Ee eee See eee Gores 
Mephin Psyc o tee ot Se ee eRe ee eeee 3,323.45 114.25 84,25 
lighting and Heating 1225-2 oe eee 378.95 
Postage oc. 22 222 Soe So eee ee ek eee 60.06 65.76 307.36 
Stationery s-2205 0400 See see c cee 7.02 63.11 85.46 
incidentals: 2222222 2s 22 Ue OL (701 eleooue ol Melee nieces 
Sail arses re Sa ee ae eee ee ee 1,014.49} 4,265.20} 4,811.58 
‘PurchaseotuBooksy22. see ae a eee 545.99 865.86] 2,878.14 
Smithsonian! Contributions esses. see e eee 756.00] 2,956.87} 2,082.87 
Miscellaneous Collections 22s a eee eee ee eee 152.54 
Reports and other Publications 2-—-2 2s ie ee ee 444.00 
Meteorolory and Researches2- 222. =o bes eo ee 625.00 | 1,089.00 
Apparatus: £22 he abe ae ee ae eee 1,546.47 412.71} 1,799.90 
Taboratory =..<.:-2 2 aes eo Se eee 
ixplorations €o¢. 240 seca kee oe | eae ooo eer 
Wreepimes |. 22 ee le ee ee ee ee ee £0.00 543.62 
HxCDAR COS = Se ee Ried eid one eee 331.59 154.42 465.19 
MURGUI oo ao pce S eee cece nen oe es eee ae ee 184.50 
TURTON es ak a ee 85.00} 1,350.00} 3,923.94 
GalleryiofvArt 2. J. nek. ee eee ee eee eee 11.25 
Groungerte Pets e a0. ol ee oe eee 1,293.50 109.88 727.17 
Mapnetie'Observatory -2--..2.220 25 ee 


OUR es ee ie ce 41,071.45 | 65,477.84 | 79,326.37 


GENERAL STATEMENT. 


Expenditures Smithsonian Fund. 


RECEIPTS. 


1850. | 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856. 


$30,910.14 |$30,910.14| $30,910.14 | $30,910.14 | $30,910.21 | $30,910.14 | $30,910.14 


eto ae400:00;|) 5,400.00) eee) Se Ga tao eae 
JA) 8 S000W tee ek tat ts of ealincs Pie an 
Benen Pam Et oe ee ho I 3,681.97 
pee) |" 9,129,204 )10:440.00 276.89| 6,044.38| 2,533.38 
51,285.14 | 36,310.14 74, 239.34| 41,350.14| 38,186.60] 36,954.52| 37,125.44 
EXPENDITURES. 

1850. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855 1856 
$28,333.47 ($24,320.05 | $13,045.97 | $27,342.54 | $54,012.13 | $17,136.90] $7,395.61 
1,6C5.23| 1,135.95 951.65 471.16 990.24}  2.088.04 400.13 
216.12| 291.20 267.18 195.00 467.71 849.65 369.50 
58.50} 486.35 399.70 646.47 887.30] 1,022.80] 1,803.92 
183.05} 370.78 472.07 364.28 467.67 495.41 696.76 
931.85| 419.96 222.38 6.50 662.50 411.98 109.67 
1,441.72| 1,878.43| 2,821.34]  3,352.42|----_------| 1,257.26 883,92 
4'548.48| 3,799.92| 4,299.92] 4,466.92] 7,100.91] 6,164.92] 6,608.88 
4,925.25| 2,016.90] 1,098.77 841.75| 2.166.50| 3,186.15] 3,692.05 
3,662.36] 3,211.76| 5,736.74| 8,160.04] 3,773.96] 3,562.92] 4,355 38 
585.98| 100.00] 1,007.86] 1,116.58 917.89 316.83 158.20 
935.91] 473.82] 1,616.75 139.29 83.84 350.00 75.50 
1,346.66|  804.50| 2,154.88] 3,129.51| 2,213.88] 1,924.78] 2,422.65 
899.92] 148.69 844.88 203.50 427.26 257.06 739.18 
MMos OFLC yes eka ES nes ee UAE es 123.14 629.91 
150.00 BOO eee 250.00 250.00 150.00 158.25 
2,651.77 | 1,888.24| 1,708.25] 1,107.24] 1,105.31] 1,015.42 864.50 
651.80| 2,010.49] 2178.33] 2,807.38] 2,738.65] 1,930.78] 1,517.54 
1,416.00] 2195.09] 2,778.52] 2,469.67] 2,693.65| 8,270.19] 3,249.60 
3:274.13| 3,576.81| 5,430.97| 5,399.40] 4,352.04] 2,239.02] 2,831.89 
273.30 HGSOO) [ee eke ss He sea eo 50.00 83.18 100.56 
1,615.96] 515.54 AG. 45 (ite a obs SD aera 74.25 46.50 
Pier 2) ow bh 1,578.28 18.77 13.68 48.80 
58,307.46 | 49,710.48 | 47,085.61] 64,047.93] 85,379.71] 47,924.36] 38,158.90 


ET 


726 GENERAL STATEMENT. 


General Statement— 


RECEIPTS. 


1857. | 1858. | 1859. | 1860. 


Interestion! Hundy==.e eee _-|$30,910.14 |$30,910.14 |$30,910.14 |$30,910.14 
‘Premium on; Goldaa2)2 eS os 8 | Saeki te | eee eae ee 
Interest slannltonuBbequesti===a—————-5|aa———————— socockbess| Eee ae | 
Interestion: Treasury Wotes 222-05 a8 ea eee eso oe eee 
‘Premium on*saleiof INotes 2-5 222522" ].25 = <2 as ee ea Secs eee ee eee 
Interest 6 per cent. Stock _-...------ sien cescns [Steet ee ee 
Premium on sale of Stock_--..------- shel 2 22 Soa Eee | 2 oe = 2 oo 
Interest State and City Bonds -----_-- 7,401.97 | 7,410.00] 7,416.00] 7,716.00 
iPremiumisaleot Bonds 222527225226 |s225 222 eee 
Interest lemporary Deposits] =e naan oe a een ee 
Int-sDoeposit with Corcoran i@)Riges —-|2) Sen! 2” | ee ene ee ee 
interest United States 7-80 ‘Bonds! 2-—-=|-2-22 2 eo es ee eee 
iPremium-sale-of :Bonds22.22s-2 22 Sot) es Se eee |S ee 
Cash from Mriend of Science 2222252 )le. 22s. ee eee 
BEES OE eT TGS ee ee ee ee ee 


Totals Ss = See eee 38,312.11 | 38,320.14 | 38,326.14 | 38,626.14 


EXPENDITURES. 


1857. | 1858. | 1859. | 1860. 


Building 2 ae eee Eee eee $3,305.12] $566.62 | $1,054.28 | $1,480.55 
Burntiure 525 22 Se ae eee oe 687.91 497.99 409.49 944.21 
Meetings 2-0-2284 4- 3 eee ees eek 281.00 801.38 14.50 225.35 
Lighting and Heating ~-222+=-=-_---- 1,244.33 712.23 902.68 987.41 
Postage 22-22 2c ebb ee 524.02 442.35 558.65 537.54 
Stationery 222 22 22 eee eee 347.94 413.00 289.37 393.50 
Incidentalsei2e sae fate ese ens 624.07 376.17 570.06 755.94 
Salaniesie 2. es She ee eee eee 6,979.54 | 5,536.83] 6,321.35] 6,895.97 
Purehaseof Booksi2 2 = oe 2,019.83 | $8,258.51] 2,530.83] 2,382.19 
Smithsonian Contributions ------_--~- 6,230.02] 6,834.02] 8,964.15| 5,520.59 
Miscellaneous Collections -_---------- 649.90 654.24 686.37] 1,131.48 
Reports and other Publications ~--___- 842.00] 1,053.79] 1,831.19 816.11 
Meteorology and Researches_--_-- ---- 2,715.2 2,475.62| 3,711.41] 5,184.07 
Anparaiis 2-2) st aad See 191.66 266.57 766.13 784.78 
Maporatory = 1280222 2h oe ie eee 341.38 243 60 68.36 150.81 
Hxplorations 222 fo 2 < oS eae ee 57.52 114.138 815.65 476.45 
Weer Wunes ees. Alig 2 we ee en a 1,114.36 939.16 879.20 892.74 
Mixelbanges 2.2222. SoS e eel coe 2,501.24] 1,326.90} 2,027.94) 2,348.04 
Museums 2222222 ee ee eee, 8,445.47} 4,523.05] 6,055.24] 38,046.91 
HUN es ate eee oe oe er eee see 1,394.12] 1,797.40] 1,589.74] 1,638.48 
Gallemprat@A tt 26 25. =.- tees eo 82.87 121.20 30.00 237.18 
Groundseeeee na taes peo e oe 20:00) 222-8 | ee eae 
Magnetic Observatory ------.-------- 49.62 43.26 256.80 308.00 


(Ce a 35,149.16} 32,498.02 | 34,833.39 | 37,138.80 


GENERAL STATEMENT. 


127 


1867. 


Continued. 
RECEIPTS. 
1861. | 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 
$30,910.14 PaO: 910.14} $30,910.14 | $30,910.14 | $30,910. ; $30,910.14 | $37,330.82 
ee ee tee ee ed IE See 48,278. 40, 691.26 


14,255.41 


cee eee | ee | a ee | we ee | ee ee | ee 


we wwe wm wwe | - — — - - — | ~~ eee - ee} Ee ed ee ee ee 


3,750.00] 4,515.87] 3,755.50] 3,756.00] —3,750.00| 5,052.00] 2,060.00 
Sn ee a |e eee 4,184.24 
et 21-2 |---nae- oan |amancsee=-- ATSC) B80/80)|2 2 anes} 
Ee ln. oe pmcan an eweeceet LAL OE a BH) eed OO 
ee | cen eee le a2 3,318.00 
ee |e pon [ete ceed nana oe [ ee 527.74 

34,660.14 | 35,425.51| 34,665.64] 34,666.14] 83,411.66] 77,034.22] 69,583,2 

EXPENDITURES. 
1861. | 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 

$906.19 | $1,672.34] $1,598.79] $1,066.32 | $37,930.71 | $35,473.35 | $37,240.26 
g28.43| '565.32| 512.99] 1,554.45] 1,191.06] 955.31] ‘1,410.48 
66.00} 81.00] 104.50] 131.50] 123.64} +~——-127.00 256.50 
1,074.94] 1,142.26] 1,434.46] 1,816.36/ 1,207.95] 1,555.54] 1,013.20 
389.08 | 353.36 21.46| 408.88] 568.61] 452.84 714.45 
194.60] 281.38] 486.09] 502.77| 539.01] 485.14 892.79 
400.38) 315.02 584.65} 631.36] 1,683.89] 1,213.12 741.19 
6,402.10] 6,249.00] 6,260.65] 6,538.00] 7,081.20] 7,743.60] — 8,676.65 
915.78| 1,513.63] 1,844.65] 1,953.67] 611.86] ‘873.24 719.10 

3,936.85| 932.97] 2,545.48] 2,994.57] 5,651.18] 8,776.17] — 4,621.76 

1,627.63] 8,774.25| 8,535.88| 6,449.06| 2,113.84] 5,702.67] — 2,045.20 

1,225.50] 219.88] 1,025.00] 757.00] 935.51] ‘1,877.80 920.18 

3117004] 2,057.83 | 2,560.97) 1,464.15] 827.50] 1,017.90] 1,044.39 

711.70| 119.06} 581.98] 102.74 2.50| 496.85 457.82 
161.42]  408.45| 129.59] 160.78] 185.26] 122.98 17.41 
4a9105 |") 65529) 762.391 "797.76 |) <b 872.81 923,49 
Ereat0y4 | 4759-51 |iot 1, 094.89)1 0: W019. 70-ea eens 2a eee a EO 

1,499.47| 2,724.88] 1,735.31] 3,779.61] 2,807.76] 2.252.60| 3.71.98 

2,883.68] 2,501.13] 3,090.69] 4,576.87] 6,228.26] 8,263.20] 9,678.58 

1,290.99] 1,606.01] 1,414.50] 1,491.66] 1,400.00] —'600.00 |--------_-- 

B06 len 128,503). 147.00 -- E1GsB5'|9-» ADRLOD eens. Be Eg 
29,136.92] 27,961.07] 31,821.35] 37,535.96] 71,237.74] 67,861.62| 75,075.38 


GENERAL STATEMENT. 


General Statement— 


RECEIPTS. 

1868. | 1869. |} E87Or | Leyes 
iintereston Mund see eo—es as eee $39,000.00 |$39,000.00 |$39,000.00 |339,000.00 
Premium ony Gold eee eee Be 14,527.50 | 10,515.20] 4,363.12] 4,192.50 } 
interest, Hamilton bequest == sss. so| en ee ee || oe ee 
Interest.on ‘Treasury Notes2 = 22 S| oa ne | ee 
Premium on) sal evo, Niotes;.—— 2225 2S | 22 2 aoe ee oe | 
kntereste pecieeat. Stock: s.0 "2 Pewee 2 ees ae ee 
Premium) onmpsalevor Stock i202 222 Te Re eee Poo ee ee ee oe 
Interest State and City Bonds ---.__-- 1,067.83)|2 2 S| ee 
Premaumisaleor wb omds se ose Rep I Ee ees oe | : 
intereshlemporary Deposits we 2 o-oo) S| eo eee 
Int. Deposit! with ‘Corcoran & Wiggs <u 22h ie ee 
Interest’ United States 7-80 Bonds —-oo 2-2-7 2222) 2 8 Le ee 
iPremium sale) of BONG s ee eee eee ele ee eel ee 
@asheirony Hiriend sof) Science sates sneer ne eee eee 17200200) | Se 
We peyinentsp- ee ee 1,372.94| 1,717.36 996.26 |e 

Dotalecs .et_ hs eee oe Ls 55,967.77 | 51,232.56 | 45.489.38 | 43,192.50 | 
EXPENDITURES. 

1868. | 1869. | 1870s. | Dew 
Build eb i ce i tees title we $21,203.69 | $4,109.95 | $4,712.93 | $8,827.12} 
Baa GUTe Soe ee ee apa OO2.50) teat D20.98 130.20 205.29 | 
Meetings oo 2 se eC A ee ok 303.37 122.00 178.25 127.12 
highting and) Heating 4 oui asur solo ee 1,362.85] 1,628.90] 1,921.64 246.84 
Poste Soo S aes Sa Ses ee 456.89 289.50 770.98 448.76 | 
Stawonery ass eee eos aa eee eee 345.92 437.18 829.19 452.55 
Incidentale) 27a 2 Gates es eae 876.51 651.14 867.29 854.75 | 
Salaries) -- 22 eee as TS ee eee ee 9,552.80 | 7,814.92 | 10,273.30] 9,572.62 
Purchase of) Books: |." = er se ee 775.42 436.04 249.76 253.86 
Smithsonian Contributions___------_- 4,633.09} 1,987.18] 6,986.57] 9,753.68 
Miscellaneous Collections -.---------- 1,177.45 | 3,087.50] 3,065.37 608.12 
Reports and other Publications -~---_~- 1,050.75 | 1,458.55 283.45 739.48 
Meteorology and Researches_--------- 1,011.47} 1,581.10] 3,119.00] 2,000.55 
BY) PHP GUS oe ere eet ee ed eee 99.70 146.80 249.70 744.03 
Wea poratory, © 2 eo See ee ee ee 1,301.07 
PEcmIOre ions. 2S ee ee eee eee 1,682.57 GUT.54 | cl Alas S eee ee 
eChImeseas 2250s cee Pee ee ee eee a IE Pt ee Bee 755.00 285.00 
Mrebamoos: hi 2) 203 i: a ee eee ee 4,870.72| 4,860.94} 4,165.62} 4,201.50 
TS EDS) SR a gS Da 4,715,01| 8,821.46] 5,008.84] 8,132.95 
Melons ee ae ci Ne es a ke ie |e 
Sa Ne gees cae ee ee T0000 [zt 3 oct | 
GET UT see pe eee ge a | RR er | 
Mapneic OBServatory — 5 <n ee 

Mia Pee eet tse soi. See 57,100.59 | 40,615.65 | 44,981.22 | 48,355.29 | 


GENERAL STATEMENT. 729 


Continued. 


RECEIPTS. 


(1872. 18738. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. TOTAL. 


$39,000.00 |$39, 000.00 |$39,000.00 $39,000.00 | $39,000.00 | $39,000.00 | $1,303,117.69 
4,911.55] 5,191.87] 4,308.35] 5,581.88 8,522.23 1,511.26 161,845.29 
wn--------|---------- 50.88 67.61 65.36 62.32 246.17 


is So 2D ee eee |" le SERRE eh eos 
3,004.90| 1,091.83] 2,695.83] 4,750.11] 2,907.75] 2,885.76 78,668.82 


46,916.45 | 45,283.70 | 46,055.06 | 49,399.60] 45,545.34] 49,007.62 1,704,767.43 


EXPENDITURES. 


Hever sia. | 1874. T8i7o. 1876. 1877. TOTAL. 


$6,672.35 | $3,252.23 | $3,507.66 | $1,802.94 | $2,561.71 | $3,668.80 | $493,408.26 


1,625.87 386.26 717.73 412.17 704.62 361.86 29,336.89 
155.50 800.75 312.87 27.25 300.75 197.50 10,116.04 
971.67 877.03 828.62} 1,745.55 1,140.99 1,267.19 30,566.63: 
320.73 971.10 81.07 866.25 320.64 162.31 13,042.17 
541.62 394.91 492.64| . 413.56 625.71 286.16 11,765.46 


525.62 757.47 817.17 836.08 860.57 560.60 31,770.25. 
11,153.83 | 12,429.96 | 12,730.00 | 18,161.50} 12,541.97) 13,162.11 234,159.12 


eee TEL 411.34 457.43 203.37 596.80 416.77 43,441.44 
6,394.17| 8,706.08} 7,022.98 | 12,518.31 7,331.43 6,412.46 156,242.61 
1,661.99] 4,514.46] 7,363.67 288.45 38,116.21 2,205.81 09,765.43 

627.50 593.55 758.32 | 1,453.26 603.50 994.09 23,085.52 
2,550.00] 3,232.81 881.97 | 1,432.72 2,324,384 985.43 61,058.87 
645,00 815.09} 1,142.60 235.60 1,241.59 1,406.14 18,437.61 
169.87 109.88 9.10 41.72 94.44 63.38 4,482.55 
ee OSA Nene eee em Lol oe eee eee 879.50 10,631.23 
600.00 600.00 600.00 400:00)|2is2a2 ease Ele ea eee 21,701.28 


5,870.82 | 6,251.74} 5,589.89] 6,748.80} 10,199.10 9,790.73 104 041.21 
5.034.07 278.31 703.00 | 4,622.45 2,663.84 421,23 107,851.46 
eee eS | Se ea naa ee ees |e an Seen eee 46,136.10 
aceeS sence ee See Pa ee 1,710.83 3,621.07 
4,452, 25. 
2,317.21 


. 45,420.11 | 45,110.97 | 44,016.72 | 46,809.98 | 47,128.21] 44,952.90] 1,521,230.66 


_—_ —— — — 


7380 GENERAL STATEMENT, 


Summary. 


Receipts from interest and other sources, 1846-1877 ~---_.-___-_---.~ $1,704,767.48 


HOW DISPOSED OF. 


Added to the original fund, in the Treasury of the 


WinitediStates a= 222 2. oe eed ee $108,620.37 
{Invested in Virginia bonds_-__-__- fe ee eee eee 49,832.50 
Disbursed for current expenses... 2+-=_----- 5-2. =. 1,521,230.66 
Balance on hand, January, 1878---.-----_ --__-_---- 25,083.90 


$1,704,767.43 


Statement of the condition of the Smithson fund at the beginning of the year 1878. 


The amount originally received as the bequest of James Smithson, of 
England, deposited in the Treasury of the United States in accord- 
ance with the act of Congress of August 10, 1846_-_---_-.-------- 

The residuary legacy of Smithson, received in 1865, deposited in the 
Treasury of the United States in accordance with the act of Con- 
eress/of, Mebruary’S, J80/2o2- 22-5 eee Pe Be ees 


Totaly bequestiof Smithson =<. c2s5e. 5 leeks eee 

Amount deposited in the Treasury of the United States, as authorized 
by act of Congress of February 8, 1867, derived from savings of 
income and increase in value of investments_-.._. ---_---- -_-.-<-- 


Amount received as the bequest of James Hamilton, of Carlisle, Pa., 
Hebruary 24} 1874.2 202s 0022 ee eee 2 eee 


Total permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the United States, 
bearing interest at 6 per cent., payable semi-annually in gold -_-.- 


$515,169.00 


26,210.63 


541,379 63 


108,620.37 


1,000.00 


651,000.00 


731 


LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC EXCHANGES. 


Statistics of Literary and Scientific Exchanges of the Smithsonian Institution. 
EE ah Sens Ee te era oe RA NO: ii LPS SPA OE a RIS hI aera: te 


RECEIVED FOR THE SMITHSONIAN LIBRARY. FOR OTHER | FORWARDED TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 
Vrin INSTITUTIONS Cost of 
Vols: Parts and | Maps and Toray. IN THE,U-8. *No. of | *No. of | No. of | Bulk, in] Weight, in Exchanges. 
Pamphlets. | Engravings.} ~ Addresses. | Packages. ||#ddresses.| packages.| boxes. | cubic ft. pounds, 
1846-50__- 470 624 4 ODS e ype S23) a2 ||-Sage re =| 22 58S ee ee ee $1,603.00 
Sil eseee 549 GISAiLzosee Ses 1 Us Lf ees cee (ee Bae 201 500 40 240 7,920 2 010.49 
185223550. 1,481 2,106 1,749 5,33 96 637 362 572 46 263 9,885 2,178.33 
W853ee——— 1,440 991 125 2,556 160 1,052 882 625 48 892 12,200 2,807.38 
1854o2c5c= 926 1,468 434 2,82 149 987 370 62 38 865 9,791 2,738.65 
TS55sse—- 1,037 1,707 26 2,770 219] 1,445 418 825 33 398 10,481 1,930.78 
SoG2—==== 1,356 1,834 140 8,330 189 1,245 511 1,251 70 586 18,271 1,517.54 
aS 7essos2 555 1,067 138 1,760 193 | 1,278 505 965 40 384 14,248 2,500, 24 
nGoS=se=—= 723 1,695 122 2,540 243 1,539 625 913 56 672 22.674 1,326.90 
1859-<2-=- 1,022 2,540 40 3,602 293 1,933 825 2,735 82 1,054 29,480 2,027.94 
8602s ea== 1,271 4,180 220 5,671 835 1,908 625 1,692 61 767 20,029 2,348.04 
1861.s=s==- 821 1,945 120 2,886 274 1,406 665 1,099 73 625 16,958 1,499.47 
18622222=— 1,611 3,869 55 5,035 273 2,111 846 1,203 114 1,006 28,83 2,724.88 
Ras see, 910 8,479 200 4.589 273 | 1,522 783 | 1,42 61 447 10,286 1,735.31 
1864 ees 823 2 754 109 8,686 299 2,482 843 1,011 63 546 20,500 8,779.61 
18652Se2—- 767 3,256 183 4,206 345 | 2,368 183) SUG) wealG 597 18,630 2,807.76 
86G252-5- 1,243 4,509 121 5 873 829 2,703 827 1,170 83 571 18,050 2,252.60 
D867225=52 1,557 8,946 328 5,831 847 971 1,00 1,190 113 975 22,5238 8,701.93 
1868------ 1,770 8,605 134 5,509 436 2,894 1,129 1,557 104 1,057 31,171 4,870.72 
nS69e sso" 1,234 4.089 232 5,555 501 4,130 1,569 1,734 112 1,033 23 37 4,860.94 
1S 70 2==—e= 1,118 3,890 179 5,182 567 8.705 1,425 1,805 121 1,189 81,383 4,165.62 
Wiles 936 8,579 82 4,597 573 8,952 1,432 1,778 108 772 28,950 4,201.50 
Sze 1,262 4,502 198 5,962 587 4,635 1,544 2,561 179 954 26,850 5,870.32 
WSipeeeeee 889 4,354 454 5,697 689 4,782 1,856 2,735 196 1,476 44 236 6,251.74 
Sa = aS 863 4,521 162 5,546 750 4,826 1,248 1,828 131 933 27,990 5,589.89 
IS joseea=- 1,120 5,813 114 7,047 610 4,661 1,982 2,903 208 1,503 45 300 6,748.80 
SiGssssae 1,017 6.193 875 7,585 644 4 853 8,078 4,508 323 2,261 80,750 10,199.10 
ii secnt 1,889 6,511 826 8,726 766 4,962 38,870 5,685 406 3,276 117,000 9,790.73 
Total___| 30,655 89,145 


6,370 126,170 | 10,140 | 68,482 || 29,510 | 45,973 | 2,986 | 24,262 747,768 $104,040.21 


* Not including the Smithsonian Publications, 


STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES 


732 


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734 


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STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES 


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737 


FROM THE NATIONAL TREASURY. 


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739 


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REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


THE BoarpD or REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION consists of fifteen 
members, five of whom constitute a quorum, and is composed of— 


The Vice-President of the United States, the Chief Justice, and the Mayor or Governor of the District 
of Columbia, by virtue of, and during continuance in office ; 

Three members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, for the time they hold, 
without re-election, their office as Senators ; 

Three members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker, biennially; on the 4th 
Wednesday of December, to serve until the fourth Wednesday in December, the second suc- 
ceeding their appointment; 

Six members, other than members of Congress, elected by joint resolution of Congress, for the term 
of six years, two of whom are to be resident in Washington; the other four from States, and 
no two from the same State. 


Vacancies in the Board from the classes of Senators and Members are filled by 
motion in either House, as in the case of vacancies in Committees of either House. 

Vacancies in the class of the citizens of States and City of Washington are filled 
by joint resolution of Congress. 


LIST OF REGENTS 


From the organization of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846, to 1879 inclusive. 


ATTENDANCE. 
Years. Meetings. 


AGASSIZ, LOUIS, Massachusetts. 


Elected by Congress February 21, 1863. 
Re-elected March 2, 1869. 
Died, December 14, 1873. 
Attended meetings of the Board, 1864,1 1865,! 1867,? 1868,8 
ANS ei spree pa he EO As Se ee ee BS a ere ee ee 5 9 


ASTOR, WM. B., New York. 


Elected by Congress March 2, 1861. 
Re-elected January 11, 1868. 
Piitonpede Veb4.2 W86( 4 selene el eo ee oe eee aos 2 3 


BACHE, ALEX. DALLAS, District of Columbia. 


Elected by Congress August 10, 1846. 
Re-elected January 13, 1853. 
os January 17, 1859. 
Died, February 17, 1867. 
Attended, 1846,8 1847,%° 1848,4 1849,8 1850, 1851,4 1852,6 
1858,3 1854,8 1855,7 1856,3 1857,3 1858,3 1859,? 1860,* 
PSG 2 SO! 1SG0)s VSG eee eee ee eee eee 19 95 


BADGER, GEORGE EDMUND, North Carolina. 


Elected by Congress February 27, 1856. 
Re-elected January 17, 1859; expelled Feb. 21, 1863, ‘ for 
giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the Govern- 
ment.”’ 
Attended, 1857,? 1858,? 18601 ____-. __---. ___--_------. -_-. 3 5 


742 LIST OF REGENTS. 


BANCROFT, GEORGE, District of Columbia. 


Elected by Congress December 11, 1874. 
Resigned, March, 1878. 
Attended, 1875,7°1876;7 1877)? 19 (62.2. 2 


BERRET, JAMES G., District of Columbia. 


Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended; 1859471560" =2 soe ses a a ee 


BERRIEN, JOHN McPHERSON, Georgia. 


Elected by Congress January 138, 1853. 
Died, January 1, 1856. 
Attended Shp 4:82 u ie he ee = 


BOWEN, SAYLES J., District of Columbia. 


Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended,'1869,! 1870" es22e2 e228) fe ee ee 


BRECKINRIDGE, JOHN CABELL, Kentucky. 

Ex-officio as Vice-President of the United States. 

Attended, 1857,1 1858, 1859,! 1860 $8____________----___----- 
BREESE, SIDNEY, Illinois. 

Appointed by Vice-President August 10, 1846. 

Attended) (1846/8 °1847,19 18484 5 eple eth ao ee ee ee 
CASS, LEWIS, Michigan, 1847. 


Appointed by Vice-President January 18, 1847. 
Resigned, December, 1847. 
Attended, GAG AO eC SS Se Es) 


CHARLTON, ROBERT M., Georgia. 


Appointed by Vice-President August 24, 1852. 
Attended); 1853'*:2— - 23. ee a a eee = 


CHASE, SALMON P., Ohio. 


Ex-officio as Chief Justice of the United States. 
Died, May 7, 1878. 
Attended; 1865,2 1866,! 1867,3 1868, 1870,2 1872,1 18788 _ 


CHOATE, RUFUS, Massachusetts. 


Elected by Congress August 10, 1846. 
Re-elected December 19, 1848. 
oe December 27, 1854. 
Resigned, January 13, 1855. 
Attended, 1846 :8 1647 te S54 bel Shale eee eee = 


CLIFFORD, NATHAN, Maine. 
Ex-officio Chief Justice of the United States, (acting.) 
Athended, W873) (1874 2 2. ac Anes ate oe 2 eee ee 
CLYMER, HIESTER, Pennsylvama. 


Appointed by Speaker December 14, 1875. 
of January 14, 1878. 
Attended, 1876,? 1877,2 1878,° 18793 .___-___-___-____ za 


ATTENDANCE. 
Years. Meetings. 
4 7 
2 5 
1 4 
2 2 
4 8 
3 24 
1 10 
1 4 
7 16 
4 19 
2 8 
4 10 


LIST OF REGENTS. 


COLCOCK, WM. F., Georgia. 


Appointed by eae January 7, 1850. 
«SC January 2) 1852. 
at ce January Tit, 1853. 
Attended, 1850,® 1851,? 1852,° IGA) Se Wes ok alee 
COLFAX, SCHUYLER, Indiana. 


Appointed by Speaker December 19, 1861. 

Lx-officio as Vice-President of the United States, 1869-1878. 

mAtiended, 18621. 1868, 1872." 187s1_.- = 
COOKE, HENRY D., District of Columbia. 

Ex-officio as Governor of the District of Columbia. 

Brust Te ANE) UU yIp LS (1 28s = he, EN CLS de a8 et 
COPPEE, HENRY, Pennsylvania. 

Elected by Congress January 19, 1874. 

Aicended, 18745! 1875;? 1876," 18782 1879 3-22 oe 
COX, SAMUEL &., Ohio and New York. 


eppomnted by Speaker December 19, 1861. 
ce December 23, 1868. 


Ee “« ~- February 2, 1870. 
a6 ce December 18, 1873. 

Attended, 1862,? 1863,5 1864,! 1865,3 1870,? 1871,! 1872,1 
STAs hel SO te aoe ee ea ee a eee 


DALLAS, GEORGE M., Pennsylvania. 


Ex-officio as Vice-President of the United States. 
Aicended,, 1846," 1847,78 1848,8 1849)4 2 ae eee 


DANA, JAMES D., Connecticut. 


Elected by Congress January 19, 1874... 2-_+ +.-_. <x = 
Resigned, December 27, 1877. 


DAVIS, GARRETT, Kentucky. 
Appointed by Vice-President January 16, 1863. 
Died, September, 1872. 
Attended, 1863,? 1864,! 1865,3 1866,3 1867,! 1868,? 1869,1 
MSGOP LSI2 Wa So oe Soe ee 


DAVIS, HENRY WINTER, Maryland. 
Appointed by Speaker December 23, 1863. 
Died, December, 1865. 
PMtLended elOG4ie ere Oeste eo Sei eet ee eee 


DAVIS, JEFFERSON, Mississippi. 
Appointed by Vice-President December 30, 1847. 
a March 6, 1851. 


mttended, 1845," 184952718500 1850 o_o a eee 


DAYTON, WM. L., New Jersey. 
Mlected by Congress March 2, 1861)-2 022 Sooo Soe ee eee 
Died, December 2, 1864. 


DELAFIELD, RICHARD, District of Columbia. 
Elected by Congress February 14, 1865. 


Resigned, January 25, 1871. 
Attended, 1866,* 1867, 3 IS6StoNT S69 eS (Osea ee eee 


743 


ATTENDANCE. 
Years. Meetings. 


4 by 
4 4 
1 2 
5 9 
9 15 
4 38 
0 0 
9 15 
1 1 
aan cel 
0 0 
5 16 


744 LIST OF REGENTS. fi) 


ATTENDANCE. 
DOUGLAS, STEPHEN A., Illinois. Years. Meetings. 


Appointed by Vice-President February 21, 1854. 
ts ui January 26, 1860. 
Died, June 3, 1861. 
Attended, 1854,4 1855,4 1856,? 1857,3 1858,4 1859,? 1860, 
186133 \o25 22 CSS oe See ee oe eee eee = 8 24 


EMERY, MATTHEW G., District of Columbia. 


Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended), Ts 70 tiene ee es eee ee 1 1 


ENGLISH, WM. H., Indiana. 


Appointed by Speaker December 14, 1853. 
a a February 26, 1856. 


ce st December 14, 1857. 
“ «February 21, 1860. 
Attended, 1854, 1855, 1856,5 1857,3 1858,? 1859,? 1860,3 
DO ae ee Se ee ee 8 31 


EVANS, GEO., Maine. 


Appointed by Vice-President August 10, 1846. 
Attended; 18464 184703 see soe oe ee ee ee eee EWR 2 17 


FARNSWORTH, JOHN F., Illinois. 

Appointed by Speaker December 27, 1865. 

Attended: 1S66.5 186i)? 22 Soe eee 2 5 
FELTON, CORNELIUS C., Massachusetts. 


Elected by Congress February 27, 1856. 

Re-elected March 2, 1861. 

Died February 26, 1862. 

Attended, +1857,5) 1858, 186022 --= =e et ee ee 8 7 


FERRY, THOS. W., Michigan. 

Ex-officio Acting Vice-President of the United States. 

ASE Geral diy HLS Mica mk Oe ree oo ets 3 
FESSENDEN, WM. P., Maine. 


Appointed by Vice-President December 4, 1861. 
ue ne March 7, 1865. 


Died, September, 8, 1869. 
Attended, 18631 18641 1866,? 1867,1 1869'*____-<_= Ss 6 5: 


FILLMORE, MILLARD, New York. 

Ex-officio as Vice-President of the United States. 

Attended, G49 8500s Sea e fee ee caterer) anne 
FITCH, GRAHAM N., Indiana. 

Appointed by Speaker January 7, 1850. 

ee “ CJanuary 2, 1852. 

‘Attended 1850, 18514 1852/5) 18534) — So cee ee eee rene 4 24 

FOSTER, LAFAYETTE S., Connecticut. 


Acting Vice-President of the United States. 
Attended, 1866,3 1867} __.--.---- ------------------------- 2 4 


LIST OF REGENTS. 745 


ATTENDANCE, 
Years. Meetings. 


GARFIELD, JAMES A., Ohio. 


Appointed by Speaker December 27, 1865. 
ce January 7, 1868. 


“ «February 2, 1870. 
“ January, 1872. 
“ ‘¢ January 14, 1878. 


Attended, 1866,3 1867,3 1868,3 1869, 1 1870? 1871, 1872,2 
1878, 1 1878, ‘4 1879, 3 Ses = ee ee eR 25 
GARTRELL, LUCIUS J., Georgia. 


Appointed by Speaker December 14, 1857. 
bb eel 21, 1860. 
meiiemded 858," 18594 see Re a 2 2 


GRAY, ASA, Massachusetts. 

Elected by Congress January 19, 1874. 

Attended, 1874,! 1875,? 1876,! 1877,2 1878,5 1879® _... ___.. 6 12 
HAMLIN, HANNIBAL, Maine. 

Ezx-officio as Vice-President of the United States. 

Appointed by Vice-President January 18, 1870. 

Attended, 1862,? 1863,2 1864,3 1865, 1870, 2 1871,? 1872,3 

1878, i 1874, 2 1875, 2 1877,3 1878,? TSTO ane ny sae sar 18 30 

HAWLEY, GIDEON, New York. 


Elected by Congress August 10, 1846. 
Re-elected December 19, "1848. 
CC December 27, 1854. 

Attended, 18468, 1847,4 "18512 1854;* 1856822222 22S fo be) 24 
HAZLETON, GERRY W., Wisconsin. 

Appointed by Speaker December 19, 1873. 

meitended, 1874.2 I8ioh= 2 2 ee ee 2 3 
HILL, BENJAMIN H., Georgia. 


Appointed by Speaker December 14, 1875. 
PASHLEM GCOS iG. tid S ligt a Say ae enn ee ee 2 3 


HILLIARD, HENRY W., Alabama. 


Appointed -by Speaker August 10, 1846. 
es December 22 , 1847. 
os “6S January 7, 1850. 
Attended, 1846,8 1847,” 1848,? 1849,1 18607 -1Sol Sees eee = 6 48 


HOAR, E. ROCK WOOD, Massachusetts. 

Appointed by Speaker December 19, 1873. 

BeNeHiAEUCLCSEN yet A aC OT ere re ee 2 e 
HOUGH, WM. J., New York. 

Appointed by Speaker September 10, 1846. 

PS EECNGCG, MPO4G)° ALBA 24 eas anos os oie ese ee cee een 280 
LENOX, WALTER, District of Columbia. 

Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 

PeIneHaeds 1500," Ook, WlSda sie === een nen en aa ees 3 13 
McCLELLAND, ROBERT, Michigan. 


Appointed by Speaker December 22, 1847. 
Attended. +1847.5, 1849). 16492. 5 ae es = 8 8 


746 LIST OF, REGENTS. 


ATTENDANCE. 
Years. Meetings. 


McCRARY, GEO. W., Iowa. 


Appointed by Speaker December 14, 1875. 
Attended, 1876.) 1877 15.2. anew 0 -y-chui 4 io Na 


MACLEAN, JOHN, New Jersey. 


Elected by Congress January 11, 1868. 

Re-elected January 19, 1874. 

Attended, 1868,? 1869,! 1870,? 1871,! 1873,? 1874,! 1876,} 
18787 ESTO Bee eee a eee he ete as 9 


McPHERSON, EDWARD, Pennsylvania. 


Appointed by Speaker December 19, 1861. 
Attended #18622: 18687. 222223) ot2.5 sled ee oe eee 2 


MAGRUDER, WM. B., District of Columbia. 


Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended 1856.4) 185002) a eee ee eee = 2 


MARSH, GEO. P., Vermont. 


Appointed by Speaker December 22, 1847. 
Attended, 1847,5 1848,3 18492) 2 cncp0 8 su a a ag 


MASON, JAMES M., Virginia. 


Appointed by Vice-President March 6, 1851. 
He March 6, 1857. 
Attended, 1849,1 1850,6 1851,4 1852,5 18538, 1854,6 1855,5 
1856,° 1857,3 1858, 1859,! 1860,? Tee (ioe Wh vane cnegil 13 


MAURY, JOHN W. 


Ex officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended 1852,7) 1853,5-1954 922 ee eee 38 


MEACHAM, JAMES, Vermont. 


Appointed by Speaker January 2, 1852 
ie December 14, 1853. 
ce “February 26, 1856. 
Attended, 1852,5 1853,5 1854,8 ISS 282) dia es Veet ene aes 


OWEN, ROBERT DALE, Indiana. 


Appointed by Speaker August 10, 1846. 
Attended i846, 1847 22; 22 eee it ee eee as 2 


PARKER, PETER, District of Columbia. 
Elected by Congress January 11, 1868. 
te-elected January 19, 1874. 
Attended, 1868,6 1869,! 1870,3 1871,? 1872,3 1873, 1874,3 
1875S. 1S 76,2) 2870.5 TS iSync 12 


PATTERSON, JAMES W., New Hampshire. 
Appointed by Speaker Wagceber 23, 1863. 
se January, 1866. 
Attended, 1864,3 1865, 1866,° 18673_.___---_--__..-------- 4 


PEARCE, JAMES A., Maryland. 


Appointed by Vice: President February 22, 1847. 
ue June 19° 1856. 
ce ce March 7, 1861. 
Died, December 20, 1862. 
Attended, 1847, 1848,3 1849,1 1850,7 1851,5 1852,7 1853,2 
1854,9 1855,8 1856,5 1857,4 1858,? 1859,!_ 1860,5 1861,? 
1862) See ae esr ee Ie ee Re eee ee ea 16 


15 


48 


16 


20 


80 


87 


18 


67 


LIST OF REGENTS. 747 


ATTENDANCE. 
Years. Meetings. 


PENNYBACKER, ISAAC §&. 


Appointed by Vice-President September 10, 1846. 
Died, January 12, 1847. 
PAC GONG eC spl SA GS: ihc e Ae ec ES Sa eer — 1 4 


POLAND, LUKE P. 


Appointed by Speaker March 7, 1867. 
Ke ue January 7, 1868. 
a uC February 2, 1870. 
Aipended, 1868,° 1870, 1871 dts72,5 187342 2coe 5 16 


PRESTON, WM. C., South Carolina. 
Elected by Congress August 10, 1846. 
Died, May 25, 1860. 
Attended; 1847 to+252. 42-8 Boe ewig. 8 oo 0 Pinas OG eh cas Bee 1 1 


PORTER, NOAH, Connecticut. 


Elected by Congress January 26, 1878. 
PMRu CeO OO ;t LG 1 o> see cae ee i Se 2 4 


PRUYN, JOHN V. L., New York. 


Appointed by Speaker January 7, 1868. 
mttonded, 1860," 18694 2.2 -- S52 See ee 2 8 


RUSH, RICHARD, Pennsylvania. 


Elected by Congress August 10, 1846. 
Re-elected December 24, 1850. 
Ke January 28, 1857. 
Died, July 30, 1859. 
Attended, 1846,8 1847,! 1850,? 1851,3 1852,5 1853, 1854,? 
S56 SSG Arete eee oe ete eee 9 87 


SARGENT, AARON A., California. 

Appointed by Vice-President January 13, 1874. 

wautonded, 1874.2 1875,7 187657 187.7,% 1878.4, 1879* soe 6 13 
SEATON, WM. W., District of Columbia. 

Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington, September 10, 1846. 

Attended, 1846,8 1847,% 1848, 1849,2 1850,8 _--....--.1 6 47 
SHEPHERD, ALEXANDER R., District of Columbia. 

Ex-officio as Governor of the District of Columbia. 

Wvutended, 1874.0. eos ce ee ac se ee 1 1 
SHERMAN, WM. T., District of Columbia. 


Elected by Congress January 380, 1871. 

Resigned, November 12, 1874. 

Elected by Congress March 25, 1878. 

mitended, S71.) 1878,° 1874.) 1873,2 Sto eee eee 5 10 


STANTON, BENJAMIN, Ohio. 


Appointed by Speaker February 23, 1856. 
4 «February 21, 1860. 
PLLGNnGCd GON, Loos, £oG0,2 | LOGk 4222 = ee eee oe 4 10 


STEPHENS, ALEX. H., Georgia. 
Appointed by Speaker January 14, 1878. 
STEVENSON, JOHN W., Kentucky. 


Appointed by Vice-President December 10, 1872. 
Attended, .1873;*- 18742, 1875,! 1816 h-1877 4222-22 os. 8 


748 LIST OF REGENTS. 


ATTENDANOE. 


Years. Mcetings. 
STUART, DAVID, Michigan. ears. Mcetings, 


Appointed by Speaker December 14, 1853. 
Attended, 1894,° 1855)" 2222/2 52a ee 2 8 


TANEY, ROGER B., Maryland. 
Ez-officio as Chief Justice of the United States. 
Died, October 12, 1864. 
Attended, 1846,3 1851,2 1852,° 1854,4 1855,5 1856,8 1857, 
SOB Sia Sn ee ee eae Pen ee ee 8 25 
TOTTEN, JOSEPH G., District of Columbia. 


Elected by Congress August 10, 1846. 
Re-elected December 24, 1850. 
se January 28, 1857. 
Died, April 22, 1864. 
Attended, 1846,6 1847, 18484 1849,5 1850,2 1851,3 1852,9 
18538,5 1854,7 1855, 1856,7 1857,1 1861,3 1862,! 1863,2 
MSG AB eh ee a eee eee ee 16 70 
TOWERS, JOHN T., District of Columbia. 
Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended, 1854,) 1855; 1866" 2-2 oS 3 q 
TRUMBULL, LYMAN, Illinois. 


Appointed by Vice-President December 4, 1861. 
Attended, 1862,? 1863,? 1864,1 1865, 1866, 1867,! 1868,$ 
1860; 187102 18723 Asie Coeee see eee seen eee 11 824 


WADE, BENJAMIN F., Ohio. 


Ez-officio as Acting Vice-President of the United States. 
Axtended, 1S66'e Taso! Oe me aan see eS eae 2 5 


WAITE, MORRISON R., Ohio. 


Ex-officio as Chief Justice of the United States. 
Attended, 1874,! 1875,? 1876,? 1877,? 1878, 18795 ______ ____ 6 14 


WALLACH, RICHARD, District of Columbia. 


Ex-officio as Mayor of Washington. 
Attended, 1862,° 1863,! 1864,* 1865, 1866,* 1867,5 1868 4 ____ Lies 


WARNER, HIRAM, Georgia. 


Appointed by Speaker February 26, 1856. 
Attended, 1856;° 18577-22025 sa a Se eae 2 6 


WILSON, HENRY, Massachusetts. 


Ex-officio as Vice-President of the United States. 
Attended, US75 222 toes sek ee Se ee Se eee ee eee 1 1 


WHEELER, WM. A., New York. 


Ex-officio as Vice-President of the United States. 
Attended, 1878, 1879? wis is ee ee 2 3 


WITHERS, ROBERT E., Virginia. 


Appointed by Vice-President November 1, 1877. 
Attended, 1878,4 1879.5 200 2200s ese eee eee eases 2 7 


WOOLSEY, THEODORE D., Connecticut. 


Elected by Congress April 2, 1862. 
Re-elected January 11, 1868. 
Attended dS622°1866 1) 22 chin Ble See pene 2 2 


LIST OF REGENTS. 


LIST OF REGENTS 


ACCORDING TO MODE OF APPOINTMENT. 


ViIcE-PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, 


Ex-officio. 
Commencement 
of Term. 
Ga viep Dallas. = 22 22 1846 Be Sp Wind oe = oe 
Meshillmoree--2-------- 1849 Ss Colfax Sse see ee 
J. C. Breckinridge --____- 1857 Diy WVlsong 222 28s 5 oa ae 
Goh nh 1861 TW. Herky-2 = se" 5 
eomhoster.-=-.-—so2s 1865 Wi. Avo Wiheeloriaee css 


CHIEF JUSTICES OF THE UNITED STATES, 


Ex-officio. 
peter baney,---___...... | 1846 NN. Clifford) -—-=-=2% 22 
Dameew@ hase. 22+. sek 1864 M.. ROW aite se 

Mayors oF WASHINGTON, 

Ex-officio. 
Weave seaton:...-----__ 1846 JG. Berret. 222. 2- 
pbenox. = 2. .i-....- 1850 Wellae@he essen senees 
De ee MURTY oe Soe 1852 S.J pbow encase ees 
Oke HOW ETS a5 5-- 222k 1854 MM. Gaiumery—= so = 
Wi. Be Magruder ...-_.- 1856 | 

GOVERNORS OF THE DIsTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 

Ex-officio. 

fire. Copke=o525 <== s2-- 1872 [- A. R. Shepherd-__.-... = 
SENATORS, 
Appointed by President of the Senate. 

Scowlvans.:..— === 1846 h., | b’frumbull- 2222.22 2-2-- 
Sb ORC eae 1846 GiDavis: 252-2 ee eee aoe 
iS.) Penny backer -----— 1846 Wz..P. Bessenden 2-5. 
Wie aay 85 oat 1847 BeoHanmlin' 2s 25 =25S-2-- 
Sear CARCO J. .- 3. 1847 J. W. Stevenson -____---- 
eevee Mason. 222-222 =- = 1849 AY ASI SALCONt = 22-25 2-— 
ye Me @hariton 2--=- = —- 1853 Re HeWWithers=s—=. 2. =e 


SaeAe Douglas! 22--. 1854 


749 


Commencement 
of Term. 


1867 


1874 


750 LIST OF REGENTS. 


REPRESENTATIVES, 
Appointed by the Speaker of the House. 
Ri DS Owen, 2222232. 1846 S:'S; Cox toes 223 cease 1861 
SW Hilliard|2222 = 1846 iH. McPherson e=s= =e Sol 
Wd: Hough’ 222. ess 1846 He Wie Davis sees. ee 1863 
GiPs Marshoe sso eee 1847 J: W.. Patterson --- ee 1863 
R. McClelland {2.2.22 W147, Ji. AY Garfield - sees) ee 1866 
Wi. 2, Coleoek: 2 222 1850 J. V. Farnsworth.-.----- 1866 
Gi WNeMiteh 2 Sse eese 1850 LL. 2. Polandi2: = 222 1867 
Jo Meacham 2-2 ae eens 1852 Oe Vis Cas Biya 1868 
W.) Biv Enolsh’ see 1853 BH. ear aee ae eae = 1&7 
DA Stuart a= sneer eho G. W. Hazelton ..2-_-. 1873 
H.) Warner 22a as 1856 Hy iClymier : ees a2? MSS 
Ba Sp ntoneessse= == 1856 1B AEE eee eee 1875 
iy. a iGantrellaes eso 1857 G. WicWMie@rany 22-2222 1875 
S: Colfax see eo 1861 A. He Stephens: ee 1878 
CITIZENS FROM STATES, 
Elected by joint resolution of the Senate and House. 
RK. Choate ---—-- —_ Mass.-- 1846 W..L. Dayton... N. J... ° “A868 
G. Hawley - ------ Ne eo 7 lS46 ZT. De Woolsey. Ct, 2. (1862 
IRs he Se Pa. Hen y L846 eA ass Z) eee Mass.__ 1863 
Wee. Preston. 69.7..." 1846 J. Meluean 222252 N. Jocee VLS6s 
J. M. P. Berrien--Ga. -. 1853 H. ‘Coppées—--22—- Pa... <-7i aes 
O8CF Heltont==2=— Mass.-- 1856 gAs) Grays ee Mass.__ 1874 
G. E. Badger--_--- Ni, (O.2=~ 2866 J. D> Danas cece Ct 22 sre 
Wide? Astor o22cciN ¥.-2 WGglset IN. Porter S22. Ct: 2 18/5 
CITIZENS FROM City oF WASHINGTON, 
Elected by joint resolution of the Senate and House. 
A. DY Bachevse Jes oo 1846 Pete®. Parker -2 2222-5 2 1868 
J. Ge? Pottens—-e-ace-oc= 1846 Wi. Dawherman. - 222 1871 


IR’ Delafield) 22> sae stoes 1865 Geo.) Baneroft 2222-22222 1874 


LIST OF REGENTS. 751 


LIST OF REGENTS 


ACCORDING TO RESIDENCE. . 


JV EN ony 0 ee re Hilliard. 
CHlrornmia= = —.-——-—... Sargent. 
Connecticut. -=.—.. -__- Dana, Foster, Porter, Woolsey. 


District of Columbia---Bache, Bancroft, Berret, Bowen, Cooke, Delafield, Emery, 
Lenox, Magruder, Maury, Parker, Seaton, Shepherd, 
Sherman, Totten, Towers, Wallach. 


Georgia-_------— ----- Berrien, Charlton, Coleock, Gartrell, Hill, Stephens, Warner. 
Tillimorspeeene ee ans Breese, Douglas, Farnsworth, Trumbull. 
Indiana.___-_-_-------Colfax, English, Fitch, Owen. 

fowareeee—=----— ...-_ McCrary. 

Riontuck yes so. Breckinridge, G. Davis, Stevenson. 

ES ca Clifford, Evans, Fessenden, Hamlin. 

Minny tnades 2. _____ H. W. Davis, Pearce, Taney. 

Massachusetts --------- Agassiz, Choate, Felton, Gray, Hoar, Wilson. 

Michigan ._---.-.-----Cass, Ferry, McClelland, Stuart. 

Mississippi ----------~-Jeff. Davis. 

New Hampshire- --_-~- Patterson. 

New Jersey ------ Ss Dayton, Maclean. 

NeW VGH Astor, Cox, Fillmore, Hawley, Hough, Pruyn, Wheeler. 
North Carolina .__----- Badger. 

Dees 8 Chase, Cox, Garfield, Stanton, Wade, Waite. 
Pennsylvania -_.-._.-- Clymer, Coppee, Dallas, McPherson, Rush. 

South Carolina -__---_- Preston. 

Mermontue + -......--- Marsh, Meacham, Poland. 

Virginia .___-__--..-_-. Mason, Pennybacker, Withers. 


Wisconsin ..-___._____ Hazelton. 


- 


EASING |, As © Oe 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


AN ACT to establish the ‘t Smithsonian Institution,” for the increase and dif- 
fusion of knowledge among men, 


James Smithson, Esquire, of London, in the Kingdom of Great Britain, 
having by his last will and testament given the whole of his property to 
the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name 
of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and 
diffusion of knowledge among men; and the United States having, by 
an act of Congress, received said property and accepted said trust; there- 
fore, for the faithful execution of said trust according to the will of the 
liberal and enlightened donor— 


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
President and Vice President of the United States, the Sec- 
retary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary 
of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the Postmaster Gen- 
eral, the Attorney General, the Chief Justice, and the Com- 
missioner of the Patent Office of the United States, and 
the Mayor of the city of Washington, during the time for 
which they shall hold their respective offices, and such other 
persons as they may elect honorary members, be, and they 
are hereby, constituted an “ establishment,” by the name 
of the “‘ Smithsonian Institution,” for the increase and dif- 
fusion of knowledge among men; and by that name shall 
be known and have perpetual succession, with the powers, 
limitations, and restrictions hereinafter contained, and no 
other. 

Src. 2. And be it further enacted, That so much of the prop- 


erty of the said James Smithson as has been received in 
48 753 


754 AN ACT TO ESTABLISH 


money, and paid into the Treasury of the United States, be- 
ing the sum of five hundred and fifteen thousand one hun- 
dred and sixty-nine dollars, be lent to the United States 
Treasury, at six per cent. per annum interest from the first 
day of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred ° 
and thirty-eight, when the same was received into the said 
Treasury ; and that so much of the interest as may have 
accrued on said sum on the first day of July next, which 
will amount to the sum of two hundred and forty-two thou- 
sand one hundred and twenty-nine dollars, or so much 
thereof as shall by the Board of Regents of the Institution 
established by this act be deemed necessary, be, and the 
same is hereby, appropriated for the erection of suitable 
buildings, and for other current incidental expenses of said 
Institution; and that six per cent. interest on the said trust 
fund—it being the said amount of five hundred and fifteen 
thousand one hundred and sixty-nine dollars received into the 
United States Treasury on the first of September, one thou- 
sand eight hundred and thirty-eight, payable, in half-yearly 
payments, on the first of January and July in each year be, 
and the same is hereby, appropriated for the perpetual 
maintenance and support of said Institution; and all ex- 
penditures and appropriations to be made from time to time, 
to the purposes of the Institution aforesaid, shall be exclu- 
sively from the accruing interest, and not from the princi- 
pal of the said fund. And be it further enacted, That all the 
moneys and stocks which have been, or may hereafter be, 
received into the Treasury of the United States on account 
of the fund bequeathed by James Smithson, be, and the 
same hereby are, pledged to refund to the Treasury df the 
United States the sums hereby appropriated. 

Suc. 8. And be it further enacted, That the business of the 
said Institution shall be conducted at the city of Washing- 
ton by a Board of Regents by the name of the Regents of 
the “Smithsonian Institution,” to be composed of the 
Vice President of the United States, the Chief Justice 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. fad 


of the United States, and the mayor of the city of Wash- 
ington, during the time for which they shall hold 
their respective offices; three members of the Senate and 
three members of the House of Representatives, together 
with six other persons, other than members of Congress, two 
of whom shall be members of the National Institute in the 
city of Washington, and resident in the said city; and the 
other four thereof shall be inhabitants of States, and no two 
of them of the same State. All the Regents, to be selected 
as aforesaid, shall be appointed immediately after the pas- 
sage of this act—the members of the Senate by the Presi- 
dent thereof, the members of the House by the Speaker 
thereof, and the six other persons by joint resolution of the 
Senate and House of Representatives ; and the members of 
the House so appointed shall serve until the fourth Wed- 
nesday in December, the second next after the passage of 
this act; and then, and biennially thereafter, on every alter- 
nate fourth Wednesday of December, a like number shall 
be appointed in the same manner, to serve until the fourth 
Wednesday in December, the second succeeding their ap- 
pointment. And the Senators so appointed shall serve 
during the term for which they shall hold, without re-elec- 
tion, their office as Senators. And vacancies, occasioned 
by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled as vacan- 
cies in committees are filled; and the other six members 
aforesaid shall serve, two for two years, two for four years, 
and two for six years; the terms of service, in the first place, 
to be determined by lot; but after the first term, then their 
regular term of service shall be six years ; and new elections 
thereof shall be made by joint resolution of Congress; and 
vacancies occasioned by death, resignation, or otherwise, 
may be filled in like manner, by joint resolution of Con- 
gress. And the said Regents shall meet in the city of 
Washington on the first Monday of September next after 
the passage of this act, and organize by the election of one 
of their number as Chancellor, who shall be the presiding 


756 AN ACT TO ESTABLISH 


officer ofsaid Board of Regents, by the name of the Chancel- 
lor of the ‘‘ Smithsonian Institution,” and a suitable person 
as Secretary of said Institution, who shall also be the Secre- 
tary of said Board of Regents; said Board shall also elect 
three of their own body as an Executive Committee, and 
said Regents shall then fix on the time for the regular meet. 
ings, of said Board; and on application of any three of the 
Regents to the Secretary of the said Institution, it shall be 
his duty to appoint a special meeting of the Board of Regents, 
of which he shall give notice by letter to each of the mem- 
bers; and at any meeting of said Board, five shall consti- 
tute a quorum to do business. And each member of said 
Board shall be paid his necessary travelling and other actual 
expenses in attending meetings of the Board, which shall 
be audited by the Executive Committee, and recorded by 
the Secretary of said Board; but his services as Regent 
shall be gratuitous. And whenever money is required for 
the payment of the debts or performance of the contracts of 
the Institution, incurred or entered into in conformity with 
the provisions of this act, or for making the purchases and 
executing the objects authorized by this act, the Board of 
Regents, or the Executive Committee thereof, may certify 
to the Chancellor and Secretary of the Board that such sum 
of money is required; whereupon, they shall examine the 
same, and, if they shall approve thereof, shall certify the 
same to the proper officer of the Treasury for payment. 
And the said Board shall submit to Congress, at each ses- 
sion thereof, a report of the operations, expenditures, and 
condition of the Institution. 

Sro. 4. And be it further enacted, That after the Board of 
Regents shall have met, and become organized, it shall be 
their duty forthwith to proceed to select a suitable site for 
such building as may be necessary for the Institution ; which 
ground may be taken and appropriated out of that part of 
the public ground in the city of Washington, lying between 
the Patent Office and Seventh street: Provided, The Presi- 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 57 


dent of the United States, the Secretary of State, the See- 
retary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War, the Secretary 
of the Navy, and the Commissioner of the Patent Office, 
shall consent to the same; but if the persons last named 
shall not consent, then such location may be made upon any 
other of the public grounds within the city of Washington, 
belonging to the United States, which said Regents may 
select, by and with the consent of the persons herein named; 
and the said ground so selected shall be set out by proper 
metes and bounds, and a description of the same shall be 
made and recorded in a book to be provided for that purpose, 
and signed by the said Regents, or so many of them as may 
be convened at the time of their said organization; and such 
record, or a copy thereof, certified by the Chancellor and 
Secretary of the Board of Regents, shall be received in 
evidence in all courts of the extent and boundaries of the 
lands appropriated to the said Institution; and upon the 
making of such record, such site and lands shall be deemed 
and taken to be appropriated, by force of this act, to the 
said Institution. 

Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That, so soon as the Board 
of Regents shall have selected the said site, they shall cause 
to be erected a suitable building, of plain and durable ma- 
terials and structure, without unnecessary ornament, and of 
sufficient size, and with suitable rooms, or halls, for the re- 
ception and arrangement, upon a liberal scale, of objects of 
natural history, including a geological and mineralogical 
cabinet; also a chemical laboratory, a library, a gallery of 
art, and the necessary lecture rooms; and the said Board 
shall have authority, by themselves or by a committee of 
three of their members, to contract for the completion of 
such building, upon such plan as may be directed by the 
Board of Regents, and shall take sufficient security for the 
building and finishing the same according to the said plan, 
and in the time stipulated in such contract; and may so locate 
said building, if they shall deem it proper, as in appearance 


758 AN ACT TO ESTABLISH 


to form a wing to the Patent Office building, and may so 
connect the same with the present hall of said Patent Office 
building, containing the National Cabinet of Curiosities, as 
to constitute the said hall, in whole or in part, the deposite 
for the cabinet of said Institution, if they deem it expedient 
to do so; provided said building shall be located upon said 
Patent Office lot in the manner aforesaid: Provided, however, 
That the whole expense of building and enclosures afore- 
~ said shall not exceed the amount of ; which sum is 
hereby appropriated, payable out of money in the Treasury 
not otherwise appropriated; together with such sum or 
sums out of the annual interest accruing to the Institution, 
as may, in any year, remain unexpended, after paying the 
current expenses of the Institution. And duplicates of all 
such contracts as may be made by the said Board of Re- 
gents shall be deposited with the Treasurer of the United 
States; and all claims on any contract made as aforesaid 
shall be allowed and certified by the Board of Regents, or 
the Executive Committee thereof, as the case may be, and, 
being signed by the Chancellor and Secretary of the Board, 
shall be a sufficient voucher for settlement and payment at 
the Treasury of the United States. And the Board of Re- 
gents shall be authorized to employ such persons as they 
may deem necessary to superintend the erection of the 
building and fitting up the rooms of the Institution. And 
all laws for the protection of public property in the city of 
Washington shall apply to, and be in force for, the protec- 
tion of the lands, buildings, and other property of said In- 
stitution. And all moneys recovered by, or accruing to, 
the Institution, shall be paid into the Treasury of the United 
States to the credit of the Smithsonian bequest, and sepa- 
rately accounted for, as provided in the act approved July 
first, eighteen hundred and thirty-six, accepting said be- 
quest. 

Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That, in ‘proportion as 
suitable arrangements can be made for their reception, 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 759 


all objects of art and of foreign and curious research, and 
all objects of natural history, plants, and geological and 
mineralogical specimens belonging, or hereafter to belong, 
to the United States, which may be in the city of Wash- 
ington, in whosesoever custody the same may be, shall be 
delivered to such persons as may be authorized by the 
Board of Regents to receive them, and shall be arranged in 
such order, and so classed, as best to facilitate the examina- 
tion and study of them, in the building so as aforesaid to be 
erected for the Institution; and the Regents of said Insti- 
tution shall afterwards, as new specimens in natural history, 
geology, or mineralogy, may be obtained for the museum of 
the Institution, by exchanges of duplicate specimens be- 
longing to the Institution, (which they are hereby authorized 
to make,) or by donation, which they may receive, or other- 
wise, cause such new specimens to be also appropriately 
classed and arranged. And the minerals, books, manu- 
scripts, and other property of James Smithson, which have 
been received by the Government of the United States, and 
are now placed in the Department of State, shall be removed 
to said Institution, and shall be preserved separate and apart 
from other property of the Institution. 

Src. 7. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the 
Board of Regents shall take charge of the building and 
property of said Institution, and shall, under their direction, 
make a fair and accurate record of all their proceedings, to 
be preserved in said Institution; and the said Secretary shall 
also discharge the duties of librarian and keeper of the 
museum, and may, with the consent of the Board of Re- 
gents, employ assistants; and the said officers shall receive 
for their services such sums as may be allowed by the Board 
of Regents, to be paid semi-annually on the first days of 
January and July; and the said officers shall be removable 
by the Board of Regents, whenever, in their judgment, the 
interests of the Institution require any of the said officers 
to be changed. 


760 AN ACT TO ESTABLISH, ETC. 


Src. 8. And be it further enacted, That the members and 
honorary members of said Institution may hold such stated 
and special meetings, for the supervision of the affairs of 
said Institution and the advice and instruction of said Board 
of Regents, to be called in the manner provided for in the 
by-laws of said Institution, at which the President, and, in 
his absence, the Vice-President of the United States shall 
preside. And the said Regents shall make, from the in- 
terest of said fund, an appropriation, not exceeding an 
average of twenty-five thousand dollars annually, for the 
gradual formation of a library composed of valuable works 
pertaining to all departments of human knowledge. 

Src. 9. And be it further enacted, That of any other moneys 
which have accrued, or shall hereafter accrue, as interest 
upon the said Smithsonian fund, not herein appropriated, or 
not required for the purposes herein provided, the said 
managers are hereby authorized to make such disposal as 
they shall deem best suited for the promotion of the pur- 
pose of the testator, anything herein contained to the con- 
trary notwithstanding. 

Src. 10. And be it further enacted, That the author or pro- 
prietor of any book, map, chart, musical composition, print, 
cut, or engraving, for which a copyright shall be secured 
under the existing acts of Congress, or those which shall 
hereafter be enacted respecting copyrights, shall, within 
three months from the publication of said book, map, chart, 
rousical composition, print, cut, or engraving, deliver, or 
cause to be delivered, one copy of the same to the Libra- 
rian of the Smithsonian Institution, and one copy to the 
Librarian of the Congress Library, for the use of the said 
libraries. 

Sec. 11. And be it further enacted, That there is reserved 
to Congress the right of altering, amending, adding to, or 
repealing any of the provisions of this act: Provided, That 
no contract, or individual right, made or acquired under 
such provisions, shall be thereby divested or impaired. 

Approved August 10, 1846. 


SPAN | AN Ole 


TO ESTABLISH 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


REVISED STATUTES, TITLE LXXIII. 


Sec. Sec. 
579. Incorporation of the Institu- | 5587. Library. 
tion. 5588. Evidence of title to site and 
5580. Regents. buildings. 
5581. Appointment of Regents. 5589. Protection of property. 
5582. Organization of Board. 5590. Appropriation of interest. 
5583, Duties of Secretary. 5591. Acceptance of other sums. 
584. Salary and removal of Secre- | 5592. Disposal of unappropriated 
tary, &e. money. 
5585. Special meetings of members. | 5593. Disbursements. 
5586. Reception and: arrangement of | 5594. Right of repeal. 


specimens and objects of art. 


PREAMBLE. James Smithson, esquire, of London, , wil of James 
Smithson. 


in the kingdom of Great Britain, having by 
his last will and testament given the whole of 
his property to the United States of America, 
to found, at Washington, under the name of 
the ‘Smithsonian Institution,’ an establish- 
ment for the increase and diffusion of knowl- 
edge among men; and the United States 
having, by an act of Congress, received said 
property and accepted said trust; therefore, 
for the faithful execution of said trust, accord- 
ing to the will of the liberal and enlightened 
donor. 


Incorporation 


Src. 5579. The President, the Vice-President, : 


nstitu- 


the Seeretary of State, the Secretary of the Treas- #°- 


761 


762 


Incorporation 
xa of JB Institu- 
ion 


10 Aug.,1846,c. 


178, 8. 1, Vv. 9, p. 


02. 
20 March, 1871, 
o.1,v.17. D- 1, 


Regents. 


13, eG 


ws ae ee 
p. 420. 

30 March, 1871, 

c.l,v. 17,p. 1 


Sry 


Sneak of 


Reg 


10 Au eee 
178, 8. 2 ¥. 9, , 
103. 


TITLE LXXIII. 


ury, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the 
Navy, the Postmaster General, the Attorney Gen- 
eral, the Chief Justice, the Commissioner of the 
Patent Office, and the Governor of the District 
of Columbia, and such other persons as they may 
elect honorary members, are hereby constituted 
an establishment, by the name of the ‘ Smithso- 
nian Institution,” for the increase and diffusion 
of knowledge among men; and by that name 
shall be known and have perpetual succession, 
with the powers, limitations, and restrietions 
hereinafter contained, and no other. 


Src. 5580. The business of the Institution shall 
be conducted at the city of Washington by a 
Board of Regents, named the Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution, to be composed of the 
Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the United 
States, and the Governor of the District of 
Columbia, three members of the Senate and 
three members of the House of Representatives ; 
together with six other persons, other than mem- 
bers of Congress, two of whom shall be resident 
in the city of Washington; and the other four 
shall be inhabitants of some State, but no two of 
them of the same State. | 


Src. 5581. The Regents to be selected shall be 
appointed as follows: The members of the Senate 
” by the President thereof; the members of the 
House by the Speaker thereof; and the six other 
persons by joint resolution of the Senate and 
House of Representatives. The members of the 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


House so appointed shall serve for the term of 
two years; and on every alternate fourth Wed- 
nesday of December a like number shall be 
appointed in the same manner, to serve until the 
fourth Wednesday in December, in the second 
year succeeding their appointment. The Sena- 
tors so appointed shall serve during the term for 
which they shall hold, without re-election, their 
office as Senators. Vacancies, occasioned by 
death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled as 
vacancies in committees are filled. The regular 
term of service for the other six members shall 
be six years; and new elections thereof shall be 
made by joint resolutions of Congress. Vacan- 
cies occasioned by death, resignation, or other- 
wise may be filled in like manner by joint resolu- 
tion of Congress. 


763 


Src. 5582. The Regents shall meet in the city orpanizationof 
Board. 


of Washington and elect one of their number as 
Chancellor, who shall be the presiding officer of 
the Board of Regents, and called the Chancellor 
of the Smithsonian Institution, and a suitable 
person as Secretary of the Institution, who shall 
also be the Secretary of the Board of Regents. 
The Board shall also elect three of their own 
body as an executive committee, and the Regents 
shall fix on the time for the regular meetings of 
the Board; and, on application of any three of 
the Regents to the Secretary of the Institution, 
it shall be his duty to appoint a special meeting 
of the Board of Regents, of which he shall give 


Ibid. 


764 


Duties of Sec- 
retary. 


“ante 8. 7, p. 


Salary and re- 
moval of Secre- 
tary, &. 


Ibid. 


Special meet- 
ings of members. 


Ibid., 8. 8. 


TITLE LXXIII. 


notice, by letter, to each of the members; and, 
at any meeting of the Board, five shall constitute 
a quorum to do business. Each member of the 
Board shall be paid his necessary traveling and’ 
other actual expenses, in attending meetings of 
the Board, which shall be audited by the execu- 
tive committee, and recorded by the Secretary of 
the Board; but his service as Regent shall be 
gratuitous. 


Src. 5583. The Secretary of the Board of Re- 
gents shall take charge of the building and 
property of the Institution, and shall, under their 
direction, make a fair and accurate record of all 
their proceedings, to be preserved in the Institu- 
tion; and shall also discharge the duties of libra- 
rian and of keeper of the museum, and may, with 
the consent of the Board of Regents, employ 
assistants. 


Src. 5584. The Secretary and his assistants shall, 
respectively, receive for their services such sum 
as may be allowed by the Board of Regents, to be 
paid semi-annually on the first day of January 
and July; and shall be removable by the Board 
of Regents whenever, in their judgment, the 
interests of the Institution require such removal. 


Src. 5585. The members and honorary mem- 
bers of the Institution may hold stated and special 
meetings, for the supervision of the affairs of the 
Institution and the advice and instruction of the 
Board of Regents, to be called in the manner 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


provided for in the by-laws of the Institution, at 
which the President, and in his absence the Vice- 
President, shall preside. 


Sec. 5586. Whenever suitable arrangements 
can be made from time to time for their recep- 
tion, all objects of art and of foreign and curious 
research, and all objects of natural history, plants, 
and geological and mineralogical specimens, be- 
longing to the United States, which may be in 
the city of Washington, in whosesoever custody 
they may be, shall be delivered to such persons 
as may be authorized by the Board of Regents 
to receive them, and shall be so arranged and 
classified in the building erected for the Institu- 
tion as best to facilitate the examination and 
study of them; and whenever new specimens in 
natural history, geology, or mineralogy are ob- 
tained for the museum of the Institution, by 
exchanges of duplicate specimens, which the 
Regents may in their discretion make, or by 
donation, which they may receive, or otherwise, 
the Regents shall cause such new specimens to 
be appropriately classed and arranged. The 
minerals, books, manuscripts, and other property 
of James Smithson, which have been received by 
the Government of the United States, shall be 
preserved separate and apart from other property 
of the Institution. 


Sec. 5587. The Regents shall make, from the 
interest of the fund, an appropriation, not 
exceeding an average of twenty-five thousand 


Reception and 


arrangement of 


8 
oO 


ecimens and 
jects of art. 


Ibid., 5.6. 


Library. 


Ibid., 8. 8. 


766 


Evidence e f 


pe to site a 
buildings. 


Ibid., 8. 4, p. 
104. ’ » Pp 


prop 


Ibid..s. 5. 


epee aon 


of intere: 


Brotection of 
erty. 


TITLE LXXIII. 


dollars annually, for the gradual formation of a 
library composed of valuable works pertaining to 
all departments of human knowledge. [See 22 
94, 99, 160.] 


Sec. 5588. The site and lands selected for 
buildings for the Smithsonian Institution shall be 
deemed appropriated to the Institution, and the 
record of the description of such site and lands, 
or a copy thereof, certified by the Chancellor and 
Secretary of the Board of Regents, shall be 
received as evidence in all courts of the extent 
and boundaries of the lands appropriated to the 
Institution. 


Sec. 5589. All laws for the protection of public 
property in the city of Washington shall apply 
to, and be in force for, the protection of the 
lands, buildings, and other property of the 
Smithsonian Institution. All moneys recovered 
by or accruing to, the Institution shall be paid 
into the Treasury of the United States, to the 
credit of the Smithsonian bequest, and separately 
accounted for. 


Src. 5590. So much of the property of James 


Thid., 8. 25 D. Smithson as has been received in money, and 


, 1867, c. 
a # ee 14, p. 


paid into the Treasury of the United States, 
being the sum of five hundred and forty-one 
thousand three hundred and seventy-nine dollars 
and sixty-three cents, shall be lent to the United 
States Treasury, at six per centum per annum 
interest, and six per centum interest on the trust 
tund and residuary legacy received into the 


THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 767 


United States Treasury, payable in half-yearly 
payments, on the first of January and July in 
each year, is hereby appropriated for the per- 
petual maintenance and support of the Smith- 
sonian Institution; and all expenditures and 
appropriations to be made, from time to time, to 
the purposes of the Institution shall be exclu- 
sively from the accruing interest, and not from 
the principal of the fund. All the moneys and 
stocks which have been, or may hereafter be, 
received into the Treasury of the United States, 
on account of the fund bequeathed by James 
Smithson, are hereby pledged to refund to the 
Treasury of the United States the sums hereby 
appropriated. 


Src. 5591. The Secretary of the Treasury is ,,foceptance of 
authorized and directed to receive into the ,5Feb., 180, c. 
® ° 391." ; 5 »2: 
Treasury, on the same terms as the original 
bequest of James Smithson, such sums as the 
Regents may, from time to time, see fit to deposit, 
not exceeding, with the original bequest, the sum 
of one million dollars. 


Sec. 5592. The Regents are authorized to , Disposal of un- 


appropriated mo- 


> = ] ° ney. 
make such disposal of any other moneys which “Wo Aug. 8,6 ang. doi. 
have accrued, or shall hereafter accrue, as inter- 0s, °°?” ? 


est upon the Smithsonian fund, not herein appro- 
priated, or not required for the purposes herein 
provided, as they shall deem best suited for the 
promotion of the purpose of the testator. 


Src. 5593. Whenever money is required for Disbursements. 


the payment of the debts or performance of the 103?” * * ™ 


o 


768 


Right of repeal. 
Ibid., s. ll 7 
106.” ae 


TITLE LXXIII. 


contracts of the Institution, incurred or entered 
into in conformity with the provisions of this 
Title, or for making the purchases and executing 
the objects authorized by this Title, the Board of 
Regents, or the executive committee thereof, 
may certify to the Chancellor and Secretary of 
the Board that such sum of money is required, 
whereupon they shall examine the same, and, if 
they shall approve thereof, shall certify the same 
to the proper officer of the Treasury for pay- 
ment. The Board shall submit to Congress, at 
each session thereof, a report of the operations, 
expenditures, and condition of the Institution. 


Src. 5594. Congress may alter, amend, add 
to, or repeal any of the provisions of this Title; 
but no contract or individual right made or 
acquired under such provisions shall be thereby 
divested or impaired. . 


BY-LAWS. 769 


BY-LAWS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


[ApopteD May 17, 1853.] 
See Smithsonian Report for 1854, page 98. 


Section 1. A stated annual meeting of the statute and 
honorary members of the Institution shall be held at the 
hall of the Institution, in Washington, on the first Tuesday 
in May. Adjourned meetings may be held at such place 
and time as the members of thé Institution at any meeting 
may order. Special meetings will be convened by direc- 
tion of the President of the United States. 


Section 2. Notice of all meetings of the Institution, 
whether stated, adjourned, or special, shall be given by the 
Secretary in writing, addressed to each member. 


Srcrron 3. The votes and proceedings of the Institution, 
with the names of the members present at each meeting, 
shall be recorded; and at the opening of every meeting the 
journal of the preceding meeting shall be read by the Sec- 
retary. 


Suction 4. A quorum of not less than six of the statute 
members shall be requisite for the transaction of any busi- 
ness except adjourning or obtaining the attendance of mem- 
bers. 


Sxction 5. The Secretary shall, at the stated annual 
meeting, make a general statement of the condition and 
affairs of the Institution during the past year. 


Srction 6. Honorary members, not exceeding one in each 
year, shall be elected by ballot, and by unanimous vote of 
the statute members: Provided, That no person shall be 
chosen without having been nominated at a previous meet- 
ing of the Institution. 


Section 7. The rules of parliamentary proceedings, as 
received and practiced in the Senate of the United States, 
shall govern the meetings of the Institution in all cases 


which are not inconsistent with the foregoing by-laws. 
49 


& 


THE “ESTABLISHMENT” 
OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


Section 5579 of the Revised Statutes of the United States provides that ‘“‘ The 
President, the Vice-President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, 
the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the Postmaster General, the At- 
torney General, the Chief Justice, the Commissioner of the [Patent Office] [Patents], 
and the Governor of the District of Columbia, and such other persons as they may 
elect honorary members, are hereby constituted an Establishment, by the name of 
the ‘Smithsonian Institution,’ for the increaseand diffusion of knowledge among 
men; and by that name shall be known and have perpetual succession, with the 
powers, limitations, and restrictions hereinafter contained, and no other.” 

Section 5585 provides that ‘‘ The members and honorary members of the Institu- 
tion may hold stated and special meetings for the supervision of the affairs of the 
Institution, and the advice and instruction of the Board of Regents, to be called in 
the manner provided for in the by-laws of the Institution, at which the President, 
and in his absence the Vice-President, shall preside.”’ 


JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT. 


WASHINGTON, August 1, 1849. 


A meeting of the Establishment of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day, 
at 5 o’clock p. m., in the eastern range of the Smithsonian building. 

Present: Zachary Taylor, President of the United States, and ex officio President 
of the Institution; John M. Clayton, Seeretary of State; Wm. M. Meredith, Secre- 
tary of the Treasury; Jacob Collamer, Postmaster General; Thomas Ewbank, Com- 
missioner of Patents; W. W. Seaton, Mayor of Washington; Joseph Henry, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The President took the chair. 

This being the first meeting of the Establishment, the Secretary gave an account of 
the Institution, of the plan of organization adopted by the Board of Regents, and of 
the progress made in carrying the several parts into operation. 

The chairman of the Executive Committee gave to the meeting an account of the 
disbursements of the Institution and the state of its funds. 

The following gentlemen having been recommended by the Regents and officers of 
the Institution, and being duly considered by this meeting, were, on motion of Mr. 
Meredith, unanimously elected honorary members of the Smithsonian Institution, 
viz: Dr. Robert Hare, of Philadelphia; Albert Gallatin, of New York; Dr. Benja- 
min Silliman, of Connecticut; Washington Irving, of New York. 

On motion of Mr. Clayton, it was— 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draft and report by-laws 
and regulations for the future meetings of the Establishment. 

Whereupon, the President appointed Mr. Clayton, Mr. Meredith, and Mr. Seaton, 
the committee. 

On motion of Mr. Collamer, the Secretary of the Institution was added to the said 
committee. 

On motion, the meeting then adjourned, to meet again on the call of the President. 


Wie 


Vi2 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 


WASHINGTON, May 8, 1853. 


A meeting of the Smithsonian Institution, called by order of the President of the 
United States, was held this day, May 8, 1853, in the session-hall of the Smithsonian 
building, at 11 o’clock a. m. 

Present: Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, ex officio President of 
the Smithsonian Institution; James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury; James C. 
Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy; James Campbell, Postmaster General; Caleb- 
Cushing, Attorney Gengral; John W. Maury, Mayor of Washington; Joseph 
Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The Secretary gave an account of the operations of the Institution. 

Less than half of the number of members being present, the meeting adjourned to 
meet on Tuesday, the 17th instant. 


WasHinetTon, May 17, 1853. 


An adjourned meeting of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day in the 
session-hall of the Smithsonian building. 

Present: Franklin Pierce, President of the United States; William L. Marcy, 
Secretary of State; James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury; Jetferson Davis, 
Secretary of War; James C. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy; James Campbell, 
Postmaster General; Caleb Cushing, Attorney General; Charles Mason, Commis- 
sioner of Patents: John W. Maury, Mayor of Washington; Joseph Henry, Sec- 
retary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The President took the chair, and the minutes of the preceding meeting were 
read. 

On motion, the President appointed a committee of five to draft a code of by-laws. 
The committee consisted of the following persons, to wit: Messrs. Cushing, Dobbin, 
Maury, Davis, and the Secretary. 

The committee after due deliberation, reported through their chairman, Mr. Cush- 
ing, a code of by-laws. [To be found on page 769. ] 

On motion, the report of the committee was adopted. 

The Secretary presented an account of the organization and operations of the 
Institution relative to the reception and publication of memoirs, researches, ex- 
changes, the formation of catalogues of libraries; also, an account of the state of 
the funds, and the policy with regard to the formation of collections, &e. 

On motion of Mr. Davis, nominations were then received for the appointment of 
an honorary member of the Institution, to take place at a succeeding meeting. 

On motion, the Institution adjourned to the first Monday in June ensuing, at 11 
o’clock a. m. 


WASHINGTON, June 6, 1853. 


An adjourned meeting of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day, June 6, 
1853, in the session-hall of the Smithsonian building. 

Present: Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, ex officio President of 
the Smithsonian Institution; James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury ; William 
L. Marcy, Secretary of State; Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War; Jumes Campbell, 
Postmaster General; Caleb Cushing, Attorney General; Charles Mason, Commis- 
sioner of Patents; Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The President took the chair, and the minutes of the preceding meeting were read. 

On motion, the Institution proceeded to ballot for the election of an honorary 
member. 

Professor Parker Cleaveland was declared unanimously elected. 

The advertisement of the Leopoldin Caroline Academy of Germany, relative to 
the Smithsonian Institution, was read by the Secretary. 

The Institution then adjourned sine die. 


W.asHinaton, May 2, 1854. 


The stated annual meeting of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day, May 
2, 1854, at the hall of the Institution, at 12 o’clock m. 

Present: Franklin Pierce, President of the United States; Hon. Wm. L. Marcy, 
Secretary of State; Hon. James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury; Hon. Jefferson 
Davis, Secretary of War; Hon. James C. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy; Hon. 
Caleb Cushing, Attorney General; Hon. John W. Maury, Mayor of the city; Pro- 
fessor Robert Hare, honorary member; Professor Joseph Henry, Secretary of the 
Institution. 


a 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 773 


The President took the chair. 

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved. 

On motion of Hon. Mr. Guthrie, the Institution proceeded to nominate candidates 
for election as honorary members. 

Dr. Hare made some remarks respecting his apparatus, and the conditions on which 
it was presented to the Institution. 

The Secretary explained the cause of the delay in completing the repairs, and in 
the proposed exhibition of the apparatus. This had been mainly due to an accident 
which happened to the building. A part of the interior gave way, and the Regents 
‘directed that the whole wood work of the main building should be removed, and its 
place supplied with fire-proof materials. To meet the additional expense of this 
necessary change in the plan, the time of completing the edifice was extended, and 
funds which would have been devoted to other purposes were consequently given to 
this object. The building will, however, be completed in the course of the present 
year ; a spacious room is now nearly ready to receive the apparatus, and due diligence 
on the part of the Institution will be made to finish the repairs of the articles, of 
which a considerable portion are now completed. 

On motion, the Institution then adjourned to the first Tuesday in June next, (6th 
proximo. ) 


WASHINGTON, June 6, 1854. 


An adjourned meeting of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day, June 6, 
1854, in the hall of the Institution, at 12 o’clock m. 

Present: Hon. William L. Marcy, Secretary of State; Hon. James Guthrie, Sec- 
retary of the Treasury; Hon. Caleb Cushing, Attorney General; Hon. Charles 
Mason, Commissioner of Patents; Professor Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Insti- 
tution. 

There not being a legal quorum present, on motion of Mr. Cushing, the Institution 
adjourned to meet on Saturday, July 15, 1854, at 12 o’clock m. 


WASHINGTON, July 15, 1854. 


An adjourned meeting of the Smithsonian Institution was held this day July 15, 
1854, in the hall of the Institution, at 12 o’clock m. 

Present: Franklin Pierce, President of the United States; Hon. William L. 
Marcy, Secretary of State; Hon. James Guthrie, Secretary of the Treasury ; Hon. 
Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War; Hon. James OC. Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy; 
Hon. James Campbell, Postmaster General; Hon. Caleb Cushing, Attorney General ; 
Hon. Charles Mason, Commissioner of Patents. 

The President took the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and 
approved. 

The nominations previously made for honorary members were then read, and the 
Institution proceeded to ballot, but no choice was made. 

On the second ballot no choice was made. 

On motion, the election of an honorary member was postponed. 

Ordered, That three persons be appointed a committee of the Institution to confer 
‘with the Board of Regents as to suitable means of communication between the two 
bodies, and to report thereon at a subsequent meeting of the Institution. 

The Secretary gave a general account of the affairs of the Institution; the condi- 
tion of the building; the operations carried on during the past year; and a state- 
ment of the finances at the present time. 

The President appointed Messrs. Cushing, Davis, and Mason, as the committee of 
conference with the Board of Regents.* 

On motion of Mr. Campbell, the Institution adjourned to meet on the third Satur- 
day (21st) of October next. This meeting was not held. 


[A meeting was subsequently held, at which A. B. Longstreet, of Mississippi, 
and the Secretary of the Interior were elected honorary members, but no record of 
proceedings has been found. } 


* The report of this committee is given on page 120. It was adopted by the Board of Regents, but 
mot presented to the Establishment. 


774 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 


WASHINGTON, June 4, 1878. 


A meeting of the Establishment was held in the Regents’ room at 34 oclock. 
Present, the President of the United States, Hon. U.S. Grant; the Secretary of State, 
Hon. Hamilton Fish; the Secretary of the Treasury, Hon. G. 8. Boutwell; the Sec- 
retary of the Navy, Hon. G. M. Robeson; the Postmaster General, Hon. J. A. J. 
Creswell; the Secretary of the Interior, Hon. C. Delano; the Attorney General, Hon. 
G. H. Williams; the Commissioner of Patents, Hon. M. D. Leggett, and Professor 
Henry, Secretary of the Institution. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read. 

The Secretary gave an account of the state of the funds, explained the will of 
Smithson, and described the organization of the Smithsonian Institution and its plan 
of operations, and what it had done in the way of meteorology, explorations, 
exchanges, &c. 

The Secretary of the Navy proposed Hon. C. Delano as an honorary member of 
the Establishment, and he was duly elected. 

On motion, the Establishment adjourned, to meet on the third Wednesday in 
November. 

after adjournment the Establishment inspected the building, the museum, exchange 
room, offices, &. 


Wasuinaton, May 5, 1877. 


A meeting of the ‘‘ Establishment of the Smithsonian Institution’? was held on the 
5th May, 1877, in pursuance of the call of the President of the United States, in 
the Smithsonian building, (office of the Secretary,) at 4 o’clock P. M. 

Present, the President of the United States, Hon. R. B. Hayes; the Secretary of 
State, Hon. W. M. Evarts; the Secretary of War, Hon. G. W. McCrary; the Sec- 
retary of the Interior, Hon. C. Schurz; the Secretary of the Treasury, Hon, J. 
Sherman; the Postmaster General, Hon. D. M. Key, and Professor Henry, Secretary 
of the Institution. 

The minutes of the last meeting (June 4, 1873) were read; also the law of organi- 
zation of the Institution relative to the Establishment. 

The Secretary gave an account of the operations and condition of the Institution, 
its plan of organization, finances, requirements of Congress, &c. 

On motion of Mr. Sherman the Establishment adjourned, to meet at the call of the 
President. 


i 


EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY BY THE ENG- 
LISH GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 


No. 6 Otp Patace Yarp, 
WESTMINSTER, TUESDAY, 28th June, 1870. 


Present: His Grace the Duke or Drvonsurre, K. G., in 
the chair; The Most Hon. The Marquis of Lansdowne; Sir 
John Lubbock, Bart., M. P., F. R.8.; Sir James Phillips 
Kay Shuttleworth, Bart.; Bernhard Samuelson, Esq., M. P.; 
William Sharpey, Esq., M. D., Sec. R. S.; Thomas Henry 
Huxley, Esq., LL. D., #. R.S.; William Allen Miller, Esq., 
M. D., LL. D., Treas. R. 8.; George Gabriel Stokes, Esq., 
Me Ae Pi: Di, Sees RAB: 


Professor JosepH Henry examined. 


1403. (Chairman.) I believe you are the Secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institution in Washington ?—I am. 

1404. You have also previously been a professor in some 
college in the United States ?—I was a professor for many 
years in the College of Princeton, in New Jersey. 

1405. Have you any other appointment ?—I am a member 
of the Lighthouse Board of the United States. 

1406. Have you any appointment directly in connection 
with instruction in science ?—No. 

1407. (Dr. Miller.) You are the Director of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, and perhaps you will be kind enough to 
give the Commission a general idea of what the objects of 
that Institution are ?—I must thank the Commission for the 
honor they have done me in asking me to appear before 
them. The Institution was founded by James Smithson, of 
England, a member of the Royal Society, who, after devot- 
ing his life to scientific pursuits, left his fortune to the 
United States to found, at Washington, an establishment, 
under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, for the in- 
erease and diffusion of knowledge among men. The origi- 
nal bequest was $541,000, which, by savings and by judicious 
investments, has been increased to $700,000. Krom the 
income of this sum, at six per cent. per annum, the Institu- 
tion is supported. There was at first a great diversity of 
Opinion as to the manner in which the income should be 
applied to realize the design of the testator, as expressed in 
the brief, but comprehensive terms of the bequest. The 
distinction at that time between an institution for the ad- 


ae 


175 


"76 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


vancement of knowledge, by the discovery of new truths, 
and one for the teaching of the knowledge already in exist- 
ence, was not so generally recognized as it is at present, 
and Congress, after several years of delay, placed the ex- 
penditure of the income under the care of a Board of 
Regents, and directed that they should make provision, by 
the erection of a building and otherwise, for the formation 
of a library, a museum, and a gallery. It also gave fifty 
acres of unimproved ground, surrounding the site for the 
building, with indications that it should be planted with 
trees. Afterwards, however, though not without much 
opposition, it was concluded by the directors that those 
objects, although very important in themselves, were too 
local in their influence to come up to the liberal spirit of 
the bequest, which was intended not merely to benefit the 
citizens of Washington, nor even exclusively those of the 
United States, but mankind in general; and that the efforts 
of the directors should be to induce Congress to make a 
separate appropriation, from the public treasury, for the 
support of the objects just mentioned, and to devote, as far 
as possible, the income of the Smithsonian fund to the di- 
rect increase and diffusion of knowledge, by promoting 
original researches, and by distributing accounts of the re- 
sults of these to every part of the civilized world. In this 
the directors have been in a great measure successful, though 
time and much persevering labor have been required to pro- 
duce a change in the policy originally contemplated. A 
large portion of the income of the funds has been expended 
on the building. A library, principally consisting of nearly 
a full series of the proceedings and transactions of the ex- 
isting learned societies of the world, has been accumulated, 
the expense of the care of which has absorbed another por- 
tion of the income; a museum has been collected, consist- 
ing principally of specimens to illustrate the natural history 
and ethnology of America, and also a collection of engray- 
ings and plaster casts to meet the original requirements of 
Congress as to a gallery of art; but experience has abund- 
antly proved that any one of the specified objects, if properly 
sustained, would soon absorb all the income of the bequest, 
and vindicated the policy of transferring the support of 
them to other funds. In accordance with this, Congress 
was first induced to take charge of the grounds and take 
the steps necessary for their improvement. It next took 
charge of the books which had been collected, and incor- 
porated them with the national library, giving the Institu- 
tion and its collaborators the free use of the books of both 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. aE 


collections. By this transfer the Institution is saved in the 
expense of binding, cataloguing, and attendance, nearly 
$10,000 annually, while it has the same use of its books as 
before the arrangement was made. Again, the Agricultural 
Department has taken charge of the plants of the Institu- 
tion, and the osteological specimens have been transferred 
to the Army Medical Museum. Furthermore, a wealthy 
citizen of Washington has made a large appropriation of 
money to establish and support a gallery of art, and it is 
proposed to transfer to this the articles which the Institution 
has accumulated in the line of art. The object of this policy 
is to establish at Washington a collection of objects of nature 
and art, without trenching on the Smithsonian fund, which 
shall be worthy the capital of the nation. Asastep towards 
this desirable end, Congress, at its present session, has ap- 
propriated $10,000 towards the support of the museum, un- 
der the care of the Institution, and also $10,000 for the 
commencement of the fitting up of the upper story of the 
Smithson building for the better display of the collections. 
The $10,000 for the care of the museum will for the present 
be an annual appropriation. 

In regard to the increasing of knowledge by means of 
original research, it should be observed that the will makes 
no distinction as to any kind of knowledge, and here all 
branches are entitled to a share of attention, that is, all 
branches which can be said to be capable of definite in- 
crease ; but these are proverbially scientific branches, and 
therefore the appropriations from the income of the bequest 
have thus far been devoted to the advancement of scientific 
subjects. The plan adopted for the application of the in- 
come of the bequest to what has been denominated the 
active operations, in contradistinction to the plan of the 
museum, library, &c., consists principally in assisting men 
of science in their labors, in instituting various series of 
observations or experiments and explorations; in publish- 
ing the results of these; and in distributing copies to all 
the principal libraries of the world. Whenever a man is 
found who is capable of adding to the sum of human knowl- 
edge, he is assisted, it may be, with instruments, books, 
specimens, &c.; or, if he is in the line of mathematics, in 
its application to physics or astronomy, in which arithmeti- 
eal calculations are required, an appropriation is made for 
defraying the expenses of these. The Institution also 
makes large collections of specimens in all branches of 
natural history, not merely to supply the museum under its 
care, but for distribution to advance this branch of knowl- 


778 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


edge; wherever anyone is engaged in a special line of in- 
vestigation and requires specimens to aid him, the Institu- 
tion undertakes to supply them, and the only return asked 
is that full credit be given to the name of Smithson for the 
assistance afforded. ‘The Institution has established a series 
of magnetic observations and a system of meteorology, the 
latter of which has now been in operation for twenty years. 
It includes observations on the temperature, the pressure, 
and the moisture of the air, the winds, storms, and rainfall. 
The records of these observations have been placed in the 
hands of computers, and are now being reduced and dis- 
cussed, with a view to publication. I have here two maps 
showing the result of all the observations on the rainfall 
which have been made in the United States. The Institu- 
tion has made many explorations in regard to the ethnology 
of America; has collected a large number of Indian vocabu- 
laries; and published grammars and dictionaries of several 
languages. The results of all these are published for dis- 
tribution in a quarto form, denominated Smithsonian Con- 
tributions to Knowledge. In this way the Institution has 
done a great deal of good, and I hold in my hand a list, 
numbering 1,568, of the foreign correspondents of the In- 
stitution to which those memoirs are sent. 

1408. About how much is the annual income of the in- 
stitution ?—It is now about $42,000. 

1409. And is that distributed specially for the advance- 
ment of science, or is it told off to any particular branches 
of science ?—The Institution, up to thé present time, has 
been obliged to devote a portion of its annual income to 
the museum and the construction and repair of the build- 
ing. The remainder has been appropriated to researches, 
to explorations, to meteorology, and to the system of inter- 
national exchanges, and to publications. 

1410. The institution is under the government of a body 
of regents, is it not ?—Yes. 

1411. Will you explain how this body is appointed, and 
of whom, and of how many members it consists ?—The body 
is appointed by Congress. There are three members of the 
T[ouse appointed for the time that they are elected to Con- 
gress, that is, two years; and three members of the Senate, 
also appointed during the time they are in the Senate, that 
is, for six years. Then there are six citizens at large, gen- 
tlemen of influence, and three ex officios, the Vice-President 
of the United States, the Mayor of Washington, and the 
Chief Justice of the United States—the last of whom is 
the only person that is in for life; all the others are con- 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 779 


stantly changing, and they are not necessarily men of 
science. 

1412. Are they re-eligible?—Yes, they are; and they are 
generally re-appointed from time to time as their terms of 
oflice expire. 

1413. How often does the body meet ?—It meets once a 
year for one session, which continues at intervals for several 
weeks; and then the Secretary makes a report of all that 
has been done during the year, and of the state of the 
funds, and recommends certain appropriations to be made 
for the next year. Those appropriations are generally 
made, and the Institution goes on again to the end of the 
next year. 

1414. What is the staff of the Institution for working 
it ?—The essential staff consists of the Secretary, an Assis- 
tant Secretary, and a number of clerks, and laborers. The 
Assistant Secretary has charge of the collections of natural 
history, and the papers are referred to collaborateurs. We 
have lists of scientific men, and if a person applies for 
assistance, or if a paper is presented for publication, it is 
referred to a commission of men eminent in the line to 
which the paper reters. If the report is favorable their 
names are published, as you see on the reverse of the title 
of that paper before you, as vouchers for its importance; if 
the report is not favorable, the paper is returned to- the 
author, and very frequently it undergoes a discussion be- 
tween the examiners and the author. This discussion is 
carried on through the Institution, and as far as possible, 
the name of the author of the paper is kept concealed, and 
in all cases the names of those who examine it are not 
known. 

1415. Is this Commission a standing body ?—No. 

1416. How is it appointed ?—It is appointed by the Sec- 
retary. 

1417. The members are not necessarily residents in 
Washington ?—No, they may reside in any part of the 
country, or even in any part of the world. Several papers 
have been referred to scientific men in London. 

1418. I think we understand you to say that a large por- 
tion of the revenue of the Institution is devoted to the 
furtherance of research ?—Yes, that is so. 

1418. Supposing that a person is desirous of being aided 
by the Institution, how does he make his ease known ?— 
He applies to the Institution, and if confidence can be 
placed in him, the appropriation is made. I may give you 
an example. There is a mathematician, now engaged in 


780 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


discussing the orbit of Uranus. Two or three years ago he 
made an investigation of the orbit of Neptune, which was 
published by the Institution and has been adopted as the 
basis of the calculations with regard to that planet, I be- 
lieve, by the computers of all the nautical almanacs. 
That paper involved a large amount of arithmetical com- 
putation, and those computations were paid for by the 
Institution. Now, the same person is engaged on the 
planet Uranus, one of his objects being to determine 
whether or not the perturbations of that planet can be ac- 
counted for by the action of the planet Neptune, with a view 
of ascertaining whether there are outstanding disturbances 
which would indicate another planet still beyond. This in- 
vestigation also requires arithmetical computations, which 
will also be paid for by the Institution. 

1420. The applications are made by the individuals to 
the Secretary; does it rest very much with the Secretary to 
decide upon granting them ?—Yes, but he only decides 
after consulting with the collaborateurs of the Institution, 
and he must have a general knowledge of science and be 
imbued with its spirit. 

1421. Do you find that you can expend year by year that 
sum which is placed at your disposal in such a way as to 
give you satisfaction ?—A great deal more could be ex- 
pended if it were available, and it is for that object that we 
are endeavoring to be relieved of the expense of sustaining 
the museum and other objects. During the past year we 
have given 20,000 specimens of plants to the Agricultural 
Department, on condition that a botanist, nominated by the 
Institution, is appointed to take care of the specimens, so 
that they may be always accessible for scientific or educa- 
tional purposes; in fact, that the Institution is to have all 
the use of them that it would have if they were in its 
building. That saves the Institution perhaps $3,000 a year; 
and the transfer of the care of the books to the Library of 
Congress, as I have already said, has saved the Institution 
$10,000 a year. 

1422. Do you consider yourselves limited to American 
men of science ?—Not entirely, but seeing that the bequest 
was given to the United States, and that there is a great 
want of it there, we incline to give our countrymen the 
preference. But much is done in assisting the researches 
of foreign naturalists, by furnishing them with specimens, 
and in publishing such of their researches as may be con- 
nected with America: for example, the Institution has 
published a work on the American Algee, by the late Dr. 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 781 


Harvey, of Dublin, and also several works on insects, by 
De Saussure, of Geneva, and Leou, a German naturalist. 

The Institution endeavors in all cases to occupy ground 
untenanted by other Institutions, and whenever any other 
establishment will take up a line of research we’ imme- 
diately relinquish it and enter upon a new field: for ex- 
ample, a few years ago a report on forest trees was com- 
menced, and collections of all the different specimens of 
the forest trees of the country for this purpose were made; 
and this having become very expensive, has now been 
turned over to the Agricultural Department, which will get 
an appropriation from Congress for it, and the work will 
be done, while the money of Smithson is saved for other 
purposes. 

1423. What does the building itself represent ?—Exter- 
nally a Norman castle, and it has cost a very large sum. 
Untortunately, architecture is frequently in antagonism 
with science, and, too often, when an architect eets his 
hand into the purse of an establishment, everything else 
must stand aside. Much trouble has resulted from this 
building; it has been a source of constant anxiety and 
expense, the cost having greatly exceeded the original 
estimate. 

1424. What was the original object of the building ?—It 
was intended to accommodate a library, a museum, and a 
gallery of art; but, inasmuch as the Institution has turned 
over the library and the gallery of-art to other establish- 
ments, the building will now be devoted entirely to the mu- 
seum. The upper “part of it was burnt, and it remains un- 
finished; and if Congress would accept the building as a 
gift, allowing one of the wings for the use of the Institution, 
and devoting the main portion to the museum, it would be 
a gain to the Institution. 

Independent of the building, the Institution has a capital 
of $700,000 now, so that the financial condition of it is very 
favorable. The friends of the Institution are very sensitive 
with regard to its reputation, and are fully aware of the 
responsibility incurred by accepting the trust. The bequest 
came from England, and it is felt that the intelligence and 
integrity of the Government of the United States are in 
some degree involved in the manner in which this bequest 
is administered, and there is a desire to administer it for 
the benefit of mankind, through the advance of science. 
Its importance, as an example, can scarcely be over-csti- 
mated: there are in the United States a great many men 


782 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


who have suddenly made wealth, and are desirous of dis- 
tinguishing themselves, and they have, in several cases, 
founded schools and universities, but it has not yet become 
fashionable, although I think it will be in time, to found 
establishments for the advance of science. Professor Bache, 
with whose name the Commission are no doubt acquainted, 
left his small fortune of about $50,000 to carry out the same 
idea as that indicated in the will of Smithson. He was one 
of the Regents of the Institution, and was so impressed 
with the importance of the advance of science that he left 
his property for making original research, and for publish- 
ing results; and no man can have a prouder monument, [ 
think, than such an oneas Smithson and Bache have erected 
for themselves. Every year the Smithsonian Institution 
publishes a volume of transactions entitled ‘“‘ Smithsonian 
Oontributions to Knowledge,” and these volumes are: dis- 
tributed in whole or in part to every first-class library on 
the face of the earth, carrying with them the name of the 
founder, and constantly reproducing it, not in one part only, 
but in every part of the world. 

1425. Do you spend any large portion of your revenues 
in the collection of meteorological observations ?—Perhaps 
$2,000 or $3,000 a year, and we are endeavoring to get that 
placed under Government also. 

1426. Are those observations founded by you, or in what 
way do you favor them ?—The observations are voluntary. 
We furnish the observers with instruments in some cases. 
We did at first furnish them altogether with instruments, 
but this has been discontinued, except with respect to the 
rain gauges, and during the last year we have distributed 
about 500 of these. 

There is one part of the operations which I have not suffi- 
ciently dwelt upon, and that is the system of international 
exchanges. In order to send the volumes of Smithsonian 
Contributions over the world the Institution has agents; an 
agent in this city, an agent in Paris, an agent in Leipsic, an 
agent in Amsterdam, and another in Norway; and every 
year the volumes of the Institution are sent to these agents 
for distribution, and with them the transactions and pro- 
ceedings of all the societies of the United States, and also 
of Canada, and of South America. For example, all the 
Canadian institutions send copies of their publications to 
the Institution, and then the Institution distributes them 
over the world, and receives in return for the several donors 
the proceedings and transactions of foreign societies. This 
part of the operations costs about £1,000 sterling a year, but 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 783 


it is considered of great importance in the way of making 
science one in all countries. This is considered a very im- 
portant part of the plan of operations. Not only are books 
distributed, but the Institution has commenced the practice 
of distributing specimens of natural history over the world 
and getting others in exchange. As an interesting fact in 
connection with this system, I may mention that all the 
lines of steamers, the Cunard line of steamers, the German 
Lloyds’ steamers, and the lines from San Francisco, all con- 
vey the Smithsonian packages free of cost, and also that 
they are admitted through all custom-houses without being 
opened, and free from all duties in all countries. 

1427. (Dr. Sharpey.) Do you receive for the societies in 
America, for example, from the societies in London, and 
distribute those exchanges to the societies in America ?— 
Yes, for all the societies. The great object is to facilitate 
in every possible way the promotion of science, and espe- 
cially the fostering of original research, and enlarging the 
bounds of human thought. It is a matter of surprise that 
the idea is not more generally understood by statesmen and 
legislators, that modern civilization depends upon science, 
including the knowledge of the forces of nature, and the 
modes in which they become the agents of man. Every dis- 
covery is connected with good. Hven the human body can- 
not be properly understood without a knowledge of that of 
all other organized beings. 

1428. (Sir J. Lubbock.) Is there in America any general 
inspection of primary schools corresponding to that which 
we have in this country ?—In the different States there are 
primary schools and inspectors. 

1429. Are they inspected by State inspectors ?—Yes. 

1480. But not by general inspectors ?—The several States 
are considered as sovereign kingdoms, as it were. Each 
regulates its own code of instruction, and makes provision 
through its legislature for the support of schools. 

1431. Do the States generally have any general inspection 
of those schools ?—Most of the States have a school superin- 
tendent, as he is called, and he inspects the schools. 

1432. Can you tell the Commission to what subjects the 
examination refers at those inspections ?—They are reading, 
writing, arithmetic, geography, grammar; the ordinary 
elementary branches. 

1433. Then it includes in fact some little elementary 
science ?—No other, I think, than geography. The teachers 
may lecture on other subjects. 

1434. But the inspection, you think, does not include 


784. EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


that?—I think not in most cases. Then there are higher 
schools in the cities, and technical schools. Congress, a few 
years ago, devoted a certain number of lots of land from 
the public domain to found in each State an agricultural 
college, and this land was sold, and the proceeds applied to 
found and support those colleges. 

1435. Are there any State scholarships in science which 
are open to students in those schools ?—No. 

1436. Nor, I presume, any national scholarships ?—No. 

1437. Are there no national examinations of science in 
America corresponding to those which we have in connec- 
tion with the Science and Art Department in this coun- 
try ?—Not that I know of. This would all belong to the 
States. 

1438. Do the States vote any sums for original scientific 
research ?—Yes; almost.every State has made an appropria- 
tion for geological investigation. 

1439. Is that with reference to the geological survey, or 
with reference to independent geological research /—For 
geological survey generally; and the General Government 
makes almost every year an appropriation for the same 
purpose. 

1440. In what way are the expenses of the geological sur- 
vey divided between the State governments and the General 
Government of the United States ?—The General Govern- 
ment makes appropriations for the survey of the public 
domain; that is, of the land that belongs to the United 
States which has not been yet formed into States. 

1441. As soon as any Territory is formed into a State, the 
geological survey, if I understand you rightly, falls under 
the supervision of that State, and is not carried on by the 
General Government ?—That is so. 

1442. Independently of the geological survey, are there 
any sums voted for original scientific research ?—No other 
than those connected with the geological survey, and the 
survey of the coast of the United States. 

1443. Simply those that have direct practical utility ?— 
Yes, and there is a small sum generally every year voted 
for experiments for light-houses, and the several kinds of 
lighting material, improvements in lamps and lenses, fog 
signals, and so on; and I may also mention the appropria- 
tion of an annual sum for the maintenance of a National 
Observatory, which is under the direction of the Navy De- 
partment. 

1444. Then there is no annual sum put aside by the Gen- 
eral Government of the United Statés, corresponding to the 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 785 


sum voted by the English House of Commons, and distrib- 
uted by the Royal Society ?—None; there is‘no fund of that 
kind. 

1445. Could you favor the Commission with the whole 
amount of the sums spent in America, either by the Gene- 
ral Government or by the State governments, for scientific 
objects, for comparison with that which we spend in this 
country ?—I should think, including that for the Coast Sur- 
vey and other surveys, and also the Observatory, $500,000 a 
year. <A resolution has just passed the one ILouse appro- 
priating $100,000 to Arctic exploration, but I am not cer- 
tain that it will pass the other House. Just at present Con- 
gress 18 very stringent in its appropriations, on account of 
the finance of the country; but there is an increasing ten- 
dency to favor scientific investigations. 

1446. Have you no materials with you from which you 
might give us any account of the sum voted, or the manner 
in which it is distributed ?—No, but I might obtain it if the 
Commission wished to have it. 

1447. Are there in America any professorships corre- 
sponding to the Regius professorships in the universities of 
this country: professorships which are supported by the 
General Government, and sums voted by the House of Com- 
mons ?—In some of the States, the universities—tor instance 
the University of Virginia—are supported by the State, but 
most of the colleges in the United States are supported by 
endowments which they have received from individuals of 
various sects, and they are generally sectarian, and the 
endowments have been raised by the church. 

1448. Does the United States Government give any assist- 
ance to scientific societies in America, either by providing 
them with a house or in any other manner ?—No, it does 
not. The great demand in the United States is for applied 
science, not theoretical science. | 

1449. (Mr. Samuelson.) I think you stated that a large 
grant of land was made by the Congress of the United 
States for the establishment of agricultural colleges. That 
grant of land was made, was it not, during the American 
troubles ?—Yes, it was. 

1450. That was a grant of land which was valued, was it 
not, at between $30,000,000 and $40,000,000 ?—I do not 
know the exact value of the land. It was, however, very 
large. 

1451. You stated that it was applied to the establishment 
of agricultural colleges, but was it not voted for the estab- 

50 


786 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


lishment of technical schools of various kinds ?—I think it 
was for agricultural colleges. 

1452. At any rate, hitherto it has been appropriated to 
agricultural colleges, whatever the intention of the vote 
may have been 1—Yes, I think that is the case. 

1453. You have stated that the United States Govern- 
ment is not in the habit of making large grants for the pur- 
poses of investigation, and that it does not give any great 
support, if any ‘support, to the universities, but you stated 
also, did you not, that universities are founded and sup- 
ported by some of the individual States ?—Yes; ; but Ishould 
state that the General Government does support two impor- 
tant schools, in both of which scientific education is pre- 
dominant. "These are the Militar y Academy at West Point 
and the Naval Academy at Annapolis. 

1454. Can you give the Commission any more detail upon 
the subject of the sustenance which is given to the colleges 
by the States; take for instance the State of Massachusetts? 
—I am not able to do so. Ihave not paid special attention 
to the details. The General Government has within the last 
two years appointed a Commissioner of Education, whose 
duty it is to collect statistics on the subject and to prepare a 
report upon the education of the various States. 

1455. But beyond that the scientific education is left in 
the hands of the States ?—Yes. 

1456. You have stated that in the primary schools of most 
of the States no instruction in science is given except in 
geography, but you have a system, have you not, of graded 
schools ?—Yes, in certain States. I believe in Pennsylvania 
the pupils begin with the primary school, and they advance 
to a high school, and, I think, from that to the University 
of Pennsylvania. 

1457. Could you state what amount of scientific instruc- 
tion is given in the secondary schools of the different States? 
—I should think it was very small, but I do not know. 

1458. And with respect to the universities, have you any 
knowledge of the amount and the quality of the scientific 
instruction which is given in them; take, for instance, Har- 
vard College and the Cornell University ?—Harvard Uni- 
versity gives a very thorough course, and affords the means 
of instruction to resident graduates. It has lectures on 
physics, chemistry, and natural history, and there is a scien- 
tific school connected with Tarvard University. The Cor- 
nell University is a new establishment, and is yet unde- 
veloped. 

1459. At the Harvard University is the attendance at the 


oui aicalaiaiets 


+e 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 187 


scientific courses obligatory, or is it voluntary on the part 
of the students ?—It is obligatory. Perhaps there may be 
some courses that are not, but the pupils are obliged to be 
examined in chemistry and natural philosophy, and, I think, 
in natural history, in order to obtain degrees. 

1460. Even those who wish to take a degree in arts would 
be examined in science ?— Yes. 

1461. (Dr. Sharpey.) Besides the geological surveys there 
are other scientific surveys, are there not, undertaken by the 
United. States Government, such as the Coast Survey ?— 
Yes, that is a very large establishment, and a very impor- 
tant one. 

1462. And a very large amount of natural history knowl- 
edge is obtained in that way, is it not?—Yes, that which 
pertains to the sea. Many investigations with regard to the 
gulf stream have been made, and soundings are now in pro- 
gress in it, under the direction of Professor Peirce, the Su- 
perintendent of the Survey. 

1463. And also observations and collections in marine 
zoology ?—Yes. . 

1464. Those are conducted of course by competent scien- 
tific men ?—Yes. 

1465. Who directs or advises with the Government in 
appointing those gentlemen ?—The appointments are made 
really by the Director of the Survey, nominally by the Sec- 
retary of the Treasury; the Director of the Survey nomi- 
nates the officer whom he considers a proper man, and he 
is appointed. 

1466. I think you mentioned that the aid given by the 
Smithsonian Institution for the advancement of science and 
for scientific research, is to individuals, in the way of costly 
apparatus’ or appliances, expense of computation, and the 
like, and assistance of various kinds?—Yes. The idea at 
first was to appoint professors and to support them, but the 
difficulty is to get men who can undertake original research ; 
They are not obtained to order. Like poets, they must be 
born, not made. 

1467. That is to say, men who spontancously undertake 
researches would apply to you, and then you give them such 
assistance as you deem requisite to enable them to carry on 
their research ?—Yes. 

1468. There is no attempt then made to create an insti- 
tution or institutions for the direct advancement of science, 
for instance, great laboratories, in which scientific men 
would be invited to undertake researches ?—Before the fire 


788 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


we had a laboratory and a large collection of physical in- 
struments open to any one. 

1469. Did anyone take advantage of them ?—Yes, many 
investigations were made, especially for the Government. 
Frequently the Government requires scientific information, 
and that has in many cases been obtained from investiga- 
tions carried on in the Institution. 

1470. Do the scientific societies in America receive either 
from the central government or from the governments of 
the different States, any aid towards the expense of their 
publications ?—-No, not generally ; they do in certain cases 
where investigations have been made. There is a book just 
now published by the State, namely, ‘‘ The Shells of Massa- 
chusetts.” There has been a good deal done in that way 
in certain parts of the United States, and in Massachusetts 
especially. 

1471. Of course, none know better than you that many 
of those publications which are illustrated in colors are very 
expensive /—Yes. 

1472. And rather more so than some societies could un- 
dertake from their own resources ?—Yes. 

1473. In such a case does the Government aid them ?— 
No, not generally. 

1474. Would you approve of such aid ?—Yes, very much; 
and I think that the Government will in time see the im- 
portance of such aid. 

1475. The Smithsonian Institution reserves its funds for 
its own publications, does it not ?—Principally the publish- 
ing of those things which cannot be published otherwise. 
If they can be published in the transactions of any of the 
societies, the Institution does not publish them. 

1476. It does not, in short, take the work of other socie- 
ties ?—It does not; co-operation, and not monopoly, is the 
motto. 

1477. Could you make any suggestion by which the in- 
terchange and intercommunication of scientific knowledge, 
by means of papers and in other ways, could be facilitated 
over the world still more ?—I think that the plan now 
adopted by the Institution is a very good one. 

1478. I mean that through the post offices facilities might 
be afforded ?—Yes, that would be a more rapid means. Our 
exchanges are about twice a year. 

1479. Is not once a year, or even twice a year, rather a 
long interval for the communication of scientific knowledge 
as science is now going on ?—It is; and for all small papers 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 789 


we are now taking advantage of the new postal regulations 
between this country and America. 
1480. (Professor Huxley.) I think I understood from your 


enumeration of the body of regents that the great scientific 


bodies of the States, like the American Academy and the 
Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia, are not repre- 
sented ex officio ?—No. 

1481. Do you think it would be any improvement if the 
scientific element, if I may so call it, were more largely 
represented in your Board of Regents ?—That is a difficult 
question forme to answer. There might be some difference 


of opinion as to the amount of appropriation for different 


branches. 
1482. Of course in your official connection in the Smith- 


sonian Institution it might be difficult for you to answer 


that question as you would wish ?—-Precisely so; the Insti- 
tution has the co-operation of all those establishments, and 
in no case has there been any refusal on the part of their 
members to examine papers. 

1483. I presume that you can hardly call the governing 


body of the Smithsonian Institution a scientific body ?—No. 


1484. Under those circumstances, I presume, that practi- 


cally very considerable power is left in the hands of the 
Secretary ?—Yes. 


1485. Is there any security that the Secretary will always 
be a man of science ?—I cannot say that there is, yet the 
Institution having established a reputation while under such 


direction, it is hoped that he will be. 


1486. There is no provision in Mr. Smithson’s will, is 
there, that the Secretary shall be a man of science ?—The 
will is expressed in these few words: ‘I leave my property 


to the United States of America, to found an establishment 


under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, for the in- 


crease and diffusion of ‘knowledge among men.” 


1487. So that if at some future time the Regents should 
think fit to change the destination of the work which is 
done by the Institution, and to turn all its machinery to- 
wards the increase of knowledge in the direction, we will 
say, of history, or philology, or literature, such change would 
come completely within the meaning of the words of Mr. 
Smithson’s bequest ?—Under the words “ increase of knowl- 
edge,” I do not think that literature could be included, 
though history and philology are subjects which fall within 
the present plan of operations. 

1488. At present I understand the activity of the Smith- 
sonian Institution is really directed almost exclusively to- 


790 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


wards scientific matters ?—Yes, including ethnology. The 
Institution is making great collections in everything relating 
to the ancient inhabitants of the country. During the last 
year many mounds have been opened, and their contents 
described and brought to the Institution, and casts have 
been made of them for distribution. In languages, the In- 
stitution has published a volume on the Yoruba language of 
Africa, from the investigation of an American. missionary. 
It has published a work upon the language of the Dakota 
Indians by another missionary, and it has collected one hun- 
dred and fifty different Indian vocabularies, which are now 
in the hands of persons to be elaborated. 

1489. Still it may be said that the predominant activity 
of the Institution at present is in the direction of physical 
science /—Yes, and in the direction of natural history. 

1490. Indeed it is mainly in the direction of natural science 
at present ?—Yes. 

1491. But still we may regard that as a sort of accident ; 
that is to say, that hereafter the predominant activity of the 
Institution might be directed towards philology, or to history, 
or to other branches of human knowledge, without in any way 
violating either the words or the spirit of the bequest ‘—To 
anything that is susceptible of a definite increase. A num- 
ber of papers have been presented to the Institution on 
philosophy, but the answer is, what are the evidences that 
they are true ? and the rule adopted is to publish no unveri- 
fied speculations. The author is allowed to give his hy- 
potheses, because of course it is considered that all advance 
in science is by antecedent probabilities or antecedent hy- 
potheses. An hypothesis which is of value must produce 
fruit, and when it so produces truit it is then ready to be 
published by the Institution. 

1492. May I ask if such a work as Kant’s Critique were 
offered to the Smithsonian Institution, would they publish 
it ?—I think not. 

1493. On what ground ?—The indefiniteness of the sub- 
ject. 

1494. Supposing such a work as Mill’s Logic were offered, 
would they publish it ?—I think not. 

1495. In fact, practically, philosophy is excluded ?—Yes ; 
not by any rule of the Institution, but by the nature of the 
subject. 

1496. Supposing a work on philosophy were presented, 
it would come to you officially, as Secretary, would it not? 
—Yes. 

1497. Are you, as Secretary, bound to lay it before the 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 791 


Board of Regents ?—No, I lay it before a commission to 
examine. 

1498. Who nominates that commission ?—The Secretary. 

1499. That is to say, the Commission is nominated ad hoc 
by the Secretary ?/—Yes. 

1500. I have no doubt that that hitherto has been a very 
beneficial arrangement, but practically the whole direction 
of the Institution is in the hands of the Secretary ?—Yes. 

1501. He is in point of fact absolute ?—Yes; but his acts 
are subject to the control of the Regents, and to the criticism 
of the public. 

1502. Would the Smithsonian Institution think it proper 
to make any grants for personal expenses, that is to say, 
suppose a man of great ability were applying to them for a 
grant in order to pursue some given research; if he were 
to say, I must live, and meanwhile may I use a certain por- 
tion of this grant to maintain me; would that be allowed 
by the rules of the Institution ?—It would require consider- 
able discretion; no definite rule has been adopted with re- 
gard to it. Where a person has gone on an expedition, the 
Institution has sometimes paid his expenses; and it has also 
sustained explorers. Before the purchase of Alaska, the 
Institution sent up into that country a young man, who was 
there two years, he brought the Institution in relation with 
the servants of the Northwest Company, and they have since 
furnished meteorological observations, ethnological speci 
mens, and also specimens of all kinds in natural history, and 
the Institution in return ‘has appropriated $500 or $600 a 
year to purchase books for them, and such other articles as 
they cannot readily obtain. When Alaska was purchased 
or about to be purchased by the United States, the Secre- 
tary of State called on the Institution for information with 
regard to that region. 

1503. I apprehend that if a physical philosopher made 
application to you for the means of pursuing some particular 
research, you would think it proper, supposing the applica- 
tion appeared to be of value, to supply him with funds for 
the purpose of setting up the apparatus which he required ? 
—Yes. 

1504. Do you say that you would make him a grant of 
$1,000 for that purpose ?/—Yes, we might. 

1505. But if a mathematician, whose apparatus cost him 
nothing, applied to you and said simply, I want to live fora 
year for the purpose of working out such and such a prob- 
lem, you would not feel yourself at liberty to grant him a 
sum for his maintenance ?—If the Institution had sufficient 


792 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


funds it would; but with the limited means that it has, it 
could not in justice to other researches. 

1506. In answer to a previous question you spoke, did 
you not, of the appointment of quasi professors ?—At the 
beginning of the Institution at one time that idea was enter- 
tained, but it was not carried out, the income not being 
sufficient. 

1507. You are aware, I dare say, that in the Colleges of 
France there is a body of professors who are charged merely 
with the duty of advancing science, and giving courses of 
lectures of a most advanced character in their special de- 
partments ?—Yes. 

1508. Is there anything of that kind in the Smithsonian 
Institution ?—No. 

1509. Do you think it would be desirable, supposing the 
Institution had funds, that such should exist ?—I think it 
would be very desirable that the Government should sup- 
port such professors ; and I think that in time the American 
Government will come to a proper appreciation of abstract 
science, and make appropriations for such lecturers as you 
mention in the city of Washington. 

1510. What evidence do you require that the money which 
is given for investigation by the Smithsonian Institution is 
properly expended ?—The main evidence is the fruit which 
is produced. The Institution is very cautious in not making 
an appropriation to any person who has not been found 
capable of advancing knowledge by original research. 

1511. Supposing a grant made to a given person, A.; 
when his memoir is complete is that memoir published as a 
matter of course ?—Yes, if it be found of value. 

1512. Do the commission of which you spoke just now in 
any way give a report upon the results of his investigations, 
or go into them at all?—Yes, they very frequently make 
suggestions, and say, this point is not well developed, or we 
think the author has made a mistake. 

1513. Is the memoir referred to them before it is pub- 
lished ?—Yes. 

1514. So that it is possible that they might at last reject 
altogether a memoir produced under those circumstances ? 
—Yes; but then it comes back to the Secretary, and he 
may not be satisfied with its rejection, and he may refer it 
to another commission, the names of the first commission 
not being published. 

1515. The commission acts in the first place as a referee 
before the grant is made, and secondly as a referee after the 
work is produced ?— Yes. 


zie 


a 


Mie a cay 
NS 5 te 


ee 6 SS ae 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 793 


1516. Is it wholly in the discretion of the Secretary to 
accept or to refuse the reports of the commission ?—Yes, it 
has been so. 

1517. Would you think it within the purpose of the 
Smithsonian Institution, supposing you had the funds, to 
make a grant for the purpose, we will say, of establishing 
such a thing as a physical cabinet or an observatory ?—Yes. 
I think physical observations are of the greatest importance 
in the United States for observing the spontaneous pheno- 
mena of nature, and also for original experiment. 

1518. I understood you to say just now that before the 
fire took place you had a very good physical cabinet in the 
building of the Smithsonian Institution ?—Yes. 

1519. Is there such a thing in the United States now as 
what is understood as a complete physical cabinet ?—There 
are several connected with the science schools. There is a 
technological school in Boston which is well supplied with 
apparatus, and the scientific school at Harvard is well sup- 
plied, and also the one at New Haven, as well as that con- 
nected with Columbia College, New York. 

1520. Was your cabinet open, under certain restrictions, 
to any person who wished to make investigations ?—Yes, 
but not very much was done, because it was not in a very 
large place. My idea would be that if the funds were suffi- 
cient, and men could be found capable of advancing science, 
they should be consecrated to science, and be provided with 
the means of living above all care for physical wants, and 
supplied with all the implements necessary to investigation. 

1521. What means would you adopt to prevent any 
arrangement of that kind from degeneration into a mere 
support for idle people, who would not make use of their 
opportunities ; because such things do happen, even in the 
scientific world, that men who have abundant opportunities 
immediately begin to cease to use them ?—Their tenure of 
office should depend upon the fruit that they produce. 

1522. Do you think it would be desirable to connect with 
all such appointments the duty of teaching ?—Yes, I think 
that a certain amount of teaching is an advantage to an 
investigator. 

1523. Do you not think that that may be one of the best 
practical arrangements by which a man can be made to do 
his duty in such a position ?—If he is required to teach a 
limited amount, and especially to teach the branches that he 
has been investigating himself; such a man always pos- 
sesses an enthusiasm which he scarcely ever fails to impart 


794 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


to his pupils; they are proud of him, and the reputation of 
the institution is promoted. 

1524. I think you are of opinion that it would be no 
drawback to the most profound investigator to be obliged 
to give a course of lectures if it were not too onerous ?— 
Yes, I should think that in imparting information to others 
he would gain clearer conceptions himself; the mere repeat- 
ing and giving an account of the investigations is an advan- 
tage. 

"1525. Does the National Academy receive any support, 
either from the General Government or from the State in 
which it is lodged ?—It was incorporated by Congress, and 
receives nothing from any State. ; 

1526. Does it receive any support from Congress ?—No, 
it has not as yet, except an appropriation of $6,000 for the 
publication of its first volume of Transactions. 

1527. It has no lodgement ?—It has had no permanent 
lodgment; it meets in Washington now. 

1528. It hus no rooms there, I believe ?—No, although 
the Smithsonian Institution will most probably make provi- 
sion for its meetings. 


1529. Do the members of the National Academy receive | 


any payment from the Government ?—No. 

1530. Does the Philadelphia Academy receive any support 
from the State of Pennsylvania ?—No. 

1531. How is the museum at Cambridge supported ?—It 
has been supported by grants from the State of Massachu- 
setts, and by the contributions of citizens. 

1532. But not from Congress ?—No. 

1533. Does the entire burthen then fall upon the State 
of Massachusetts ?—The State and individual subscribers. 
I believe the State has made a grant on condition that an 
equal amount should be subscribed by individuals. 

1534. (Mr. Samuelson.) It that for buildings ?—Yes, for 
buildings, and for taking care of the specimens. Professor 
Agassiz, on his return from South America, had a very 
large collection of specimens, and they required a great 
quantity of alcohol to preserve them. 

1535. (Professor Huxley.) You spoke incidentally of the 
Agricultural Department. Will you be kind enough to 
inform the Commission what that is ?—The Government 
has established at Washington an Agricultural Department, 
the object of which is to collect seeds and plants from every 
part of the world, and to distribute them throughout the 
United States to agriculturists; to collect statistics; and to 
publish a report with regard to agriculture. It is doing 


a 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 795 


very good service in collecting specimens of plants and 
seeds of all kinds, and distributing them in small parcels 
to agriculturists throughout the country. 

1536. Are the agricultural colleges that you have men- 
tioned under any control of the Agricultural Department? 
—No, they are entirely under the control of the State 

overnments. 

1537. The endowment of the agricultural colleges, how- 
ever, was originally granted, was it not, by the central 
Government ?—Yes. 

1538. So that the central Government has endowed them, 
but has handed over the government of them to the States ? 
—Yes. 

1539. Do you conceive that the agricultural colleges are 
doing much good ?—I think they are doing good in the way 
of teaching science, and I think they generally resolve 
themselves into ordinary schools in which science is pre- 
dominant. In connection with them there are farms, but 
I think that the pupils are not very desirous of gaining 
manual information or dexterity in the way of ploughing. 
Indeed, in America, the effect of education is to render 
people impatient in regard to labor. In Massachusetts, 
where education is most generally diffused, it is almost 
impossible to find an American who is willing to plough, 
or to do any low manual labor. The people of Massachu- 
setts prefer higher employment: they make up, however, 
for this deficiency by the invention of labor-saving ma- 
chines. There are more labor-saving machines invented in 
New England than in any other part of the world. 

1540. Do you think that they get as much done by their 
labor-saving machines, and as well done, as they would by 
human labor ?—More and better, I think. There is always 
required a certain’ amount of human labor, and this is 
accomplished by the Irish and the Germans. 

1541. I judge, simply from hearsay, that there must be 
some scientific teaching going on in the State schools, be- 
cause of the demand for elementary books in science in the 
State schools ?—I think there is. I suppose the elementary 
books are on natural philosophy and chemistry, probably in 
the secondary schools. I may say that there is inthe United 
States a large number of normal schools for teachers, and 
they have lectures on all subjects, and it is considered very 
important that teachers should be well taught. 

1542. I think there is one direction in which the Govern- 
ment of the United States has done a good deal for science 
which has not been mentioned to-day, and that is in the 


796 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


direction of publishing the results of voyages. A good 
deal of money has been expended, for example, has there 
not, upon Commodore Wilkes’ voyage ?—Yes, and also a 
large amount of money has been spent in publishing the 
surveys and explorations of the western parts of the United 
States relative to railways. 

1543. (Mr. Samuelson.) Were the preliminary surveys 
for the Pacific railway conducted by the Government ?— 
‘Yes. 

1544. (Dr. Sharpey.) Were those publications distributed 
by the State or sold ?—They were distributed to the mem- 
bers of Congress; each member had a certain number. 

1545. (Sir J. Kay Shuttleworth.) I understand that the 
building of the Smithsonian Institution is chiefly now used 
as a museum ?—It is. 

1546. And as no professors have been appointed, I 
apprehend that there are no laboratories there for chemical 
research, or research in experimental physics ?—There are 
not just now on account of the fire, the fire destroyed that 
part of it. 

1547. There are therefore no means in the building for 
experimental research ?—Not at’ present; there are only a 
few remains of the apparatus. 

1548. Would it fall within the legitimate objects of the 
bequest to establish laboratories and observatories, and 
other means of experimental research, in connection with 
the Institution ?—I think it would. 

1549. And possibly, if professors, as you have previously 
hinted, were connected with those means of experimental 
research, they might make it likewise the centre of some 
teaching with the effect of keeping their own faculties in 
activity and vigor, and as you have said, giving honor to 
the Institution ?—Yes, that might be the case, certainly. 

1550. Speaking generally of an Institution of the class 
of the Smithsonian Institution, for the promotion and the 
advancement of knowledge and its diffusion, you would 
regard the existence of such means of experimental research 
on the part of professors in charge of classes as appropriate 
to such an object ?—Yes, I should, but their attention being 
mainly directed to original research. 

1551. In fact, therefore, you see nothing in the character 
of an Institution for the advancement and diffusion of 
knowledge which would be inconsistent with its becoming 
also a centre of instruction ?—I do not, provided there were 
tutors to give minute instruction, while the teaching of the 
professors was restricted to certain limited courses of lec- 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 197 


tures. I have always looked upon the Royal Institution as 
a model establishment, doing honor to England, and pro- 
ducing an immense effect upon the world. More light has 
issued from that establishment in proportion to its means, 
than perhaps from any other on the face of the earth. It 
has had a series of great men connected with it, as Young, 
Davy, and Faraday, and it is still going on in the same 
direction. Then such an Institution as I could desire should 
not, to any great extent, be devoted to things of a practical 
character. Abstract science, above all, requires fostering 
and support. 

1552. I understand you to say that you would greatly 
distingyish between an institution whose primary object 
should be experimental research and whose secondary ob- 
ject should be teaching, and an institution whose object 
should be teaching, combined with technical instruction 
in any art or industry ?—Yes, I think that the first is prob- 
ably of far more importance than the second. By means 
of the second you will supply the world with engineers and 
persons well adapted to apply science to useful purposes 
and the arts, but among the multitude we occasionally meet 
with a man who has the peculiar mental capacity and en- 
dowment necessary for the advancement of orrginal science, 
and he, in my opinion, should be consecrated to research. 
The discovery by him of a single principle, such as some 
of those by Faraday, may become the parent of a hundred 
inventions. 

15538. A question has been already put to you by Profes- 
sor Huxley as to the means which you could suggest to be 
adopted to prevent the professors of such an institution for 
combined research and instruction falling to sleep and be- 
coming inactive; have you any suggestions to offer ?—None, 
except the formation of a proper public opinion in regard to 
that matter, and it being definitely understood when the 
election was made, that if the professor does not fulfil his 
duty, if he goes to sleep and neglects the advancement of 
science, he must resign his position. Of course he may be- 
come incapacitated by disease or age, and if he has done 
good service he should then be provided for by the State. 

1554. (Dr. Sharpey.) Are you aware that in German uni- 
versities they appoint extra professors, and they also give 
permission to teach to what are called privat-docenten, who 
may give instruction upon the very same subjects for which 
the ordinary professor is appointed to teach, so that in that 
way he may be stimulated to exertion, or defects may be 


798 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


supplied ?—I should think that a plan of that kind, under 
certain restrictions, might be advantageous. 

1555. (Marquis of Lansdowne.) Would you say that there 
is at this time a great demand in the States for engineers 
and marine architects or surveyors ?—Yes, more particu- 
larly for engineers. 

1556. Is the supply at all equal to the demand; suppos- 
ing, for instance, that a young engineer were to make his 
appearance in the States, woald he have no difficulty at all 
in finding employment, or is the rate of supply sufficient ? 
* —He might have some difficulty at first. 

1557. But on the whole you think that the supply is suffi- 
cient ?—No, I think the demand is increasing; the supply 
perhaps is coming up to it. A large number of our young 
men go to Germany to study practical science. 

1558. Have you any means of knowing from what sources 
the supply is met; take, for instance, the number of engi- 
neers, Which must be considerable by this time, and the 
number of surveyors, can you tell where they have acquired 
the knowledge necessary for their profession ?—I think 
either abroad or many of them in the States at those scien- 
tific schools which have been established within the last few 
years ; for instance, the school at Harvard, and at Yale Col- 
lege in New Haven, and at Columbia College in New York. 

1559. If I were to ask you the same question as to prac- 
tical chemists, is there a dearth of them, or is there a sufli- 
cient supply ?—I do not hear of any young men that are 
unemployed in that line. There are a great many manu- 
factories established in the United States, and if a young 
man is apt, I think there is no doubt that he will get em- 
ployment. 

1560. At those universities that you have enumerated 
just now, is there anything approaching to State grants, or 
regius chairs in aid, we will say, of practical chemistry, or 
such sciences as engineering, and so forth ?—The school at 
Cambridge was established by an individual, and perhaps 
the university from its funds makes an appropriation. The 
school at Columbia College, New York, is entirely supported 
by the college, which is a very richly endowed institution. 
The New Haven school was also endowed by an individual, 
and, in common with the other schools which I have men- 
tioned, receives fees from the pupils. 

1561. (Mr. Samuelson.) Are the funds of Columbia Col- 
lege derived from private sources ?—From original dona- 
tions of land from the State of New York, which, in the 


te i el te, 


ti al lett aati 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. 799 


progress of the extension of the city, has become very 
valuable. 

1562. (Marquis of Lansdowne.) The endowments are not 
either from Congress or from the State in which the insti- 
tution is situated ?—In the case of Columbia College, the 
grant was from the State of New York; and in many other 
cases the States furnish aid to the universities. 

1563. I think you said that in the primary schools the 
cost of education depended upon the regulations of the 
individual State 7—Yes, in all cases. 

1564. Are you aware that elementary science enters into 
their course in any of the States, or in any of them more 
than the rest ?—No, Iam not familiar with the amount of 
teaching in the different States. I have not paid sufficient 
attention to that subject, but, as Professor Huxley remarks, 
the great sale of scientific books, and the higher instruction 
given to teachers would lead one to svppose that a good 
deal of scientific instruction is given, although it may not 
be necessarily required. 

1565. I think you said that there was a government officer 
called the Commissioner of Education. I presume that 
there would be some record in his department as to the dif- 
ferent kinds of education given in the different States ?— 
Yes, I think by application to him when I return I might 
get the statistics, and I will forward the statement to this 
Commission if it is required. 

1566. (Chairman.) Does Congress exercise any control 
over the application of the funds dispensed by the Smith- 
sonian Institution 7/—No. 

1567. The only connection between Congress and the In- 
stitution is that a certain number of Regents are appointed 
from the House of Representatives and the Senate ?7—But 
these Regents are responsible to Congress for the conduct 
of the Institution. 

1568. Are you in the habit of making any annual returns 
to Congress of the manner in which the funds have been 
applied ?—Yes, an annual report is made, and that would 
form a pamphlet a little larger than this before me, and, in 
order to take advantage of the liberality of Congress, an 
appendix is added to this report, consisting of translations 
from foreign journals, of semi-popular information such as 
would be important to the teachers of the country, and to 
meteorological observers. About 15,000 of these reports 
are printed at the expense of Congress, and about 4,000 are 
given to the Institution for distribution amongst teachers 


800 EXAMINATION OF PROFESSOR HENRY 


and among its collaborators ; and in that way there is a con- 
siderable diffusion of knowledge. 

1569. Has it ever been under consideration whether Con- 
gress could properly make an additional appropriation in 
aid of the funds of the Institution ?—Yes. When the funds 
of the Institution came to America, they were lent to one 
of the States, and that State failed to pay; but Mr. Walker, 
one of the Secretaries of the Treasury, established a rule 
that all money coming into the Treasury of the United 
States on account of the land sold for that State should be 
retained until this debt was repaid by the State. The United 
States, however, after eight years, assumed the debt, and 
declared that the Smithsonian fund money is for ever in the 
Treasury of the United States. 

1570. And there was no actual loss from it ?—No, there 
was no actual loss to the Institution, and now it appears 
there will be no actual loss to the Government. The propo- 
sition has been that the Government should take the pro- 
ceeds of this old debt, and appropriate it to the establish- 
ment of a museum, thus relieving the Institution entirely 
from the charge of the museum; and there is nothing to 
prevent Congress doing so. 

1571. Are the annual applications in excess of the funds 
that you have at your command ?—We could dispense a 
great deal more than we do, but in order to satisfy the Re- 
gents it is necessary that we should save a little for contin- 
gencies, and show a favorable balance. 

1572. You accumulate every year, do you not ?—Yes, a 
little. : 

1578. (Professor Huxley.) You have doubtless heard that 
in this country the Government places £1,000 every year at 
the disposal of the Council of the Royal Society, and that 
the Council of the Royal Society appoints a committee, con- 
sisting not only of its own members, but of representative 
men of science belonging to other scientific bodies, and that 
committee is called the Government Grant Committee. 
All applications for portions of the money granted by the 
Government, are made to that committee, and they are 
practically decided upon by it. The committee consists en- 
tirely and purely of men of science. It is in fact a sort of 
scientific parliament on a small scale, containing the leading 
representatives of every scientific body in the country. 
May [ask whether you think that that is the better mode 
of administering funds in aid of science, than through such 
a body of Regents as you have in the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion ?—I should not like to say that it was better. On that 


BY THE ENGLISH SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION. S801 


point I would rather not decide. The Institution has been 
formed under peculiar circumstances, and it has so happened 
that the funds are in charge of men who are not scientific, 
and it must always be so; but they are now men who are 
in favor of science, and they trust to the Secretary the man- 
agement of the establishment. But I think that the appro- 
triation of asum of money expended in the way you men- 
tion is of vast importance, and I am only surprised, excuse 
my saying so, that a nation of the wealth and intelligence 
of Great Britain should appropriate so small a sum. 

1574. You have doubtless heard that small as that sum is, 
it is not all expended ?—No, [ have not heard that. There 
are various fields of research in which twenty times that sum 
might be readily expended. 

1575. (Chairman.) Are there any other points on which 
you would like to give the Commission any information ?— 
I do not think I can give any of importance. 


51 


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INDEX. 


cAYe 


Aboriginal relics, thanks to E. G. Squier for, 62. 
Academy of Natural Sciences, P hiladelphia, 
acknowledgement for shells, 249. 
Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, thanks of, 
for birds, 333. 
Accident to building, 26 February, 1850, 61. 
Accountant, to be appointed, 53, 74, 484. 
Account books to be kept in Smithsonian build- 
ing, 66, 486. 
Account current, quarterly to be rendered, 306. 
Accounts, report of committee on system of, 
302, 306. 
examination of, 66, 173, 486, 492, 547, 550, 554, 
558, 564, 570, 577, 585. 
services of Mr. Rhees' on, 352. 
of National Museum, how paid and examined, 
426; report on, accepted, 427. 
method of keeping, 434. 
programme or Classification of, 486. 
new system of, 486, 492, 539. 
See reports of Executive Committee. 
-Act of Congress establishing Institution, com- 
mittee to procure biil amendatory of, 15. 
explanation of, 102. 
relative to increase of trust fund, 305. 
on international exchanges, 317. 
to substitute Governor of District in place of 
Mayor of Washington, 384. 
to establish the 8. L, August 10, 1846, 753 
to establish the 8. L, Revised Statutes, 761. 
Active operations, resolution requiring equal 
division of income between museum and, 
repealed, 112. 
fruits of, 107. 
Agassiz’s remarks on, 220, 317. 
appointment of committee on, 220. 
report of committee on, 233. 
not to be interfered with, on account of the 
fire, 239. 
not to be encroached on by expenses of col- 
lections, 320. 
value of, 492. 
Adams, C. B., letter from family of, offering to 
refund money advanced, 90. 
repayment not required from executors of, 
90. 
resolutions of respect to memory of, 89. 
Adams, C. F., letter on De la Batut annuity, 219. 
Adams, G. M., notice from, of appointment of 
Regents, 433. 
Address of Geo. M. Dallas at laying corner 
stone of Institution building, 684. 
Advances by Institution, 519, 522, 525, 528, 538, 
557, 561, 568, 574, 583. 
Aerial navigation, application of currents of 
atmosphere to, 171. 
Aerolites, General Carleton’s account of, 251. 
Aeronautic plans of T. S. C. Lowe, commended 
by citizens of Philadelphia, 167. 
Agassiz, L., election as Regent, 218. 
attendance as Regent, 219, 233, 300, 302, 316, 
317, 387, 389. 5 
appointed on committee on active operations 
and museum, 220. 
appointed on committee on use of room, 304. 
commendation by, of Catlin’s Indian collec- 
tion, 390. ; 
gave account of expedition through Straits 
of Magellan, 391. 
made trustee of Bache Fund, 400. 
memoir on fossil fish of North America, 467. 
moved thanks of American Academy to S. I. 
for agency in exchanges, 124. — 
narrative of the Hassler expedition to South 
America, 394. 


Agassiz, L.—Continued. 
on cetacean remains found on American con- 
tinent, 467. 
opinion of publications of Institution, 220. 
remarks by Dr. Peter Parker on death of, 421. 
remarks of, commending policy of Prof. 
Henry, publications of Institution and 
library, 301. 
remarks of Gen. Jas. A. Garfield on, 418. 
remarks on aid from Congress to museum 
at Cambridge, 390. 
remarks on policy of Institution in regard 
to museum, 303. 
remarks on museum hall, 320. 
remarks on policy of Institution in distribu- 
tion of specimens, 390. 
report of, on use of hall, 317. 
report of committee on active operations and 
museum, 233. 
resolutions on death of, 421. 
views of, on transfer of library, 318. 
views of, on transfer of museum to Goyern- 
ment, 318. 
Agency of Smithsonian publications changed 
from Putnam to Appleton, 139. 
Spent to conduct exchanges, to be appointed, 
4 


Agricultural chemistry, D. P. Gardner applies 
for professorship of, 19. 
Daniel Lee applies for professorship of, 20. 
Agricultural colleges, bill for benefit of, 390, 392. 
Agricultural geology and. chemistry, Josiah 
Holbrook’s tracts on, 81. 

Agricultural report, meteorological statistics 
for, 517, 520. 

Agricultural Society, letter from president of, 
96; meetingsinS. 1.96. - 

use of lecture-room granted to, 97. 
Agriculture, papers on, presented, 19. 
Agriculture, Commissioner of, part salary of 

meteorological clerk, paid by, 538, 543. 
Agriculture, Department of, co-operation with, 
in meteorology, discontinued, 386. 
deposit of plants and insects in, 425. 
Prof. Henry’s remarks on, 794. 
Ainsa, S., letter on meteorite, 226, 227. 
Album of Grecian art, presented, 134. 
Alcohol, expenditures for, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 
517, 534, 543, 546, 549. 
Alexander, Capt. B.S., plans of, for finishing 
building, 87. 
report on the fire, 236. 
estimates cost of repairs to building at 
$100,060, 239. 

employed as architect, 707. 

report of, on building, 710. 

work done by, as architect, 713. 

Alexander, Charles A., death and services of, 


351. 

Allen, Mr., letter from, on importance of at- 
tention to ventilation, 38. 

Alphabet standard, use of, recommended by 
Lepsius, 168. 

American Academy Arts and Sciences, thanks 
of, for Smithsonian system of exchanges, 
124, 324. 

circular of, relative to continuance of obsery- 
atory at Altona, and the Astronomische 
Nachrichten, 472. 

American Academy of Fine Arts, recommends 
procuring casts of the Elgin marbles, 98. 

American Association for Advancement of Sci- 
ence, purchase of 100 copies of report of, 
478, 


American Geographical and Statistical Society, 
map of Nile referred to, 251. 

American Journal of Science, paper of Prof. 
Henry on electro-magnet, in, 146. 


803 


804 


American Philosophical Society, premium of, 
to Prof. Espy, 160. 
Ampere, plans of telegraph of, 145. 
Amphibia, acknowledgment for, from Dr. J. 
G. Fischer, 231. 
Anatomy, promotion of, by Institution, 107. 
Anchor line, free freights by, to Washington, 
355. 
Anderson, Captain, married Mrs. Wynns, 182, 
505. 
Anderson, John George, executor of Thomas 
Wynns, 77. 
Anemones, account of, by Lloyd, 331. 
Angelo, Michael, personification of ‘‘ Thought” 
by a soldier, 298. 
Animals, mounted, offered by Schlagintweit, 
198. 
Annales de Chimie, purchased, 483. 
Annuity to Madame de la Batut, 8, 20, 72, 505. 
Antiquarian Society, American, memoir of I. 
A. Lapham, received from, 90. 
Antiquities, promotion of study of, by Institu- 
tion, 107. 
Apparatus, resolution for purchase of, 14. 
Secretary to contract for, 29. 
appropriation for arrangement of, 43. 
catalogue of Hare’s, to be prepared, 54. 
experiments with, by Espy, 72. 
lens and air pump presented by J. R. Priestly, 
155. 
loss of, by fire, 237. 
appropriation for, 452. 
resented by Dr. Hare, 464, 467, 478, 483. 
oaned to Lt. Gilliss, 467, 483. 
ordered from Prof. Snell, 471. 
from Ruhmkorff, 471. 
from Paris, 473. 
from Chamberlain, 474. 
expenditures for, 14, 481, 482, 490, 491, 493, 494, 
496, 498, 503, 504, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 528, 531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 553, 556, 
560, 568, 574, 582 724. 
Apparatus-room, specifications, 658. 
Appleton & Co., appointed successors of Put- 
nam, in agency of S. I., 139. 
Applications for office, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 19, 20, 21, 
23, 24, 31, 51. 
Appropriation, estimate of, for fitting up hall 
and care of museum, 321. 
asked from Congress for new heating appa- 
ratus, 432. 
by Congress for meteorology, 72. 
by Congress to pay for damage by fire, sug- 
gested, 239. 
by Congress of $500 for transfer of library, 
247. 
by Congress of $10,000 for care of collections, 
and $10,000 for completion of upper hall, 
355. 


by Congress for museum, 528, 531, 535, 539, - 


543, 545, 547, 548, 552, 555, 557, 562, 568, 575, 
584. 
by Congress for improvement of public 
grounds, 702. 
by Congress for cases, 712. 
equal division to be made in, between two 
great branches, 26, 30. 
Appropriations, 13, 15, 26, 39, 41, 42, 53, 68, '73, 79, 
80, 88, 89, 91, 99, 113,118, 152, 162, 449, 483. 
and expenditures from the National Treas- 
ury, 732. 
estimates to be submitted every year, as 
basis for, 98. 
to be apportioned specifically, 104, 112, 115. 
Aquarium, account of, Hamburg, 329, 331. 
Aguia creek free-stone, Owen’s report on, 664. 
Archeology, map of, Geo. Gibbs on, 212. 
romotion of, by Institution, 107. 
etter from A. Morlot on, 185. 
letter from F. Troyon on, 185. 
I, Dille’s account, 200. 
remains in Missouri and Tennessee, 200. 
views of Geo. Gibbs, 202. 
researches in Peru, by Chas B. Wells, 58. 


INDEX. 


Arcner, William, presented plans for building, 
5 


explanation of plans by, 23. 
asks remuneration for plans furnished, 40,. 
690. 

Architect to report on cause of accident to 

building, 61. 

report on specifications of, 611. 

allowances to, 597. 

building for office of, ordered, 671. 

final accounts of J. Renwick as, 504, 707. 

Capt. B.S. Alexander appointed, 707. 

A. Cluss employed as, 241, 713. 

associated with committee in examination of 
building, 61. 

expenditures, 481, 482, 490, 493, 494, 496, 498,. 
503, 594. 

Architects to receive copies of volume of plans,. 
30; invited to send designs and models o 
buildings, 59. 

Architecture, payment for Canina’s worl: on,. 
ordered, 94. 

proposition for encouragement of, by Mr. 
Harmon, 56, 57, 58, 59. 

publication by Board, of work on, 30, 32, 474,. 
596, 602, 668, 671, 676, 691, 693, 694, 697, 901. 

reference to models of, for Smithsonian: 
building, 651. 

Arctic expedition of Dr. Kane, aid to, 87. 

of Dr. Hayes, aid to, 163. 

Arithmetical scales, account of, 327. 

Arkansas, debt from, assumed by United States- 
and of no interest to the S. I., 166. 

Regents requested to unite with other parties. 
to recover debt of, 166. 

Army Medical Museum, deposit of skulls in,. 
425. 

Arnot, Mr., visited by Building Committee, 6. 

explanation of building plans by, 23. 

EY W. F. M., appointed by Illinois State 

: oard of Education to co-operate with 8. 
., 127. 

Arroyo, F. F., Mutsun vocabulary, 191, 207. 

Arroyo, J. Miguel, letter on exchanges, 249. 

Art, copies of works of, appropriation for pro-- 
curing, 152. 

school of, proposed, 125. 

Art gallery, Institution should be relieved of,. 

220. 
Corcoran, plan of co-operation with, 388, 391. 
eller of W. W. Corcoran, appointing trustees. 
of, 401. 
deed of gift and trust, 403. 
Arthur, John, Jr., witness of will of Thomas- 
Wynns, 78. 

Aspinwall, W. H., thanks to, for free freight, 
123. 

Assistants, needed by the Secretary, 67. 

rule relative to correspondence of, 81. 

duties and powers of, 110. 

power of Secretary to remove, 110, 113. 

not to write or receive official letters, except 
under authority of the Secretary, 120. 

pay of, referred to Executive Committee,. 
and Secretary, 164, 

Assistant Secretary, B B. French appointed, 3.. 

to be employed, 14. 

salary of, 27, 108. 

appointed, 3, 27. 

C. C. Jewett acceptance, 31. 

Jewett, duties of, to commence March 19,. 
1849, 46. 

services to be rendered by, before March,. 
1849, 46. 

committee to be appointed to consider what 
services may be rendered by, 48. 

compensation of, referred to Executive Com- 
mittee, 49. 

to be under direction of special committee: 
of the Board, 49. 

report relative to duty of, 49. 

report of, presented, 50. 

to receive full compensation, 54, 

report by, relative to library, 54. 


INDEX. 


Assistant Secretary in charge of museum, sal- 
ary, 108. 
salary of, increased, 241. 
expenditures for, 481, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 517, 
519, 521, 525, 528, 534, 538, 553. 
Assistant to Secretary tobe appointed, 32. 
in department of Natural History appointed, 
67 


Asteroids, paper on, presented by Prof. Hub- 
bard, 467. 
Astor, W. B., elected Regent, 172, 316. 
attendance as Regent, 218, 219, 300. 
Astronomical discoveries, free telegrams, 384, 
389. 
of S. C. Walker, 89. 
discussion proposed by B. A. Gould, 221. 
expedition by Lieut. Gilliss, 57. 
observations in Peru, 467. 
Astronomical Journal, subscription to, 477. 
Astronomische Nachrichten, relative to contin- 
uance of, 472. 
Astronomy, promotion of, by Institution, 107. 
Atacama mummy, from Dr. Reid, 201. 
Athens, account of Album presented, contain- 
ing drawings of ruins in, 136. 
museum of natural history of the National 
University of Greece, exchanges with, 332. 
-Atlantie ocean, Lowe’s plan to cross in a bal- 
loon, 167. 
Atlas of ethnology, Geo. Gibbs on, 204. 
-Atmosphere, currents of, Prof. Henry on, 171. 
Attorney General, decision of, respecting law, 
136. 
-Auroras, map of northern stars published for 
record of, 469. , 
Avery, Charles, letter from, on telescope, 124. 


32 


epee O. E,, stable erected by permission 
of, 385. 
Bache, Alex. D., drew six years as Regent, 2. 
re-elected Regent, 87, 151. 
attendance as Regent, 5, 20, 34, 40, 41, 42, 44, 
45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 60, 62, 68, 69, 70, 
73, 75, 76, 80, 83, 87, 88, 89, 92, 93, 95, 97, 99, 
100, 101, 112, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 
123, 127, 128, 130, 131, 133, 135, 137, 151, 154, 
156, 161, 163, 166, 170, 174, 192, 193, 218, 219. 
-appointed on committee to digest plan to 
carry out provisions of act to establish S. L., 
3 


elected member Executive Committee, 33, 
42, 88, 439, 456. 

-appointed on committee to consider services 
of Assistant Secretary, 48. 

appointed on committee to direct Assistant 

ecretary, 49. 

appointed on special committee on distribu- 
tion of income, 92. 

appointed on committee to represent Board 
at Congressional Investigation, 119. 

-appointed on committee on Smithson legacy, 
219 


motion by, to arrange duties of Secretary 
Henry, 15. 
motion by, to adopt Prof. Henry’s programme, 


motion by, that Chancellor be organ of com- 
munication with public, and Secretary be- 
tween the officers of the Institution and 
the Board, 44. 

motion by, that Jewett’s duties commence 
19th March, 1849. i 

motion by, relative to librarian, 47. 

motion by, that catalogue of Hare’s apparatus 
be prepared, 53. ; p 

motion by, on compensation of Assistant 
Secretary, 54. a 

‘motion by, thanks to E. G. Squier for relics, 
62. 


motion by, to ey exchange agent, 74. 
motion by, to aid Lt. Gilliss, 162. 


805 


Bache, Alex. D.—Continued. 

motion by, of regret at death of G. Wurde- 
mann, 164, 

motion by, on Smithson residuary legacy, 166. 

motion to fill vacaney in Executive Com- 
mittee, 193. 

moved committee on extending active opera- 
tions and separate maintenance of collec- 
tions, 220. 

presented letters from C. F. Hagedorn, 24, 32, 

presented letters to urge continuance of To- 
ronto observatory, 89. 

presented letter from Lt. Gilliss, 44. 

presented letter from B. F. French, 15. 

presented letters from J. Guillemard and 
Prof. Faraday, 53. : 

presented letters recommending Titian R. 
Peale, 21. 

presented statement of expenditures, 70. 

Presented resolution making appropriations, 
80. 

presented specimen of photographic register 
of magnetic needle, 96. 

presented paper recommending Titian R. 
Peale, 10. 

resolutions by, on plan of organization, 26. 

resolution by, limiting cost of building to 
$100,000, 28: 

resolution by, on plan of finance, 28. 

resolution by, on work on architecture, 32. 

resolution by, recommending election of 
Mr. Rush as Honorary Member, 45. 

resolution by, making appropriations, 73. 

resolutions by, on death of C. Walker and C. 
B. Adams, 89. 

resolution by, on compensation to J. G. Flugel, 
90. 

resolutions by, on death of W. C. Redfield, 132. 

resolutions by, on death of J. P. Espy, 161. 

resolution by, on death of C. C. Felton, 174. 

resolution by, on death of J. A. Pearce, 192. 

resolutions by Board of sympathy for, 304. 

report by, relative to duty of assistant secre- 
tary, 49. 

report by, on accident to building, 62. 

report by, on fire-proofing the building, 66. 

report by, on residences of officers, 83. 

report by, on distribution of income, 100. 

report of special committee on income, 101. 

report by, on claim of L. Blodget, 117. 

report on appropriations, 456. 

report of Executiye Committee, 42, 69,'75, 193, 
219, 481, 484, 485, 492, 493, 495, 497, 502, 506, 
509, 512, 515, 518, 521, 523, 526, 529. 

account of life and researches of Dr. Hare, 

39. 

letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 444. 

remarks by, on services of J. W. Bailey, Dr. 
Kane, W. C. Redfield, 132. 

remarks relative to G. Wurdeman, 164. 

remarks on support of museum by Govern- 
ment, 220. 

to be associated with Building Committee in 
investigating cause of accident, 61. 

addendum to contract, 627. 

telescope of Hamilton College referred to, 124. 

manuscripts, &., of I. I. Hayes referred to, 
184, 

eulogy by, on J. P. Espy, 159. 

eulogy by, on J. A. Pearce, 214. 

Prof. Henry’s remarks on death of, 304. 

eulogy on, ordered to be printed, 351. 

eulogy on, by Prof. Henry, 358. 

list of scientific papers of, 375. 

will of, establishing scientific fund, 393, 400. 

Badger, Geo. E., election as Regent, 121. 

re-election as Regent, 151. 

attendance as Regent, 129, 130, 133, 136, 163. 

appointed on committee on Stanley’s Indian 
gallery, 134. 

motion of, to have windows and east wing 
put in order, 136. 


806 


Badger, Geo. E.—Continued. 
motion by, thanks for aid by companies and 
_ individuals, 165. 
Congress asked to take action as to his re- 
maining as Regent, 193. 
known to be in rebellion, 193. 
Bailey & Co., desire to construct clock for 
tower, 41. 
Bailey, Jacob W., resolutions of respect to 
memory of, 132. 
Baird, Spencer F., appointed Assistant Secre- 
tary, 67. 
report of, on museum read, 72. 
statistics of museum given by, 79. 
allowance to, in lieu of residence, 80. 
estimate by, of value of books received by 
exchange, 109. 
requests increase of salary, 152. 
payments to be made by, during absence of 
Prof. Henry in Europe, 354. 
advances made to, for drawings of researches 
in embryology of reptiles and fishes, 463. 
$75 appropriated to, for collecting specimens 
of natural history, 473. 
large collection of specimens made by, 476. 
Baker & Scribner, application of, for new copy- 
right certificate, 42. ' 
Baker, Smith & Co., contract with, for steam- 
heaters, 584. 
Balloon, Lowe’s plan to cross the Atlantic in a, 
167 


Balloons, Prof. Henry’s views respecting, 171. 
Bancroft, Geo., elected Regent, 429. 
attendance as Regent, 428, 430, 433, 434. 
report of Executive Committee, 577, 586. 
remarks on necessity for new heating appa- 
ratus, 432. 
motion to ask Congress for new heating ap- 
paratus, 432. 

Bank, First National, deposit with and suspen- 
sion of payments, 419, 544, 566, 573, 582. 
Bank, National, income to be deposited in, 306. 
Bank of United States, trustees of, offered por- 
traits of Revolutionary worthies, 41, 43. 

Barlow, experiments of, 145. 

Barnard, J. G., eulogy on Jos. G. Totten, 264. 

Barnes, J. K., made trustee of Toner lecture 
fund, 408. 

Barnum, P. T., presents of animals from, 425, 

Barometers, fifty ordered for telegraphic lines, 
471. 

specimens of, exhibited, 70. 

Barometric correction by Plantamour, 196. 

Barometrical observations on Mount Guyot and 
Pike’s Peak by Dr. Parry, 195. 

Bartlett, James R., offers to take charge of eth- 
nological department without compensa- 
tion, 18. 

letter from, offering account of progress of 
ethnology, 38. 

letter from, relative to preparing a new Eng- 
lish dictionary, 50. 

on Indian languages, 202. 

on supposed similarity of Indian and Welsh 
languages, 254. 

Bat of Sandwich Islands, 210. 

Bath and West of England Society for the En- 
couragement of Agriculture, Arts, &c., ex- 
changes with, 325. 

Beaufort Library sent to S. I. by Secretary of 
War, 194. 

loss of, by fire, 238. 

Belknap, A. E., letter from, in regard to char- 
acter of Josiah Rogers, 22. 

Bell for tower, authority given to purchase, 74. 

Bequests, policy regarding, 219. 

amount added to original, 542, 543. 

of Smithson, cost of prosecution of claim for, 
732. 

to S. I., by Thomas Wynns, 77; of $1,000, by 
James Hamilton, 392, 413, 427. 

of A. D. Bache for advance of science, 400. 

Berendt, Dr. H., letter from the British Minis- 
ter, commending, 256. 


INDEX. 


Berendt, Dr. H., letter from Guatemalan Minis 
ter on exploration of, 256, 257, 258. ; 
Bern, museum of, request for a bison, 255. 
Berret, James G., attendance as Regent, 151, 
154, 156, 161. 
motion by, relative to death of W. W. Turner,. 
158. 
appointed trustee of Corcoran Art Gallery,. 
402. 


Berrien, J. Macpherson, elected Regent, 87. 
attendance as Regent, 114, 116, 117. 
made remarks on income, 115. 
resolutions of respect to memory of, 122. 
Berry, Alexander, memoir by, on atmospheric- 
refraction of light, 39. 
Bethune, Chas. J., letter from, on entomology,. 
189. 
Betts, William, witness of will of Thomas 
Wynns, 78. 
Bibliographia Americana, by Henry Stevens, 
plan of, approved, 51. 
rogress in, 58. 
Bibliography, 8. I. to be a center of, 110. 
work on, by Ludewig, presented, 125. 
Biela’s Comet, investigations of, by Hubbard, 


196. 

Bills foe audited and certified by Secretary, 
66, 486. ; 

Binding of Vol. I, Smithsonian Contributions,. 
at 35 cents, ordered, 464; to cost 42 cents, 
465; appropriation for, 53. 

Biographical notice of Smithson to be pre- 
pared for the first volume of Smithsonian. 
Contributions, 26. 

Birds, acknowledgement for, 229. 

Schlagintweit’s collection, 199. 

Bischoff, M., aid rendered exploration of, by 
Russian Government, 328. 

Blake, Mr., zoological work of, 398. 

Bland, Thos., letter from, relative to C. B. 
Adams, 90. 

Blodget, Lorin, meteorological work of, 114, 116. 

commission of, examination in reference to 
claims of, 114. 

report in relation to claims of, 116. 

communications from, 117, 

bill of charges from, 119. 

Blow-pipe, researches on, by J. G. Totten, 295. 
Board of Customs, England, mode suggested 
by, for admitting publications free, 82. 
Board of Regents, expenditures for, 496, 498, 503,. 

507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 530, 533, 
538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 560, 567, 574, 582. 

Secretary to have a voice, but not a vote in,. 
16. 

Honorary Members to be invited to attend 
meetings of, 56. 

could not be sued, decision of court, 94. 

Journal of Proceedings, 1. 

special meeting called by Messrs. Meacham, 
English, and Stuart, 100. 

presence of authorized representation of,. 
desired by special committee of House o 
Representatives, 118. 

mode of communication between Establish- 
ment and, 120. 

annual meeting to be held on third Wednes- 
day of January, 122. 

expenses, 481, 482, 490, 493, 494. 

Bohn, H. P., communication trom, offering sale- 
of portrait of Smithson, 56. f 
Bolles, E. C., letter from, on Portland Society 

of Natural History, 324. 
Bonds, United States, purchased, 536. 
sale of, 305, 540, 542, 543. 
Bonds.—See Stocks. ~ 
Book-keeper to be appointed by Secretary, 53. 
expenditures for, 43, 53, 498, 504, 508, 510, 513,. 
516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 531, 534, 538; salary of, 
108; services of, required, 484. 

Books and periodicals, expenditures for, 481,. 
491, 493, 495, 496, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 517,. 
519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 538, 543, 546, 549, 553, 
557, 567, 574, 582, 724. 


INDEX. 


Books received by library 1846-1877, 731. 
list of, to be prepared, 14. 
received from copyright, 42. 
Chinese, offered for sale, 57. 
Harrison Hall proposes to purchase, 56. 
value of, received, 109. 
presented by F. Troyon, 185. 
from libraries in South Carolinaand Virginia, 
deposited by Secretary of War, 194. 
presented by Duke of Northumberland, 155. 
in Library of Congress, use of, 244, 
from Brazil, 255. 
from Government of Bremen, 259. 
from Imperial Library at Vienna, 256. 
of Smithson, how to be preserved, 357. 

Booth & Morfit report on recent improvements 
in chemical arts, 108. 

Bordeaux, Chamber of Commerce, on ex- 
changes, 225. 

Imperial Academy, report to, on 8. I., 154. 

Bosler, Abram, executor of James Hamilton, 
414, 

Boston, buildings in, visited by Building Com- 
mittee, 6. 

Botany, promotion of, by Institution, 107. 

services of W. H. Harvey to, 339. 

Boutwell, G.S., attendance at Establishment, 
773. 

Bowen, S. J., became Regent ex-officio, 343. 

attendance as Regent, 343, 352. 

Bowen, T. J., Yoruba grammar, 168. 

Boxes, statistics of, forwarded to foreign coun- 
tries, 731. 

Bradley, Joseph H., communication from, rela- 
tive to claims of John Sniffin, 79; report of 
Building Committee on letter of, relative 
to claims of John Sniffin, 80; arrangement 
between Sniffin and Cameron, 80; letter 
from, relative to Gilbert Cameron, 94, 

Brainard, R. C., surrogate, notice to appear in 
Wynnsg’ estate case, 242. 

Brazil, M. M. Lisboa on exchanges with, 254. 

Brazilian Natural History Museum, specimens 
presented by, 255. 

Breckinridge, John C., attendance as Regent, 
131, 133, 135, 137, 151, 154, 156, 161. 

motion by, to re-elect Mr. Taney, Chancellor, 
131. 
Breese, Sidney, attendance as Regent, 5, 20, 40, 
41, 42, 46, 48, 50. 
presented applications, 8. ‘ 
moved to reconsider vote adopting site, 10. 
resolution offered by, to elect Secretary, 10, 11. 
propositions of amendment by, of plan of 
building, 24. p : 
proposed amendment to resolution of organi- 
zation, 25. i 
motion of, relative to purchase of portraits, 41. 
to move in Senate appointment of successor 
to Lewis Cass, 48. 
letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 442. , 

Brehm, Dr., exchange of specimens with, 326. 

Bremen, account of Society for Promotion of 
Natural Science in, 259. 

present of books from, 259. 

steamship line, free passage to Prof. Henry, 
354. 

legation, letter from, relative to free freights 
vy Bremen line, 151. 

Brick-masonry, specifications for, 633, 635. 

Bricks, proposals for, 616, 617, 621. 

Bridges to Smithsonian grounds, 70, 472, 702, 705. 

British Association for Advancement of 
Science, committee appointed by, to pre- 
‘pare catalogue of philosophical memoirs, 
123. 

British Association and Royal Society, report 
of joint committee of, on continuance of 
magnetic observations, 153. 

British Government presented volume of 
magnetical observations at Toronto, 63. 

letter to, urging continuance of Toronto Ob- 
servatory, 89. 


807 


British Minister, committee to confer with, on 
Smithson’s residuary legacy, 219. 
letter from, commending Dr. Berendt, 256. 
British Museum, 8S. I. to procure moulds of 
Elgin marbles in, 98. 
elec of engravings of conchology 
ranted by, 231. 
Sono wieteuaat for fossils and offers return, 
, 261. 
British Pacific Steamship Navigation Co., 
thanks to, 152. 
Brodhead, John Romeyn, recommended as 
Secretary, 15. 
Browne, Peter A., letter from, relative to ap- 
propriation to Dr. Dickerson for ethnologi- 
cal exploration, 46. 
ap Hes or subscription for work on hair and 
ur, 468, 
Bruges Fred. W. A., commending Dr. Berendt, 
0, 
Bruyas, French-Mohawk dictionary, 191, 208. 
Bryant, Dr. Henry, resolution on death of, 307. 
Buchanan, James, letter from, recommending 
Robert W. Burrows for appointment, 23. 
Buchanan, Dr. P. F., exchange with Bremen, 


Buckingham, C., letter from, on supplying 
water, 673. 
contract with, to supply water, 674. 
bill for water pipe, 687. 
claim of, for additional compensation, 40. 
Building, compensation for plans of, to I. Rogers 
and J. Notman, 36. 
purchase of City Hall proposed for, 36. 
accident to, 61. 
report of committee appointed to examine, 


64, 
to be finished and changes ‘in the interior 
authorized, 80. 
Capt. Alexander’s plans for finishing, 87. 
part of surplus fund to be withdrawn for, 91. 
to be altered for residence for Secretary, 92. 
windows and other parts of the east wing 
to be put in order, 136. 
better means of warming, 161. 
destruction of part by fire, 235. 
estimated repairs after fire $100,000, 239. 
repairs of, intrusted to a committee, 241. 
best use of large room in second story, 303. 
improvements in, 384. 
Cast wing taken possession of 10 April, 1849, 
2 


to be completed in three years, 483. 

to be completed in five years, 484. 

expenditure limited to $250,000, 485. 

cost of, to be $300,000, 485. 

time of completion to be extended, 485. 

interior to be fire-proofed, 485. 

expenditures, 481, 482, 490, 493, 494, 496, 498, 
503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 524, 527, 530, 
533, 538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 560, 567, 574, 
825, 724, 

increased cost of, 505. 

damaged by storm, 511, 526. 

cost $450,000, 544, 

cost of reconstruction $136,000, 563. 

account of, 591. 

detailed description of, 630. 

location of, selected, 661. 

examination of, 692. 

to be fire-proofed, 702, '703, '705. 

modifications of, 706, 707, 708, 709. 

fitting up rooms in east wing for residence of 
Secretary, 710. 

west wing fitted up for library, 712. 

effects of fire on, 713, 714. 

account of reconstruction, 717. 

new arrangement of rooms in, 720. 

warming, lighting, and ventilating, commit- 
tee to report on, 4. 

location of, 17. 

plans of D. D. Owen, 3, 4. 

plans of Robt. Mills, 4. 

plans of Wm. Archer, 5. 


808 


Building, plan of Renwick adopted, 7, 29. 
plan recommended for, by committee of 
Board, 21. 
plan of I. Rogers, 28. 
inexpedient to expend more than $100,000 
upon, 28. 
Building Committee to hear explanations of 
architects, 22. 
allowed to withdraw report to make more 
complete, 52. ; 
approval by Board of course in reference to 
Mr. Archer, 41. 
authorized to contract for fence, 29. 
authorized to contract for fitting up build- 
ing, 29. 
authorized to contract for laying out grounds, 


authorized to contract for finishing building, 
80. 

Bailey & Co.’s request to construct clock re- 
ferred to, 41. 

bill of extra work referred to, 83. 

claim of C. Buckingham referred to, 40. 

claims of John Sniftin referred to, 79. 

clerk to, to be appointed, 32. 

communication from Gilbert Cameron re- 
ferred to, 116, 119. 

contract to publish work on architecture, 668. 

exhibited drawings for lecture-room, 94. 

expenditures, 490, 493, 494, 496. 

John T. Towers elected to fill vacancy in, 118. 

Journal of, 597. 

letters of Cameron & Renwick referred to, 76. 

letter of Mr. Cameron referred to, 88. 

letter referred to, from W. B. Howard, offer- 
ing granite, 34, 

may contract for warming and lighting, 29. 

may make alterations in plan, 29. 

Mr. Lenox appointed on, 67. 

presented communication from James M. 
Carlisle, 88. 

referred recommendation of J. Renwick to 
Board, 84. 

report of J. Renwick referred to, 87. 

report of, on letter of J. H. Bradley relative 
to claims of John Sniffin, 80. 

report of, on progress of erection of build- 
ings presented, 50. 

reports of, 587. 

resolution by, relative to advance to con- 
tractor, 76. 

Secretary added to, 76. 

suggestion of Secretary relative to changes 
in building referred to, 80. 

to arrange contracts so that wings be com- 
pleted in two years and whole in 5 years, 29. 

to award contracts, 29. 

to be appointed, 21, 29. 

to compensate B.S. Alexander, 87. 

to consider propriety of altering east wing 
for residence, 92. ; 

to extend gallery of art and arrange lecture 
room and library, 30. 

to have building fire-proofed, 66. 

to invite proposals for construction of exterior 
walls, 31. 

to invite separate proposals for different de- 
scriptions of work, 30. 

to pay excess of expense of building over 
appropriation out of funds on deposit, 118. 

to publish volume containing plans, 30. 

to report plan to finish portion of library in 
which accident occurred, 61. 

to return Mr. Notman’s drawings, 44. 

to settle accounts of Mr. Cameron, 85. 

to supervise erection of magnetic observa- 
tory, 89. 

to take legal advice as to power possessed by 
Regents under contract, 62. 

to transfer two hundred dollars from appro- 
priation for experiments on building ma- 
terials for publication of volume on public 
architecture, 53. 

vacancy in, filled, 93. 


INDEX. 


Building materials, Secretary to make ex- 
periments to determine value of, 38. 
experiments on, 39. 
experiments by J. G. Totten, 277. 
examination of, 481, 490, 589. 
Dr. Page’s report on, 600. 
Bulfinch, Chas., library of, offered, 28. 
Bulfinch, G. S., letter from, offering library, 28. 
Bull Run sand-stones, report on, 612. 
Bulwer, Sir Henry, vote of thanks to, for aid in 
exchanges, 79. 
Burlamaqui, Don F. L., specimens from Bra- 
zilian Museum, 255. 
Burrows, Robert W., recommended for appoint- 
ment, 23. 
Business of the S. I., account of details of, 356. 
Butler & Co., letter of, correcting estimates, 624. 
By-laws of the 8. L., 769. 
committee appointed to draft, 771, 772. 


Ce. 


Cable dispatches free, 389. 

California Academy of Natural Science author- 
ized 8. I. to purchase meteorological and 
magnetic instruments, 95. 

California and Mexico Steamship Company, 
thanks to, for free freights, 321. 

Calvary Church, New York, illustration of, to 
be procured, 671. 

Cameron, Gilbert, letter of, referred to Build- 
ing Committee, 76. : 

letter from, requesting to be allowed to finish 
centre building, 88. 

claims of John Sniffin against, 79, 80, 83. 

accounts of, to be settled, 85. 

report that balance due to, should be paid, 98 

bid for building accepted, 591. 

building contract, 630. 

claims of, 75, 83, 94, 119, 624, 688, ‘707. 

Campbell, Archibald, letter of, accompanying 
donation by State of New York, 52. 

Campbell James, attendance at Establishment, 

12, 173. 

Canada, Department of Public Instruction, ac- 
count of meteorological system of, 260. 
Canal Company, Chesapeake aud Ohio, letters 

from, 667, 680. 

Canal explorations, results of, to be collected, 

465 


65, 

Canal, Washington City, report on, 343. 
remarks on, by P. Parker, 321. 
facts on, collected by R. Delafield, 321. 
report on, by R. Delafield, 351. 
resolution of Regents to ask Congress to 

abate as a nuisance, 350. 
statistics asked for, 476. 
Canby, Edward, letter of, to J. P. Slough, on 
Bishop Johns’ library, 194. 

Canina’s work on architecture, notice of, 695. 

Cantoni, G., on exchanges, 225. 

Capen, Nahum, letter from, suggesting forma- 

tion of statistical department, 9. 
Carleton, J. H., on aerolites, 251. 
Carlisle, J. M., opinion on contract, 63, 88, 94. 
appointed trustee of Corcoran Art Gallery, 402. 
legal advice of, 707. 
Carpenters’ and joiners’ work, specifications 
and proposals for, 622, 652. 

Carriage to be procured at cost not exceeding 
$400, 436, 481. 

Casemated batteries, experiments with and 
history of, 288, 289. 

Cases, fitting up, 576. 
peuoe of Congress relative to construction 

of, 135. 

Cash from a friend of science, 724, 

Casilear, engraver of portraits, 669. 

Cass, Lewis, attendance as Regent, 20, 40, 42, 44. 
letter from, transmitting present from Miss 

Contaxaki, 135. 
advised that Secretary give no opinion unless 
required by Board, 44. 


INDEX. 


Cass, Lewis—Continued. 
letter from, resigning position as Regent, 48. 
to move for printing additional copies of re- 
port, 45. . 
proposition of amendment of plan of build- 
ing, 24. 
Casts of fossils presented by Prof. H. A. Ward, 
563 


of works of art proposed by W. J. Stone, 125. 

of works of art, permission to procure, in 
Rome, 163. 

of works of art, appropriation for, 152. 

of Elgin marbles to be procured, 98. 

ethnographie, offered for sale by Schlagint- 
weit, 198. 

Catalogue, expenditures for, 53, 491, 493, 495, 

498 


of American libraries, progress of work on, 


477. 
of libraries, plan for stereotyping, 68. 
of libraries, capability of stereotyping de- 
partment to prepare, 90. 
of philosophical memoirs, communication 
from Prof. Henry relative to, 123. 
system, promotion of, by 8. I., 107. 
Catlin, George, collection of Indian paintings. 
17, 34, 38, 39. See Indian gallery. 
death of, and importance of collection, 389. 
Cayley, Mr., appointed on committee of British 
Association to prepare catalogue of me- 
moirs, 123. 
‘Cement, proposals for, 616. 
Centennial exhibition, appropriation for, 738. 
report of Secretary relative to, 436. 
Central America, commendations of Dr. 
Berendt’s exploration of, 257, 258. 
Certificate of Executive Committee to Chan- 
cellor and Secretary for payment of debts, 
30. 
of Secretary of Senate and Clerk of House of 
Representatives as to Regents, 3. 
Certificates of United States stock, description 
and numbers of, 469. 
of United States stock transferred to Corco- 
ran & Riggs, 78. 
‘Cetacean remains, Agassiz’s proposed work on, 
467. 
Chalk found in Colorado, 252. 
Chamberlain, N. B., apparatus from, 474. 
Chamber of Commerce of Bordeaux on ex- 
changes, 225. 
Chancellor, Vice-President Geo. M. Dallas 
elected, 2. 
Vice-President Millard Fillmore elected, 54. 
Chief Justice Roger B. Taney elected, 69. 
Chief Justice S. P. Chase elected, 233. 
Justice Nath. Clifford elected, 416. 
Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite elected, 426. 
to appoint committee to digest plan to carry 
out provisions of act to establish S. L., 3. 
to prepare biographical notice of Smithson, 


26. 
Chancellor and Secretary authorized to make 
annual report to Congress, 73, 
certificate from Executive Committee as to 
debts and contracts, 30. 
authorized to sign report, 39. 
to be organ of communication with public, 44. 
resolution to request meeting of Establish- 
ment, 45. 
to be a committee to prepare report, 45. 
to exchange Treasury notes for United States 
stock, 53. 
meeting to be held to elect, 54. 
certificates of stock to stand in name of, 78. 
to make annual report to Congress, 81. 
Chandler, Joseph R., to present petition relative 
to funding $150,000 of interest, 93. 
submitted memorial relative to funding 
$150, 000, 98. 
Chappelsmith, John, memoir by, on tornado 
presented, 97. ; 
Charlton, Robert M., attendance as Regent, 86, 
87, 88. 


809 


Chase, 8. P., attendance as Regent, 233, 234, 245, 
246, 300, 302, 304, 317, 320, 321, 351, 352, 385, 
387, 388, 391. 

statement of, relative to Morse and Henry, 
141, 143. 

motion to draw money in England and de- 
posit it with Treasurer of United States, 233. 

motion to approve action of Secretary after 
the fire, 235. 

motion to ask Treasury Department for pay- 
ment of interest in coin, 234. 

recommends application to be made to Treas- 
ury Department for payment of back inter- 
est in coin, 243. 

decision of, as to interest in coin, 244. 

recommendation of, to increase the fund to 
$550,000, 246. 

puppeote income be placed in Treasury of 

nited States or in a Government depos- 

itory, 302. 

directed deposits in First National Bank, 419. 

on policy of Institution relative to museum, 
303. 

remarks on appropriations from Congress for 
museum, 321. 

memorial to Congress on increase of the 
fund, 302. 

remarks on museum hall, 320. 

memorial to Congress for appropriation for 
museum, 323. 

nequesios to prepare eulogy on W. P. Fessen- 

en, 352. 

remarks on death of W. P. Fessenden, 352, 

death of, and election of successor as Chan- 
cellor, 416. 

remarks of J. A. Garfield on death of, 416. 

Checks exceeding $20 to be separate, 306. 

to be signed by Prof. Henry, 419. 

Cheeney, engraver of portraits, 669. 

Chemical examinations, 481. 

Chester County, notes on history of, by Dr. 
Darlington, 197. 

Chicago Academy of Sciences, thanks of, for 
aid rendered by Institution, 326. 

Chief clerk, appointment of, authorized, 356. 

accounts audited by, 173. 

allowance for extra services, 352. 

expenditures, 504, 508, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 528, 531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 552. 

resignation of, 353. 

salary of, increased, 241. 

salary of, fixed at $2,500 per annum, 436. 

Chief Justices of the United States who have 
been Regents, list of, 749. 

Childs, G. W., memorial by, on Lowe’s plan to 
cross the Atlantic, 167. 

Chinese books offered for sale, 57. 

Chinook Jargon, by Gibbs, 207. 

Choate, Rufus, drew two-years’ term as Re- 
gent, 2. 

re-elected Regent, 50, 114. 

attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 9, 23, 45, 46, 47, 
48, 101, 114, 116. 

appointed on committee to prepare report on 
subject of formation of library, 3. 

appointed on committee to digest plan to 
carry out provisions of act establishing S. 


«4 

appointed on committee to consider services 
of Assistant Secretary, 48. 

appointed on committee to direct Assistant 
Secretary, 49. 

appointed on special committee on distribu- 
tion of income, 92. 

appointed on Library Committee, 14. 

offered resolutions on organization, 24. 

presented letter from Chas. H. Hill, 27. 

presented letter of G.S. Bulfinch, 28. 

telegram from, 45. 

report in relation to formation of library, 11. 

report by, relative to duty of Assistant Sec- 
retary, 49. 

resolution offered by, as to services of Mr. 
Jewett, 46. 


810 


Choate, Rufus—Continued. 
made remarks on income, 115. 
statement by, on behalf of C. C. J ewett, 117. 
letter of, resigning place as Regent, referred 
to select committee of House of Repre- 
sentatives, 119. 
on purchase of United States stock, 442. 
Choppin, W., contract with, for altering east 
wing, 710. 
Cincinnati visited by Building Committee, 6. 
Circulars on storms sent to telegraph offices, 
95, 


sent with specimens to institutions, 414, 
Cisterns, specifications for, 659. 
to be arched over, 130. 
Citizens of States and of Washington who have 
been Regents, 750. 

City Hall, report on, as site for building, 37. 
use of, granted to Building Committee, 671. 
City of Washington stocks, 510, 513, 516, 517, 518, 
521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 540, 541, 542, 580. 

Clark, Edward, new roof constructed by, 235. 
to oversee work of completing upper hall, 
355. 
Clarke, Fynmore & Fladgate, written to, on 
De la Batut annuity, 8. 
letter from, relative to Madame De la Batut, 


20. 
to be informed of death of R. Rush, 166. 
Classical Bouquet, presented by Miss Con- 
taxalkzi, 135. 
Classification of accounts, 486. 
Clayton, John M., attendance at Establishment, 
771. 

Cleaveland, Parker, elected Honorary Member, 
notice of death of, 164. 

Clerks of committees to be appointed, 32. 
salary of, 108, 498, 

See Chief Clerk and extra clerk-hire, 

Clifford, N., attendance as Regent, 416, 419, 423. 
elected Chancellor, 416. 

Clock, Bailey & Co. offer to construct, 41. 
to be obtained free of cost, 74. 
resolution relative to, 73. 

Cluss, A., employed as architect, 241, 713. 
plans of, highly creditable, 718, 

Clymer, H., appointed Regent, 433. 
attendance as Regent, 433, 434, 
appointed on committee on connection of 

. I. and National Museum, 436. 
mon to procure a carriage for use of S. le 
36. 
Coale, J. S. N., letter from, on rates of freight 
on canal, 667, 680. 

Coast Survey, account of, by Prof. Henry, 367. 
expedition, Prof. Agassiz’s narrative of, 394. 
payment by, 500. 
instruments for magnetic observatory fur- 

nished by, 89. 
Codd, J. Arthur, letter from, of thanks for 
books, 187. 
Coe, Charles A.; executor of Thomas Wynns, 77. 
Con Edward, executor of Thomas Wynns, 
7, 182. 

Coffin, J. H., list of observers by, 466. 
death of, and remarks by Prof. Henry, 392. 
resolution of sympathy, 392. 

Coinage, memorial of American Philosophical 

Society in favor of uniformity of, 98. 
Coin interest received in year 1865, and appli- 
cation made for back years, 243, 244, 
payment of interest in, 245, 
Coleock, W. F., appointed Regent, 55. 
reappointment of, 75. 
attendance as Regent, 56, 57, 59, 60, 64, 67, 70, 
73, 76, 77, 78, 84, 86, 87, 88, 91. 

motion by, declining deposit of Markoe’s 
Minerals, 62. 

motion by, on annual report, 73. 

motion of, to refer will of Thos. Wynns to 
Mr. Mason, 78. 

resolution by, to construct magnetic observa- 
tory, 89. 


INDEX. 


Coleock, W. F.—Continued. 

resolution making appropriations for ex- 

penses, 91. 

resolution offered by, on appropriations, 68. 
Colfax, Schuyler, appointed Regent, 173. 

attendance as Regent, 173, 192, 385, 387. 
Pence, Jacob, attendance at Establishment, 

71 


Collections, T. R. Peale proposed as curator 
of, 10, 21. 
expense of care of increasing, 109. 
removal of, from Patent Office, 125. 
by G. Wurdeman, 164. 
by Hudson’s Bay Company, 165. 
separate maintenance of, appointment of 
committee on, 220, 
from Brazil, 254. 
conditions on which presented, 261. 
exchange of, with Toronto University, 261. 
should be ealled for from all recipients of 
specimens from Institution, 319. 
great hall in second story of building to be 
devoted to, 319. 
expense of, not to encroach upon active Ope- 
rations, 320. 
memorial to Congress asking appropriation 
for, 322. 
desired by Hamburg Aquarium, 331. 
offered by Museum of Athens, 332. 
appropriation to be asked for care of, 354. 
expenditures, 495, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 517, 
519, 538, 736. 
made by L. Agassiz, 399. 
additions to, by P. T. Barnum, 425. 
at Patent Office, transfer of, 512, 514, 737. 
Pres of, 557, 562, 569, 575, 584, 736. 
tting up halls for, 557, 563, 584, 736. 
Columbian College, request from, that lectures 
be given for pupils of, 479. 
Comet, account of discovery of, by Miss 
Mitchell, 467. 
Hubbard’s investigations of, 196. 
Comets, telegraphic announcement of, 384, 389. 
Commission of the English Government, ex- 
amination of Prof. Henry by, 775. 
Commissioner of Indian Affairs to procure col- 
lections from Indian country, 13. 
Commissioner of Public Buildings, stable 
erected with permission of, 385, 
Committee to digest plan to carry out provis- 
ions of act establishing 8. I., 4. 
on organization, resolutions of, 8, 12. 
to confer with Board of Regents, 773. 
to draft by-laws, 771, 772. 
on organization, report of, recommitted, 19. 
authorized to fill vacancies, 33. 
on finance, memorial relative to reception of 
interest taken from files of Senate and re- 
ferred to, 76. 
of Congress appointed on Smithson fund in- 
vestment, 93. 
Committees, chairmen of, to be committee to 
prepare report, 45. 
Compromise resolutions relative to plan of 
organization, 103. 
report on, 100. 
repealed, 115. 
Computations relative to occultations, appro- 
priations for, 43. 
expenditures, 491, 493, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516, 
556. 
Conchology, J. G. Totten’s labors in, 294, 
illustrations of, granted by British Museum, 
231. 
Concrete foundations, specifications for, 632. 
Congress, act of, relative to increase of the 
trust fund, 305. 
act of, organizing Institution, 753. 
act of, to transfer library, 247. 
act, special, necessary, 536. 
action of, relative to construction of cases, 
135. ‘ 
application to be made to, to receiye extra 
und, 127, 


INDEX. 


Congress—Continued. 

appropriation by, for meteorology, 72. 

appropriations by, for collections, 514, 517, 
520, 522, 626, 528, 531, 535, 539, 543, 545, 547, 
548, 552, 555, 557, 562, 568, 575, 584. 

asked to fund $150,000, 63. 

asked to invest $150,000, 485. 

did not intend a library to be principal ob- 
ject, 105. 

grant of volumes of Exploring Expedition 
toS. I., 184. 

memorial relative to reception of interest 
by, to be taken from files of Senate and re- 
ferred to Committee on Finance, 76. 

memorial of American Philosophical Society 
to, relative to uniformity of coinage, 98. 

memorial to, on increase of the fund, 302. 

memorial to, asking for appropriation for 
museum, 322. 

petition to, to add $150,000 to Smithson fund, 


te 
petition to, to take $150,000, 492. 
resolution of, appointing Regents to be en- 
tered, 3. 
subject of purchase of Indian gallery to be 
brought to attention of, 139. 
to increase Smithson fund, 543. 
Cone-in-cone, account of, by H. Poole, 228. 
account of, by Prof. Henry, 229. 
Connolly, Henry, account of meteorites, 251. 
Connor, J ohn, death of, 240. 
funeral expenses paid by order of Board, 241. 
Conrad, T. A., chalk found in Colorado, 252. 
Constantinople, mosque of St. Sophia at, en- 
gravings to illustrate, presented, 127. 
Construction of law of organization, 105. 
Consuls to procure additions to museum, 12. 
Contaxaki, Miss, present from, of ornamental 
album from Greece, 134. 
report relative to present by, 136. 
Contract for building, J. M. Carlisle’s opinion 
on, 63. 
Contract of G. Cameron would expire on 19th 
of March, 80. 
between Jas. Dixon and G. Cameron and the 
Board of Regents of 8. I., 627. 
for building S. L., 591, 626. 
for building, A. D. Bache’s addendum, 627. 
for building completed, 706. 
for publishing work on architecture, 694. 
with Wiley & Putnam to publish work on 
architecture, 596. p 
with Jas. Dixon, 676. 
with C. Buckingham for water, 674. 
with J. Downer for fence, 675. 
with J. Douglass for a hedge, 697, 701. 
with W. Choppin for altering east wing, 710. 
with Phoenix Iron Co. for roof, 717. 
Contracts, Building Committee to award, 29. 
Contractor to report on cause of accident, 61. 
Contributions to Knowledge, lithographic 
stones of first volume to be purchased, 51. 
appropriations for, 53. See Reports of Exec- 
utive Committee. 
distribution of first volume, 51. 
kept in Custom-House, New York, 466. 
account of Vol. 2, 467. 
Convicts, memorial against use of marble 
dressed by, 21, 22, 23. 
Cooke, H. D., attendance as Regent, 384, 385, 
391. 
appointed trustee of Corcoran Art Gallery, 
412. ; 


Cooper, E. J., proposal for stone and lime, 615, 
616. 


Co-operation promised to L. K. Daa for making 
collections for the Norway Museum, 200. 
Coppee, H., elected Regent, 419. 
attendance as Regent, 419, 428, 430, 434. 
appointed on committee to report on mu- 
seum, 430. 
Copying, expenditures, 481, 482. 
Copyright books presented, 42. 
report from C. C. Jewett in relation to, 60. 


81l 


Copyright books— Continued. 
lan for remedying evils of system of, 81. 
ooks, subject of depositing, referred to 
committee, 81. 
none taken on Smithsonian publications, 107. 
Copyrights, proposed action on, 463. 
expenditures, 491, 495. 
Corner-stone, account of ceremonies at laying, 
674, 680. 
address of George M. Dallas at, 684. 
list of articles deposited in, 683. 
inscription on, 677. 
cost of, 481, 482. 
Coonan Gallery, deed of gift and trust 
of, 403. 
deposits with, 425, 
plan of co-operation with, 388, 391. 
Corcoran, W. W., recommending investment 
of surplus fund in North Carolina stocks,. 


attendance at meeting of the Board, 127. 
about to found gallery of art, 163. 

letter of, to trustees of Art Gallery, 401. 
funds relinquished by, 506. 

Corcoran & Riggs, proposition of, to give pre- 
mium for stock, and allow five per cent. 
interest on amount, 76. 

certificates of stock transferred to, 78. 

interest account, 724. 

to furnish written agreement relative to 
stock, 78. 

written statement from, relative to sale of 
stock, 78. 

offered to allow interest on deposit, 91. 

did not desire to retain extra funds, 122. 

zeport on manner of investing money in. 

ands of, 127. 

interest received from, 129. 

funds deposited with, to be transferred to 
Riggs & Co., 130. 

funds to be deposited with, 63, 66, 76, 486. 

accounts, 500. 

surplus fund, 505. 

Correspondence, account of, 67, 323, 356, 424. 
illustrations of, 94, 184, 194, 221, 249, 324. 
importance of preserving, 81. 
to be conducted by Secretary, 120. 
to be registered and recorded as directed by 

the Secretary, 120. 
loss of, by fire, 237. 

Costa Rica, exchanges with, 334. 

minister, letter from, commending Dr. Be- 
rendt, 257, 258. 

Council, Common, of Washington, vote by, 
relative to city hall, 38. 

Court, decision of, that Board of Regents could 
not be sued, 94. 

money due Cameron may be paid into, 85. 
Cox, 8. 8., appointed Regent, 173, 351, 420. 
reappointed Regent, 218. 
attendance as Regent, 172, 173, 192, 193, 218, 
219, 233, 235, 240, 351, 354, 357, 384, 419, 430. 

appointed on committee on active operations 
and museum, 220. 

eulogy on'S. A. Douglas by, 179. 

resolution of sympathy at death of R. B. 
Taney and J. G. Totten, 233. 

motion to elect S. P. Chase, Chancellor, 233. 

motion to furnish Congress with information. 
as to the losses by the fire, the residuary 
legacy of Smithson, and payment of inter- 
est in coin, 239. 

motion relative to eulogies on Dayton, Taney, 
and Totten, 240. 

motion to intrust repairs of building and 
disposal of stocks to Chancellor, Secretary, 
and Executive Committee, 241. 

motion to accept and transmit report of Sec- 
retary, 432. 

Coyle, R., city surveyor, chart of grounds by, 
675 


Cree dictionary, by Watkins, 208. 
Cresson, John C., memorial of, on Lowe’s plap 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 


812 


Creswell, J. A. J., attendance at Establishment, 
773 


Crest, George, proposals of, 617. 
Crouther, Mr., has adopted standard alphabet, 


168. 
Crummell, Alex., letter from, on Liberia, 190. 
Crustacea, method of transporting, 329. 
Culbertson, Alexander, thanks to, 72. 
Culbertson, Ferdinand, thanks to, 72. 
Cunard, Edward, letter from, granting free 
freights to England, 161. 
Cunard steamship line, thanks to, for free 
freights, 320. 
free passage to Prof. Henry, 354. 
Curley, Prof., account of Georgetown obserya- 
tory, 467, . F 
‘Curran, B. B., explanation of bid for building, 
62: 


Cushing, Caleb, letter from, relative to sale of 
Chinese books, 57. 
attendance at Establishment, 772, 773. 
Customs, Board of, mode suggested by, for ad- 
mitting publications free, 82. 
Customs duties remitted on exchanges, 82. 


aS) 


Daa, Louis Kr., offers of ethnological speci- 
mens from Norway, 229. 
Dakota grammar, Prof. Turner’s work on, 157. 
Dallas, Geo. M., appointed president of Board 
of Regents, 1. 
elected Chancellor, 2. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 5, 16, 20, 34, 40, 
41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 50. 
presented applications for office of Secretary, 
5 


report by, on building, 7. 
amendment by, to plan of building, 24. 
presented resolutions to limit cost of build- 
ing to $100,000, and to make contract with 
John Haviland, 25. 
- offered resolution on building, 28. 
resolution referring letter of John Notman, 


letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 440. 
letter from, 441. 
address at laying corner-stone of Smithso- 
nian building, 684. 
appreciation by Board of services of, 54. 
Dana, J. D., elected Regent, 419. 
excuse for non-attendance, 434. 
Daniels, Mr., visited by Building Committee, 


6. 
Darlington, Wm., offers his Note Cestrienses, 
197. 
notice of, by Prof. Henry, 197. 
Davis, C. H., pays for calculations of occulta- 
tions, 478. 
ethnological directions and chart by, 476. 
Davis, Garret, appointed Regent, 192. 
attendance as Regent, 192, 193, 219, 233, 235, 
240, 242, 243, 245, 300, 316, 320, 343, 352, 384. 
appointed on committee relative to increase 
of fund, 301. 
motion by, on Wynng’ estate, 243. 
motion of, relative to gold interest, 236. 
on transfer of library, 243. 
motion by, to adopt report of Executive 
Committee, 245. 
motion of, to place O’Rielly’s letter on tele- 
graph in archives, 385. 
death of, and resolutions respecting, 387. 
Davis, Henry Winter, appointed Regent, 218. 
attendance as Regent, 218. 
appointed on committee on Smithson legacy, 
2 


to prepare eulogy on Chief Justice Taney, 
240, 


Davis, Jefferson, attendance as Regent, 50, 51, 
54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 64, 67, 68, 69, '70, 72, 73. 
attendance at Establishment, 772, 773. 
amendment to memorial to Congress, 70. 


INDEX. 


Davis, Jefferson.—Continued. 

appointed on committee on copyright, 60. 

elected member of Building Committee, 60. 

motion by, relative to Mr. Harmon, 56. 

motion by, to thank examiners of memoirs, 
58. i 

motion by, to procure a drawing from Mr. 
Harmon, 61. 

motion by, of thanks to Abbott Lawrence, 63. 

suggestion of, to finish exterior of building 
on new plan, 65. 

motion by, to authorize appointment of 
another Assistant Secretary, 67. 

motion by, to appoint Mr. Lenva on Building 
Committee, 67. 

motion by, to elect a Chancellor, 69. 

motion by, to refer Treasurer’s report to Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 70. 

motion by, of thanks to Culbertson for speci- 
mens, 72. 

motion by, to provide residences for officers, 
14 


report by, on fire-proofing building, 66. 

report of Building Committee, 703. 

resolution by, inviting designs and models 
of architecture, 59. 

resolution by, relative to Harmon’s drawing, 
62 


resolution offered by, to make advance to 
contractor, 66. 

presented communication from Chas. B. 
Wells, 58. 

Dayton, William L., appointed Regent, 172. 

services and death of, 240. 

eulogy on, to be prepared by J. W. Patterson, 
240. 


Deafening, specifications for, 637. 
De Beust, W., loss of, at fire, $1,300, 238. 
petition for remuneration for losses by the 
fire, and allowance of $500 for, 302. 
De la Batut, Madame, Richard Rush appointed 
to ascertain whether surviving, 4. 
report in relation to, 8. 
informatign of her being alive communicat- 
ed, 20. 
annuity to, 72, 505. 
annuity, delay in receiving, 219. 
committee appointed to confer with Secre- 
pany, of State and British minister relative 
0, 219. 
De la Cuesta, Arroyo, Mutsun grammar, 191. 
Delafield, Richard, elected Regent, 240. 
attendance as Regent, 242, 243, 245, 246, 300, 
302, 304, 316, 320, 821, 343, 351, 352, 354. 
elected to Executive Committee, 241. 
appointed on committee on transter of library, 
243. 


appointed on committee on deposit of income 
and system of accounts, 302. 
on policy of Institution relative to museum, 
303. 
on transfer of library, 243, 244. 
report on deposit of funds, 304, 
report on deposit of income and system of 
accounts, 306. ; 
motion by, to grant leave of absence to Prof. 
Henry, with allowance for his expenses, 
352. 
report of Building Committee presented, 248, 
301, 320, 716, '719, 722. 
report on Washington city canal, 343, 351. 
motion by, to fill vacancy in Executive Com- 
mittee, 350. - 
explanations by, of report of Executive Com- 
mittee, 245, 
report of Executive Committee, 242, 305, 317, 
320, 343, 351, 536, 540, 544, 547, 550. 
resignation as Regent, 356. 
Delano, Columbus, attendance at Establish- 
ment, 773. 
elected Honorary Member, 774. 
Denig, Edward T., thanks to, 72. 
Dennison, ©. W., application of, for use of room 
for holding service, 88. 


INDEX. 


Denver, height of, 195. 
Departments in the Institution with heads con- 
trary to law and not advisable, 111. 
Deposit of Smithson income, account of, 566. 
Deposit of income, committee appointed on, 302, 
report of committee on, 306. 
in First National Bank, 419, 544, 582. 
Deposit with Secretary of Treasury, 419. 
with Department of Agriculture, Army Med- 
ical Museum, and Corcoran Art Gallery, 425, 
De Saussure, H., on entomology, 211. 
Design, school of, proposed, 125, 126. 
Dickerson, Dr., proposed ethnological explo- 
ration by, 46. 
Dickinson, H. L., left half income of property 
to Madame De La Batut, 183. 
Dictionaries, Shea’s Indian, 191, 208, 209. 
Dictionary, J. R. Bartlett proposes to prepare a 
: new English, 51. 
Diffusion of knowledge, means provided for, 


Dille, I., letter from, on location of mounds, 200. 
Direction of affairs should be left to Secretary, 
492. 
Directions for telegraphing storms, 195. 
Disbursing officer, chairman of Executive Com- 
mittee made, 3. 
Disbursements made by chairman of Executive 
Committee, 486. 
Discoveries of Oersted, Arago, Davy, Ampere, 
Barlow, Sturgeon, 148. 
Diseases of northern Indians, 263. 
Distribution of Vol. 1, Smithsonian Contribu- 
tions to Knowledge, 464, 475. 
Distribution of specimens, conditions of, 320. 
to be continued and returns to be required, 
319. 
Distribution of duplicate specimens, views of 
Profs. Agassiz and Henry on, 390. 
appropriation for, 738. « 
District of Columbia, memorial of citizens of, 
against use of marble worked by convicts. 
21, 22, 23. 
Disturnell, John, letter from, relative to new 
gazetteer of North America, 51. 
memorial from, 468. 
Dixon, Jas., & Co., bid for building accepted, 
591. 
letter of, 624, 670, 688. 
Dixon, James, retires from firm of Dixon & 
Cameron, 688. 
building contract with, 630, 676. 
Dobbin, J. C., attendance at Establishment, 
7172, 173. 
Documents relating to history of Smithsonian 
bequest, Secretary to collect, 4, 
Donations, list of, presented, 51. 
committee to report regulations relative to 
reception of, 92. 
of $1,000 from a friend of science, 551. 
policy regarding, 219. 
Donnelly, I., letter referred by, 252. 
Doorkeeper, Wm. McPeak appointed, 1. 
Doors, windows, and cloisters, specifications 
for, 651. 
Douglas, Stephen A., appointed Regent, 97. 
reappointed Regent, 154. 
attendance as Regent, 97, 99, 101, 112, 114, 117, 
120, 125, 128, 130, 131, 133, 135, 136, 137, 151, 
156, 161, 163, 166, 170. 
appointed on committee to confer with Estab- 
lishment, 116. 
appointed on committee on 8S, F. B. Morse’s 
charges against Prof. Henry, 133. 
appointed on committee on Stanley’s Indian 
gallery, 134. 
motion by, on removal of assistants and dis- 
tribution of income, 113. 
remarks by, on income, 115. 
resolution by, on correspondence, 120. 
motion by, to ask authority to receive funds 
or legacies and for power to sue and be 
sued, 125. 
resolutions by, on death of E. K. Kane, 132. 


813: 


Douglas, Stephen A.—Continued. 

motion by, to appropriate $2,000 for casts and. 

moulds of works of art in Europe, 152. 

meron by, on death of Washington Irving,. 
59. 

motion by, to invest $5,000 of extra fund, 163.. 

motion by, on death of P. Cleaveland, 164. 

eulogy on, by 8. 8. Cox, 79. 

Dowden, Henry J., letter from, on exchanges, 

88. 

Downer, Joel, inspection of wood-work by, 64. 
letter from, 671. ‘ 
contract with, for fence, 675. 
bill for fence, 688. 

Downes, John, thanks to, for computations, 52. 
computations by, 466, 468, 478. 

Downing, Andrew J., plans for public grounds, 

74, 702, 705. 
resolutions of Board relative to death of, 85. 
Downing, Mrs. A. J., correspondence between. 
Secretary and, 89. 

Drains ordered, 707, 711. 

Draughtsman, 482. 

Drawing of ballots for term of service by Re- 

gents, 2. 
Drayton, Mr, valuable aid of, 668. 
Dudley observatory, plans of, 221. 
Duke of Devonshire, examination of Prof. 
Henry by, 775. 

Duke of Northumberland, books presented by,. 
155. 

Duplicate specimens, condition on which pre- 
sented, 261. 

distribution of, 187. 

Durand, G. J., report by, on S.I. to Imperial 
Academy of Boraeaux, 154. 

Dwight, Theodore W., letter from, on tele- 
scope, 124. 


ate 


Earthworks, proposed map of, 185. 
Eaton, D. C., on ferns, 211. 
Eclipse, expedition to Labrador of Lt. Gilliss, 
162. 
Education, books on, sent to M. Laboulaye, 332. 
of Indian tribes, D. Peirce’s plan for, 58. 
roposed history of, by F. A. Packard, 223. 
Educational institution, co-operation of S. I. 
with, requested, 57. 
Egypt, account of scientific society in, 321. 
work on, by Lepsius, presented by Prussian 
Government, 127. 
Electricity, memoir on, by A. Berry, presented, 
3 


Electric phenomenon, account of, 250. 

Electrotypes of conchology granted by British 
museum, 231. 

Elevators, specifications for, 658. 

provided, 721. 

Elgin marbles, casts of, reeommended, 98. 

Ellet, Mr., offered to superintend erection of 
wire bridge, 70. 

Ely, Alfred, letter from, relative to application 
of naval officer for remuneration for shells 
collected, 162. 

Emery, M. G., attendance as Regent, 355. 

Encylopedia of education proposed, 224. 

belonging to Smithson purchased, 63. 

Engelmann, Geo., letter from, on heights of 
mountain peaks, 195. 

Engineer Corps of United States army, account 
of, by General Barnard, 266. 

England, free freight to and from, 161. 

English Government Scientifie Commission, 
examination of Prof. Henry by, 775. 

English manuscripts from J. O. Halliwell, 90. 

English, W. H., appointed Regent, 121. 

reappointed Regent, 133, 161. 

attendance as Regent, 92, 93, 95, 97, 101, 112, 
114, 116, 119, 120, 121, 122, 125, 127, 128, 129, 
130, 135, 137, 151, 154, 161, 163, 166, 170. 

appointed member of Building Committee, 
93. 


814 


English, W. H.—Continued. 
appointed on committee to invest funds, 120. 
appointed on committee to draught bill ask- 
ing authority to receive legacies, 125. 
appointed on committee on investment, 506. 
letter from, asking special meeting, 100. 
motion by, to appoint Mr. Meacham on com- 
mittee, 96. 
motion to refer resolution on estimates to 
special committee on distribution of the 
income, 96. 
motion by, on removal of assistants, 113. 
motion by, to appoint Committee of Finance 
to make investment, 120. 
motion by, to adjust expenses of Regents at 
each meeting, 166. 
report of Building Committee by, 122, 129, 710, 
711, 712. 
report from Committee on Finance, 129. 
report by, on investment of surplus fund, 
127. 
resolution by, to examine telescope, 124. 
Engravers, best in United States for portraits, 
669. 
Engraving of head of Smithson ordered, 462. 
Engravings received by library, 1846-1877, 731. 
Entomological works of De Saussure, 211. 
Entomology, manuals on, proposed by C. Zim- 
merman, 162. 
Espy, James P., directed to co-operate withS. I., 
72 


assigned by Secretary of Navy to be under 
direction of 8. I., 464. 

eulogy on, by A. D. Bache, 159. 

experiments made by, with Smithsonian ap- 
paratus, 72. 

experiments of, with A. D. Bache, 362. 

placed under direction of 8. 1., 466. 

reappointed United States Meteorologist, 464. 

Establishment, account given of organization 

of, 184. 

account of, 771. 

Journal of Proceedings of, 771. 

Journal of, read at meeting of Board, 56. 

notice of meetings of, 92, 135, 475. 

meeting of, requested by Board of Regents 
to propose Richard Rush as honorary 
member, 45. 

mode of communication between Board of 
Regents and, 116, 120. 

Estimate of cost of finishing building on fire- 
proof plan, 65. 

Estimates of receipts and appropriations, 118, 
483, 492, 502, 505, 508, 511, 514, 517, 520, 523, 
526, 529, 536, 539, 544, 547, 550, 553, 558, 561, 
570, 575, 576, 583. 

of architect, 716. 

to be submitted every year for current ex- 
penses, by Executive Committee and the 
Secretary, 98. 

Ethnographic heads of India and higher Asia, 
198, 329. 

Ethnological collections from Norway offered, 
229. 

collection of Geo. Catlin, 389. 
collection, report of Asa Gray and H. Coppee 
on, 4380. 
explorations proposed by Dr. Dickerson, 46. 
map, Geo. Gibbs on, 203. 
Ethnology, new hall to be devoted to, 357. 
account of recent progress of, offered by J. 
R. Bartlett, 18, 38. 
paper on, to be prepared by H. R. School- 
craft, 39. 
promotion of, by 8S. I., 107. 
Eulogy on A. D. Bache, by Prof. Henry, 358. 
on S. A. Douglas, by S. 8. Cox, 179. 
on C. GC. Felton, by T. D. Woolsey, 174. 
on Jas. A. Pearce, by A. D. Bache, 214. 
on W. W. Seaton, by Prof. Henrys 308. 
on J. G. Totten, by J. G. Barnard, 264. 

Europo-American physical man, memoir on, 96. 

Evans, Alexander, indebtedness of committee 
to, for comparison of different reports, 64 


INDEX. 


Evans, George, attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 8, 

16, 20, 34. 

appointed on committee on amending law, 15. 

appointed on committee on site, 17, 20. 

letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 442. 

moved that Chancellor and chairmen of com- 
mittees be committee to prepare report, 9. 

moved that committee on selection of site 
wait on President, 9. 

moved amendment to resolution in regard to 
site, 9. 

motion by, on site, 20. 

moved that Executive Committee receive 
interest in treasury notes, 30. 

motion by, to appoint Executive Committee, 
33. 


motion by, for appointment of assistant to 
Secretary, 33. 
motion by, for temporary appointment on 
committees, 33. 
presented letter from A. E. Belknap in regard 
to character of Isaiah Rogers, 22. 
report of committee on site, 37. 
resolutions by, relative to death of I. S. Pen- 
nybacker, 22. 
resolution approving nomination of Charles 
C. Jewett, 27. 
resolution for appointment of Assistant Sec- 
retary, 32. 
Evans, John, letter of, on Colorado, 249. 
Evarts,W. M., attendance at Establishment, 774. 
Byer Edward, commission on Owens’ work. 
697. 
Ewbank, Thomas, attendance at Establish- 
ment, 771. 
Exchanges, account of, 107, 108, 184. 
agent to be appointed to conduct, 74. 
statistics of, 1846-1877, 731. 
expenditures for, 498, 503, 507, 510, 518, 516, 
519, 521, 525, 527, 530, 533, 538, 543, 546, 549, 
553, 556, 557, 561, 568, 574, 5S3, 724. 
international, account of act of Congress re- 
specting, 317. 
with Bath Society, England, 325. 
with Bordeaux, Chamber of Commerce of, 224. 
with Brazil, 254. 
with Bremen, 259. 
with Bremen, J. G. Fischer and Dr. Brehm, 
231, 326. 
with Great Britain, aid rendered by Sir Henry 
Bulwer, 79. 
with Madrid, Royal Academy of, 185. 
wiih Mexican Society of Geography and Sta- 
tistics, 249. 
with Milan Agricultural Association, 226. 
with St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, 328. 
customs duties remitted on, 82. 
increase of, requires aid in support of, 426. 
letter from Edward Sabine relative to, 82. 
ackages to be sent free by mail, 389. 
amilton College, New York, on, 187. 
J. Arthur Codd on, 187. 
C. A. Shepard on, 187. 
University of Toronto on, 188. 
Royal Horticultural Society on, 188. 
Charles J. Bethune on, 189. 
W. H. Pease on, 189. 
Institute of Rupert’s Land on, 189. 
resolution to receive aid from societies and 
individuals to defray expense of, 426. 
salary of J. G. Flugel, 90. 
services of J. G. Flugel to, 82. 
thanks of American Academy of Arts and 
Sciences for Smithsonian system of, 124, 324, 
value of books received by, estimated by 
Profs. Jewett and Baird, 109. 
Examination of Prof. Henry by the English 
Scientific Commission, 775. 
Excavation and leveling, specifications for, 631. 
Executive Committee elected—Seaton, Owen, 
and Totten, 2. 
A. D. Bache elected to, 88. 
Geo. Bancroft elected to, 429, 


INDEX. 


Executive Committee—Continued. 

Richard Delafield elected to, 241. 

John Maclean elected to, 350. 

Peter Parker elected to, 316. 

W. T. Sherman elected to, 357. 

allowed to withdraw report to make more 
complete, 52. 

appropriations by, 53. 

authorized to make contracts for introduc- 
tion of Potomac water, 170. 

authorized to pay legal charges of R. Rush, 4. 

authorized to receive payment in Treasury 
notes, 30. 

bill of Isaiah Rogers referred to, 32. 

chairman of, to prepare annual report, 52. 

chairman of, to report system of keeping 
funds, 63. é 

claims of Lorin Blodget referred to, 114, 119. 

claim of T. R. Peale for portrait of Washing- 
ton referred to, 359. 

clerk to, to be appointed, 32. 

communications from David P. Holton re- 
ferred to, 168. 

somimunication of Edward Sabine referred 

0, 153. 

communication of J. A. Johnson relative to 
International Geographic and Scientific 
Commission referred to, 132. 

communieation of J. R. Lambdin referred 
to, 98. 

communication of Mr. Stabler referred to, 47. 

communication relative to Geographical and 
Commercial Gazette referred to, 119. 

desire appropriation for new heating appa- 
ratus, 432. 

election of, 4389. 

expenditures to be made with advice of, 73, 91. 

financial exhibit referred to, 429, 433. 

frequent meetings of, unnecessary, 492. 

Jewett’s plan referred to, 68. 

J. G. Totten appointed on, 67. 

Journal of, 437. 

letter from E. G. Squier referred to, 54. 

letter from, to Board’ of Regents, 439, 440. 

letter from, to British Government to urge 
continuance of '’oronto observatory, 89. 

letter of Alfred Ely referred to, 162. 

letter of Francis Markoe referred to, 51. 

letter of J. Disturnell referred to, 51. 

letter of Mr. Stanley referred to, 163. 

made report relative to plan of finance, 41. 

majority of, altered report for 1869 to con- 
form to mode previously adopted, 355. 

memorial of American Philosophical Society 
on coinage referred to, 98. 

memorial of Board referred to, 93. 

of three appointed, 33. 

pay of assistants referred to, 164. 

petition of Josiah Holbrook referred to, 81. 

petition of Miss Gilpin referred to, 81. 

presented report in relation to case of Lorin 
Blodget, 116. 

presented report relative to houses for 
officers, 83. 

propose leave of absence for Prof. Henry to 
visit Europe, 352. 

properivign of Mr. Harmon referred to, 56. 

R. D. Owen and J. G. Totten asked to be ex- 
cused from service on, 42. 

recommendation to invest in North Carolina 
stocks referred to, 90. 

report from, 42, 50, 56, 66, 70, 73, '75, 91, 97, 99, 
118, 122, 130, 136, 151, 163, 166, 173, 193, 219, 
242, 387, 429, 481. 

report of, inserted in Journal, 41. 

report of, on canal, 343. 

report on claim for portrait of Washington, 
389. 

request of S. F. Baird for increase of salary 
referred to, 152. 

revised report of, presented, 52. 

statement of fund referred to, 423. 

statement of Secretary as to funds referred 
to, 387. 


815 


Executive Committee—Continued. 

subject of procuring casts of works of art re- 
ferred to, 163. 

subject of warming referred to, 161. 

to advance $6,000 to contractor, 76. 

to arrange with Secretary as to discharge of 
duties, 15. 

to assign salary of Assistant, 27. 

to certify amount of debts incurred, 29. 

to consult with President relative to obtain- 
ing money from England, 184. 

to examine and certify monthly accounts, 66. 

to examine vouchers of National Museum, 
426. 

te compensation of Assistant Secretary, 

9 


to inquire into expediency of providing resi- 
dences for officers, 74. 

to invest $5,000 of extra fund, 163. 

to make contract with Hiram Powers, 43. 

to make quarterly examination of the ac- 
counts, 306. 

to pay $250 to Isaiah Rogers, 33. 

to report appropriation desirable for year 
1848, 41. 

to submit estimate for expenses for each 
year, 98. 

vacancy in, filled, 86. 

Expenditures on Smithsonian building on ac- 
count of fire, 715, 718, 721. 

Bependitures Executive Committee re- 
ports. 

general statement of, 724, 732. 
Experimenis by Secretary, records of, lost in 
re, 237. 
on ordnance and casemates, by J. G. Totten, 
284. 
proposed, 452. - 
Experts, important cases examined by, 173. 
Exploration of Louis Agassiz, 394. 
of Dr. Berendt in Central America, 257. 
of Jno. Xanthus in Mexico, 213. 
of mounds in New York, 476. 
west of Rocky Mountains, subscription to, 
476. 

Explorations, expenditures for, 491, 493, 496, 
498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 517, 519, 521, 525, 527, 
531, 538, 543, 546, 549, 553, 556, 568, 724. 

Exploring expedition, appropriations for pre- 
serving coilections of, 736. 

claims of an officer of, 162. 

collections transferred to 8. I. from Patent 
Office, 125, 514. 

set of volumes of, granted by Congress, 184. 

Extra clerk-hire, 498, 504, 508, 510, 513, 516, 519, 
521, 525, 528, 581, 534, 538, 543, 552, 556, 560, 
667, 574, 582. 


Ere 


Fairfax Seminary, library from, sent to S. I, 
194. 

Faraday, Prof., letter from, concerning James 
Smithson, 53. 

Farnsworth, J. G., appointed Regent, 242. 
attendance as Regent, 242, 243, 246, 302, 304. 
on transfer of library, 244. 

Fell & Robinson, proposal for marble, 615. 

Felton, Cornelius C., elected as Regent, 121. 
reappointed Regent, 172. 
attendance as Regent, 129, 130, 133, 135, 154, 

156. 
appointed on committee on Morse’s charges 
against Prof. Henry, 133. ‘ 
appointed on committee on Stanley’s Indian 
allery, 134. 
Ae of Washington Irving by, 158. 
eulogy on W. W. Turner by, 156. 
report by, on Stanley’s Indian gallery, 138. 
report by,on communication of Prof. Henry 
relative to charges of Prof. Morse, 139. 
work of Miss Contaxaki referred to, 135. 
zepOr of, on Miss Contaxaki’s Grecian Al- 
um, 136. 


816 


Felton, Cornelius C.—Continued. 
resolutions of Board on death of, 174. 
eulogy of, by T. D. Woolsey, 174. 

Fence, provision and contract for, 29, 670, 675, 

689. 

Fendall, P. R., legal advice of, 707. 

Ferns, thanks for, from G. Mettenius, 211. 

Ferry, T. W., attendance as Regent, 433, 434. 
appointed on committee on eath of Henry 

Wilson, 433. 

Fessenden, Wm. P., appointed Regent, 172. 
attendance as Regent, 192, 218, 243, 304, 343. 
appointed on committee on active operations 

and museum, 220. 
remarks of, on transfer of library, 244. 
death of, and resolutions on, 351. 

Fillmore, Millard, elected Chancellor, 54. 

attendance as Regent, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 
64, 67. 

resolution offered by, on building contract, 
60. 


Finance, Committee of, appointed to inquire 
into investment of funds of 8. I., 120. 
report by, on investment in State stocks, 127. 
Finance, plan of, offered by A. D. Bache, 28, 492. 
plan of, report relative to, 41. 
system of, adopted, 173, 483, 484. 
Corcoran & Riggs’ proposition relative to, 76. 
Financial statements, 723. 
Fire at the S. L., January 24, 1865, account of, 
234. 
action of Secretary in regard to, 235. 
action of Congress in regard to, 235. 
committee appointed by Regents to report on, 
235. 
effects of, 713. 
loss by, 535. 
loss of W. De Beust by, compensated by al- 
lowance of $500, 302, 543. 
payment for loss of tools by, 543. 
report of committee on, 236. 
thanks to all who rendered aid at, 240, 
Hire Provenys building recommended, 64. 
building: ordered, 702, 703, 705. 
building, plans for, 714, 715, 717, 720. 
estimates for, 65, 239. 
interior of building ordered, 485. 
specifications for, 638. 
to be determined on, 80. 
west wing, 557, 564. 
Fischer, C., requests a bison, 255. 
Fischer, J. G., thanks for amphibia, 231. 
Fischer, W., bill for stationery from, presented, 


Fish, Hamilton, attendance at Establishment, 
773. 
Fisher, James C., memorial by, on Lowe’s 
plan to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Fitall, Mrs., portrait of Smithson sold by, 56. 
Fitch, Graham N., appointed Regent, 55. 
appointed in place of Mr. Hilliard on Build- 
ing Committee, 75. 
attendance as Regent, 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 64, 67, 
68, 69, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 89, 91. 
motion by, of thanks to Sir Henry Bulwer, 79. 
motion by, on claim of W. Fischer, 73. 
motion by, on Harmon’s plan for architecture, 


60. 

motion by, to appoint J. G. Totten on Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 67. 

motion by, to appoint Mr. Meacham on Copy- 
right Committee, 81. 

motion by, to authorize appointment of a gen- 
eral assistant, 68. 

motion by, to refer accounts, 73. 

motion by, to refer claims of Sniffin to Build- 
ing Committee, 79. 

motion by, to take legal advice on building 
contract, 62. 

presented account from J. Renwick, 84. 

reappointment of, 75. 

report of Building Committee, 706, 707. 

report of committee on estimates for annual 
expenses, 97. 


INDEX. 


Fitch, Graham N.—Continued. 
resolution by, on distribution of income, 91. 
resolution by, on memorial to Congress, 76. 
resolution by, relative to clock and bell, 72. 
resolution by, relative to deposits with Cor- 
coran & Riggs, 91. , 
resolution by special committee on resolu- 
tions of, 112. 
resolution offered by, on repairs to building 
in consequence of accident, 61. 
resolution to make advance to contractor, 66. 
Fitting up building, Building Committee au- 
thorized to contract for, 29. 
Flachenecher,Geo., on Cheyenne language, 209. 
Fladgate, Clarke, & Finch, letter from, relative 
to annuity of La Batut, 183. 
Smithson legacy from, 535. 
Flagging, specifications for, 637. 
Flett, Andrew, meteorological observations, 165. 
Floor surface in 57 rooms of building 66,252 
square feet, 721. 
Fliigel, J. G., additional compensation to, for 
valuable services, 81. 
compensation of, to be $300 a year, 90. 
Foltz, J. M., made trustee of Toner lectures, 408. 
Force, Peter, commending Shea’s Indian lin- 
guistics, 190. 
Foreign correspondents, list of, 81. 
Foreman, Edward, appointed general assist- 
ant, 67, 68. 
appointed in charge of meteorological depart- 
ment, 474. 
arranged and indexed letters of S. I., 479. 
lecture by, 478. 
part of salary paid by Secretary of Navy, 474. 
statistics of meteorology presented by, 79. 
Forest trees, report on, 108. 
Fortifications of United States, 266, 273. 
Fossil fish of North America, Agassiz and Red- 
field’s proposed work on, 467. 
Fossil jaw, account of, by John Evans, 249. 
Fossils from Vienna presented, 230. 
from Sir W. E. Logan, 162. 
Rent to British museum, and returns promis- 
ed, 261. 
Foster, L. F.8., attendance as Regent, 242, 243,. 
246, 302. 
resolution by, to allow De Beust $500 for loss 
of tools by the fire, 302. i 
Foundations of building, specifications, 632, 679. 
Fowler, Prof., letters from, relative to selection 
of material, 5, 6. 
Fox, Henry S., library of, offered for sale, 43. 
collection of objects of natural history of,. 
offered for sale, 51. 
offer of minerals of, 468. 
Fraber, Charles, letter from, soliciting appoint- 
ment, 24. 
Hvaniing privilege should be granted toS. IL, 
8 


secured on exchanges, 389. 
Franklin Institute, Espy’s lectures at, 159. 
rane, Sir John, Kane’s expedition in search 
of, 88. 
Frazer, John F., memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Free freights.—See Freights, 
Freestone quarries of Aquia creek, report on,. 
589. 
upper Potomac, report on, 589. 
Seneca creek, report on, 589. 
Bull run, report on, 590. 
Free railroad ticket for architect not obtained, 
669, 688. 
Freight, expenditures for, 481, 490, 491, 493, 494. 
free, by Anchor line to Italy, 355. 
free, by Cunard line to England, 161. 
free, by Hamburg-American Co., 184. 
free, by North German Lloyd between the 
United States and Germany, 151. 
free, facilities granted by various steamboat 
and railroad lines, 320. 
free, thanks of Board to companies for, 165, 
320, 355. 


INDEX. 


®relinghuysen, Theodore, letter from, solicit- 
ing appointment of R. R. Gurley, 24. 

French colonies in North America, researches 
on by Pierre Margry, 58. 

French, Benjamin B., appointed assistant sec- 
retary and recording clerlk, 3. 

letter from, on performance of duty as assist- 
ant secretary, 10. 

letter from, presented, 15. 

letter from, relative to books received, 21. 

offer of service to purchase books, 18. 

offer to lay corner-stone with Masonic cere- 
monies, 674. 

ordered to act as assistant secretary until 
secretary-elect appears, 12. 

vs. Rogers, telegraph suit, 146, 

Frost, action of, on building stone, 600. 

Fund, account of 8. [., 42, 482, 484, 485, 488, 492, 
494, 495, 497, 499, 500, 503, 607, 510, 513, 515, 
518, 521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 541, 545, 548, 
551, 555, 656, 559, 565, 572, 578. 

act of Congress relative to increase of, 305. 

addition of $150,000 to, 63. 

addition to, by residuary legacy, 245. 

committee appointed by House of Represen- 
tatives to tag pire into expediency of in- 
vesting, in safe stocks, 93. 

committee to devise system of keeping and 
disbursing, 63. 

encumbered with restrictions, 495. 

Executive Committee to invest $5,000, 163. 

memorial to Congress to increase, 71, 93, 98, 
300. 

report of special committee relative to dis- 
tribution of, 101. 

report on state of, 42. 

resolution to ask Congress to receive sums to 
add to, 248. 

statement of receipts and expenditures of 

the Smithsonian, 724, 730. 
to be deposited with Corcoran & Riggs, 66. 
funeral expenses of John Connor ordered to 

be paid by Board, 241. 

of W. McPeak ordered to be paid by Board, 
193. 

Fur COMPANY, American, thanks to gentlemen 
of, 72. 

Furnaces to heat the building unsatisfactory, 
TOL. 

Furniture, expenditures for, 481, 490, 493, 494, 
496, 498, 503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 524, 
527, 530, 533, 538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 560, 
567, 574, 582, 724. 

for apparatus room, specifications, 658. 
for doors, specifications, 658. 

for Jecture room, specifications, 655. 

for library, specifications, 658. 

for museum, specifications, 658. 

for Regents’ room, specifications, 692, 695. 
proposals for, 622. 


eos 


Gale, L. D., lectures by, 478. 
letter of, relative to early form of Morse tele- 
graph, 145. 
letter of, relative to interest in Morse’s patent, 
146 


services of, to Mr. Morse, 140. 
testimony of, in Morse case, 142. 
Gallatin, Albert, elected honorary member, 475. 
illness and death prevented his acceptance 
of honorary membership, 475. 

Gallery of Art, expenditures for, 491, 493, 498, 
504, 508, 511, 514, 517, 519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 
534, 549, 724. 

to be extended, 30. 
to contain models of architecture, 59. 

Garcia, Manuel, on exchanges with Spain, 186. 

Gardner, D. P., letter and printed papers from, 
on crops, 1). 

Garfield, James A., appointed Regent, 242, 316, 
351 


Ji. 
attendance as Regent, 242, 243, 245, 300, 302, 
52 


817 


304, 316, 317, 320, 343, 352, 354, 355, 385, 387, 
338, 391, 416. 
appointed on committee on deposit of in- 
come and system of accounts, 302. 
appointed on committee to ask for appropria- 
tion for museum, 320. 
appointed on committee to memorialize Con- 
gress to increase fund, 301. 
appointed on committee to transfer the 
library, 245. 
movion, co-operation with Corcoran Art Gal- 
ery, 388. 
motion in regard to the canal, 321, 
motion to apply to Treasury Department for 
gold interest, 243. 
motion on State stocks, 246. 
motion to aceept report of Building Commit- 
tee, 301. 
motion relative to death of W. W. Seaton, 302. 
motion to print Agassiz’s report, 317. 
motion to ask Congress for appropriation for 
care of museum and fitting up hall, 320. 
motion on use of great hall, 320. 
motion to ask Congress to increase appro- 
priation for care of collections to $10,000, 
330. 
motion to have statement prepared of ex- 
penses of museum, 353. 
motion to apply to Congress for appropriation 
of $10,000 for care of Government collec- 
tions, 354. 
motion requesting Prof. Henry to give full 
account of his visit to Europe, 355. 
motion, thanks for free freight, 355. 
motion to appoint a permanent assistant as 
chief clerk, at a salary of $175, 356. 
motion relative to death of Garret Davis, 287. 
motion to ask Congress to purchase Catlin’s 
Indian collection, 390. 
motion to publish account of Bache, Toner, 
and Tyndall trusts, 393. 
me to elect Justice Clifford, Chancellor, 
16. 
motion to deposit income with Secretary of 
Treasury, 419. 
remarks on transfer of library, 243. 
remarks on policy of 8. I. relative to museum, 
303. 
remarks on museum hall, 320. 
remarks on bill for endowment of agricultu- 
ral colleges, and hope that 8S. I. would have 
benefit, 390. 
remarks on death of Chief Justice Chase, 416. 
remarks on death of Prof. Agassiz, 418. 
report on deposit of income and system of 
accounts, 306. 
Garrigues, Mr., appropriation to, of $500 for 
books 469. 
Gartrell, L. J., appointed Regent, 133. 
attendance as Kegent, 136, 151, 161. 
reappointed Regent, 161. 
Gaston, H. H., requesting aid in introducing 
new steam engine, 167. 

Gauss, Prof., telegraph of, 145. 

Gazetteer of North America, proposed by John 
Disturnell, 51. 

Gelpcke, Keutgen, and Reichelt, agents of 
North German Lloyd, 152. 

General assistant appointed, 68. 

Geographic and Scientifie commission, pro- 
posed by J. A. Johnson, 132. 

Geographical and Commercial Gazette, com- 
munication relative to, 119. 

Geography, promotion of, by S05 107. 

Geological hall, 564. 

Geologist, expenditures for, 481. 
report of, on building material, 589. 

Geology, communication on, 38. 
of Costa Rica, 334. 
promotion of, by 8. I., 107. 

Georgia State stock, 247, 306, 510, 513, 516, 518, 

521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 540, 542, 557, 580. 

Gerard, F., proposal for building, 623. 

Gerling, method of observations. by, 44. 


818 


Germany, free freights on packages to and 
from, 152. 

Gibbs, George, commending Shea’s Indian lin- 
guisties, 190. 

Chinook vocabulary, 208. 

Klallam and Lummi vocabularies, 208. 

Nisqually dictionary, 208. 

on Indian philology, 201. 

on Indian vocabularies, 254. 

on existence of Indian tribes speaking Welsh, 
250; 

report on paper submitted to, 475. 

Gilliss, Lieut., letter from relative to expedi- 

tion for observation on solar parallax, 44. 

apparatus loaned to, 467, 483. 

asks for instruments, 477. 

expedition to observe eclipse, appropriation 
for, 162. 

letter from, read, 57. 

Secretary to supply instruments to, 58. 

thanks to companies for facilities afforded 
to, 152. 

thanks to companies for liberality to, 152. 

Gilliss, J. M., payment by, 500. 

Gilpin, Miss, petition from, relative to estab- 
lishment of normal school for female teach- 
ers, 81. 

Girard College, illustration of, 670, 672, 689, 695. 

Given, W. F., account of electric phenomenon, 
250. . 

Gladiator, statue of, lost in fire, 238. 

Glass jars, expenditures for, 498, 504, 508, 511, 
514, 517. 

Glossbrenner, Adam J., records made by, 10. 

Glover, John B., letter from, offering marble, 
31, 603. 

Goff, John, statue of Dying Gladiator lost in 
fire, 238. 

Gold, decision of Treasurer to pay interest in, 
534. 

interest should be paid in, 234. 
purchase of, 531. 
premium on, 245, 305, 524, 533, 534, 535, 537, 
542, 545, 548, 551, 556, 560, 573, 578, 579, 724. 
Goodwin, Josiah, on exchanges, 325. 
Gorman, Peter, claim of, 468, 471. 
prices for stone, 31. 

Gotteri, Frederick, communication from rel- 
ative to silk culture, 123. 

Gould, B. A., list of scientific papers of Prof. A. 
D. Bache, 376. 

on discussion of Piazzi’s observations, 221. 

Gould, John, thanks for humming-birds, 333. 

Government, services of S. I. to, 323. 

Governor of District to be Regent, 357, 384. 

Governors of the District of Columbia, list of 
those who have been Regents, 749. 

Grace Church, N. Y., illustration of, 669, 672, 
678, 693, 697. 

Grammars, Shea’s Indian, 191. 

Granite quarries of Maryland, report on, 589. 

Granite of Baltimore county, Md., report on, 
604, 

Granite, proposals for, 615, 622. 

Grant, Mr., appointed on committee of British 
Association to prepare catalogue of me- 
moirs, 123. 

Grant, U.8., attendance at Establishment, 773. 

Gray, Asa, elected Regent, 419. 

attendance as Regent, 426, 428, 430, 434. 
appointed on committee to report on mu- 
seum, 429. 
appointed on committee on connection of 8. 
I. and National Museum, 436. 
biographical notice of W. H. Harvey by, 339. 
letter from, transmitting thanks of American 
Academy, 124. 
motion by, to appoint committee on connec- 
tion of 8S. I. and National Museum, 436. 
report of special committee on the museum, 
430. 
Gray, J. E., identification of bat by, 210. 
grant by, 231. 
Great Britain, President of the United States 


INDEX. 


to enter into correspondence with Govern- 
mett of, on uniform coinage, 98. 
Greece, ornamental album of works of art in, 
presented by Miss Contaxaki, 134. 
Greek language and literature, 175. 
Greek slave, Power’s statue of, exhibition of,. 
43. 
arrangements for exhibiting, 695. 
statue of, offered to 8. I., 459. 
Green, Jas., meteorological instruments con- 
structed by, 473, 476. 
Grigg, John, memorial by, on Lowe’s plan to 
cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Griscom & Burrough, letter of, 615. 
Grounds, appropriations for, 13, 482, 490, 493, 494,. 
503, 507, 510, 706, 712, 724, 735. 
Building Committee authorized to contract. 
for laying out, 29. 
death of Mr. Downing, superintendent of, 85.. 
Mr. Downing’s plan for improvement of, 74. 
of the 8. L, nineteen acres set apart for, 706. 
plat of, 671, 675. 
Grout, L., use of the standard alphabet by, 168. 
Guadaloupe, D. V., on Mexican exchanges, 186. 
Guatemalan Minister, letter from, commending 
Dr. Berendt, 256, 257. 
Guild, R. A., biographical notice of C. C. Jewett,. 
336. 
Guillemard, J., letter from, concerning James 
Smithson, 53. 
Gurley, Mrs. E. M., letter from, soliciting ap-- 
pointment for husband, 23. 
Gurley, R. R., appointment as librarian solicit- 
ed, 23, 24. 
appointment of, reeommended by T. Freling-- 
huysen, 24. 
letter from, recommending purchase of 
Catlin’s gallery, 34. 
Guthrie, James, attendance at Establishment, 
VIZ, C13. 
Guyot, Prof., distribution of meteorological 
instruments by, 476. 
on Dr. Engelmann’s letter on heights of 
mountains, 196. 
as 


Hagedorn, C. F., letter from, in relation to sale 
of library, 24, 32. 
Hagen, H., letter on Neuroptera, 186. 
Haidinger, W., presents fossils, 230. 
on gold medal to Dr. Von Martius, 232. 
on meteorites, 232. ; 
Haldeman, 8. S., memorial by, on Lowe’s plam 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. ; 
recommending appropriation to S. F. Baird, 
463. 
Hale, Chas., map of river Nile from, 251. 
Hall, C. F., Arctic expedition, repayment, 557. 
Hall, Harrison, letter from, relative to pur- 
chase of books, 56. 
Hall, James, letter from, giving account of 
experiments of Prof. Henry ut Albany, 148. 
proposal for building stone, 615. 
Hall, James C., appointed trustee of Corcoran 
Art Gallery, 402. 
Hall, John H., engravings by, 693. P 
Hall of second story assigned to collections, 
320. 
fitting up, for collections, 557, 558, 563, 564, 569,. 
576, 584. 
Halliwell, J. O., collection of MSS. bills, invento- 
ries, &c., presented by, 90 ’ 
ae completing and fitting up, appropriations 
or, 736. 

Hamburg-American Steamship Co., free freight 
by, 184, 320. 

Hamburg, sparrows from, 329, 330. 

Hamburg Zoological Gardens, exchanges with,,. 
2.31, 326. 

Hamilton College, letter from, relative to test. 
of telescope, by S. I., 123. 

on exchange of specimens, 187. 

Hamilton, James, bequest of $1,000 to S. I., 392,. 

418, 423, 424, 427, 572, 573, 578, 579, 724. 


INDEX. 819 


Hamilton, William, memorial by, on Lowe’s 
plan to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Hamlin, Hannibal, became ex-ofjicio member of 
Board, 172. 
appointed Regent, 351. 
attendance as Regent, 172, 173, 192, 218, 219, 
233, 234, 235, 351, 352, 355, 357, 384, 385, 387, 
388, 391, 416, 419, 423, 428, 430, 434. 
appointed on committee on death of Chase 
and Agassiz, 416. 
franking privilege secured by, 389. 
motion by, to elect W.T. Sherman on Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 357. 
motion by, to accept report of Executive 
Committee, 385. 
motion by, to have seal affixed to Virginia 
bonds, 886. 
motion by, to refer statements of accounts to 
Executive Committee, 387. 
motion by, of thanks for free telegrams of as- 
tronomical discoveries, 389. 
motion by, accepting report of Executive 
Committee on claim for portrait of Wash- 
ington, 389. 
motion by, to co-operate with Corcoran Art 
Gallery, 391. 
motion by, on death of S. P. Chase and L. 
Agassiz, 416. 
motion by, of thanks to G. W. Riggs for ad- 
vances after suspension of First National 
Bank, 423. 
motion by, to accept bequest of James Hamil- 
ton, 424. 
motion by, to deposit works of art in Cor- 
coran Art Gallery, 425. 
motion by, to receive aid from societies and 
individuals in defraying expense of ex- 
changes, 426. 
motion by, to adopt report of Executive 
Committee, 430. . 
motion by, to accept and transmit report of 
Secretary, 436. 
pronenes to ask Congress to make Governor 
of District a Regent, 357. 
remarks by, on death of W. P. Fessenden, 
352. 
remarks by, on death of S. P. Chase, 420. 
report of resolutions on death of 8. P. Chase, 
420, 
report of resolutions on death of L. Agassiz, 
421. 
resolution by, on resignation of W. J. Rhees 
as chief clerk, 353. 
suggested action regarding Mr. Badger, who 
was in rebellion, 193. 
Hammond, J. H., communication from, relative 
to copies of works of art, 152. 
Haptedton, Count, library of, for sale, 24. 
Harbors, account of improvement of, by J. G. 
Totten, 283. 
Harding, George, memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Hardisty, Wm. L., account of Indian tribes, 262. 
Hare, Robert, attendance at meeting of Board, 
52. 
apparatus presented by, 53, 463, 467, 473, 478, 
483, 773. 
attendance at Establishment, 772. 
catalogue of apparatus of, to be prepared, 54. 
communication of, on weights and measures, 
132, 135. 
elected Honorary Member, 475, 771. 
loss of apparatus of, by fire, 237. 
set of Annales de Chimie purchased from, 464. 
thanks of Board to, for gift of apparatus, 51. 
work on chemistry by, presented, 53. 
death of, announced, 139. 
purchase of portrait of, 549. 
Harmon, Mr., proposition of, for encouragement 
of architecture, 56, 57. : 
asked to substitute view of another building, 
62. 
report on plan of, 59, 61. 
scheme of, referred to Secretary, 58. 


Harmon, Mr.—Continued. 
to execute elevation of S. I., 61. 

Harris & Morgan, thanks to, for free freight, 123. 

Harrison, W. H., memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 

Harvard College, Prof. Felton’s services to, 178. 

Harvey, Wm. Henry, biographical notice of, by 
Asa Gray, 339. 

Hastings, quarry at, visited by Building Com- 
mittee, 6. 

Haviland, John, premium to, for building plans, 
21 


explanation of plans, 23. 

letter trom, respecting plans, 24. 

memorial of, against inequality of premiums 
to architects, 31. 

to be engaged if he can erect building for 
$100,000, 25. 

Hawkins, B. Waterhouse, employed to prepare 
illustrations of extinct animals to decorate 
walls, 357. 

Hawley, Gideon, drew two years’ term as Re- 
gent, 2. 

appointed on committee to prepare report on 
subject of formation of library, 3. 

attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 5, 40, 41, 68, 69, 
99, 100, 101, 112, 114, 116, 117. 

declines re-election as Regent, 166. 

letter from,on purchase of United States 
stock, 442. ; 

motion by, to insert reports in Journal, 41. 

re-elected Regent, 50, 114. 

Hayden, Dr., type set of fossils sent to British 
Museum, 260. 

Hayes, IJ. I., instruments furnished to, 163. 

manuscripts of expedition of, presented, 184. 

Hayes, Rutherford B., attendance at Establish- 
lishment, 774. 

Hazelton, G. W., appointed Regent, 420. 

attendance as Regent, 423, 426, 430. 
motion by, accepting report of Secretary, 425. 

Heating apparatus, Congress asked for appro- 
priation for, 432. 

Heating, expenditures for, 490,493, 494, 496, 498, 
503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 530, 
533, 538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 560, 567, 574, 
582, 724. 

Hedge, contract with J. Douglas for, 697, 701. 

Hehitzopoulos, exchanges with Greece, 332. 

Heldreich, T. De, exchanges with Greece, 332. 

Henry, Prof. Joseph, elected Secretary, 12. 

account of visit to Europe, 355. 
account of scientific researches of, 140. 
appointed on committee on transfer of 
library, 248, 245. 
appoanted on committee on use of hall of 8. 
., B04. 
appointed on committee on death of Chase 
and Agassiz, 416. 
assistance of, to architect, 710. 
communication by, relative to charges of 
Prof. Morse, 139. 
entered on duties of Secretary, 18. 
eulogy by, on J. G. Totten, 240, 264, 
eulogy on A. D. Bache by, 358. 
examination of, by the English Government 
Scientific Commission, 775. 
account of objects of 8. L., 775. 
agricultural colleges, 785, 794. 
control by Congress over the 8S. I., 799. 
Government surveys, 784. 
overnment of the 8. L., '779. 
‘ational Academy of Sciences, 794. 
public instruction, 786. 
results of investigations, 791. 
scientific schools iu United States, 786. 
staff for working the S. L., 779. 
system of exchanges, 782. 
unverified speculations rejected, 790. 
whole direction in hands of Secretary, 789. 
nome and carriage used by S. I. purchased 
y, 385. 
induced to accept office of Secretary of S. IL. 
by persuasion of A. D. Bache, 370. 


820 


Henry, Prof. Joseph—Continued. 

leave of absence granted to, for six months, 
to visit Europe, and $2,000 for expenses, 
352. 

lectures by, 478. 

letter from, accepting position as Secretary, 
17. 

letter to Treasury Department on coin in- 
terest, 244. 

loss of, at fire, $1,500, 238. 

made chairman of Bache, Toner, and Tyn- 
dall trusts, 393. 

made trustee of Bache fund, 400. 

made trustee of Toner lectures, 408. 

made trustee of Tyndall fund, 412. 

memorial of, to Congress, 71. 

memorial to Congress for appropriation for 
museum, 323. 

memorial to Congress .on increase of the 
fund, 302. 

obtained no patent for his inventions, 140. 

on movement of strata of the earth, 334 

presented eulogy on Bache, 351. 

remarks by, on A. D. Bache, 304. 

remarks by, on death of J. H. Coffin, 392. 

remarks by, on intended visit to Europe, 354. 

remarks by, on policy of S. I. in regard to 
collections, 399. 

remarks by, relative to services of Mr. Rhees 
as chief clerk, 352. : 

reply to communication of Mr. Lowe on 
geronautics, 171. 

report by, on fire-proofing building, 66. 

report of Building Committee, 707, 708, 710, 
711, 712, 716. 


report on deposit of income and system of 


accounts, 306. 

report of, on the fire, 239, 

resolution of Board of confidence in integ- 
rity of, and value of his great discoveries, 
150. 

sketch of life and services of W. W. Seaton 
by, 308. 

telescope of Hamilton College referred to, 124. 

transmits reportof Prof. Powell’s survey, 393. 

views of, on support of museum by Govern- 
ment, 220. 

Herbarium from Tennessee, 211. 
bequeathed to S. I. not accepted, 219. 


Herschel, Sir John, report on continuance of 


magnetic observations, 153. 
Hill, A. J., letter from, on map of earth-works, 
185. 
Hill, B. H., appointed Regent, 433. 
attendance as Regent, 433, 434. 
Hill, Charles H., letter from, calling attention 
to quality of marble, 27. 
Hill, Dr., collections by, 398. 
Hill, John H., services in Greece, 137. 
Hilliard, George S., deposition of Prof. Henry 
taken before, 143. 
Hilliard, Henry W., appointed Regent, 55. 
appointed on committee to digest plan to 
carry out provisions of act to establish §. L., 


appointed on Library Committee, 14. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 5, 20, 34, 40, 42, 
44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 62, 64, 68, 
69, 70. 
motion by,on Harmon’s architecture, 58. 
letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 444, 
presented letter from Eli French, 18. 
presented letter from Mr. Le Brun, 18. 
presented Jetter of John Notman, 22. 
presented letter from Wm. C. Preston, 33. 
presented letter from Mr. Squier, 54, 
resolutions relative to librarian, 27. 
resolution for appointment of Executive 
Committee, 33. 
report by, on fire-proofing building, 66. 
report of Building Committee, 698, 701, 703. 
to move for printing additional copies of re- 
port, 45. 


INDEX. 


Hincks, Wm., on exchange of specimens with 
Toronto University, 169, 261. 

Hints on Public Architecture, publication of, 
32, 482, 596, 602. 

contract to publish, 668. 

Historical Society of New York, appropriation 

by, for exploration of mounds, 476. 
recommends John Romeyn Brodhead as Sece- 
retary of S. L., 15. 

History of Chester county, Pennsylvania, by 
Dr. Darlington, 197. 

History of French colonies in North America, 
58. 

History of public education by Packard, 223. 

Hitchcock, E., geological exploration by, 473. 

lectures by, 473. 

Hitman, D. C., offers specimens of marble for 
use in building, 31. : 

Hoagley, David, thanks to, for free freight, 123. 

Hoar, E. R., appointed Regent, 420. 

attendance as Regent, 423, 426, 428, 430. 
motion to approve of examination by Execu- 
tive Committee of museum vouchers, 426. 
motion to elect Chief Justice Waite Chancel- 

or, 426. 

Hodgins, J. G., account of meteorological sys- 
tem of Canada, 259. 

Holbrook, Josiah, memorial for publication of 
tracts in agricultural geology and chemis- 
try, 81. 

Holton, David P., communications from, read, 
168. 

Honduras, exploration of, by Dr. Berendt, 256, 
258. 

Honolulu, on mollusea of, 189. 

Honorary members of S. I. elected, 475, 771, 772, 
774. 

to be invited to attend meetings of the Board, 


Hopkins, E. M,, aid rendered by, 232. 
Hornes, Dr., fossils from, 230. 
Horse and carriage used by 8. I. purchased by 
Prof. Henry, 385. 
Horticultural Society, Royal, on exchanges, 188. 
Hough, Wm. J., appointed Secretary of Board 
of Regents, 1. 
appointed on committee on amending law, 15. 
appointed on committee on site, 17, 20. 
appointed on committee on claims of John 
Notman and I. Rogers, 33. 
appointed on Executive Committee, 33. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 5, 16, 20, 34, 40, 
41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47. 
building contract, 630. 
elected Secretary, 2. 
examination of building material by, 5, 6. 
letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 443. 
motion by, to refer claim of C. Buckingham, 
40 


motion by, on Mr. Archer’s claim, 41. 

motion by, to make appropriations, 43. 

motion by, to suggest Mr. Owen to Congress 
as Regent, 45. 

presented letters relative to applications for 
office of Secretary, 5. 

presented letter from James R. Bartlett, 18. 

presented letter from Daniel Lee, 20. 

presented letter from Ward B. Howard, 34. 

presented request from Henry R. School- 
erart38. 1. 

proposed amendment to resolution of or- 
ganization, 25. 

report by, on buildings, 7. 

report of committee to wait on President, 16, 
18, 19. 

report on claims of J. Notman and I. Rogers, 
35 


report of committee on site, 37. 

report on specifications of architect, 611. 

resolution of amendment, 13. 

resolutions by, relative to Catlin’s Indian 
gallery, 38, 39. 


INDEX. 


Hough, Wm. J.—Continued. 
resolution by, relative to vacancy caused by 
Mr. Rush’s absence, 44. 
thanks to, as Secretary, 15. 
visited quarries, 6. 
House of Representatives, certificate of clerk 
of, as to Regents, to be recorded, 3. 
communication from, relative to investiga- 
tion ordered by, 118. 
directed Committee on Public Buildings to 
inquire into fire, 235. 
memorial relative to funding $150,000 pre- 
sented to, 98. 
memorial of Regents asking appropriations, 
printed and referred to committee, 322. 
notice from, of appointment of Regent, 433. 
passage of bill by, relative to fund, 303. 
Howard, Charles, letter of, 598, 603. 
Howard, Ward B., letter from, offering to fur- 
nish granite, 34. 
Hubbard, J. S., on investigation relative to 
Biela’s comet, 196. 
letter from, on exchanges, 188. 
on asteroids, 467. 
Birdsons Bay Company, co-operation of agents 
of, 135. 
aid rendered to R. Kennicott by, 232. 
services of, 165. 
Hudson’s Bay Territory, Governor of, offers to 
eollect information, 162. 
account of Indian tribes in, 262. 
Humming-birds, thanks of John Gould for, 333. 
Hungarian National Museum, acknowledg- 
ment from, for birds, 229. 
Huxley, Thomas H., examination of Prof. 
Henry by, 789. 
Hyde, Anthony, appointed trustee of Corcoran 
Art Gallery, 402. 


see 


Ice, sudden disappearance of, in lakes account- 
ed for, 295. 

Ice-house, cistern to be converted into, 130, 712. 

Illinois State Board of Education, resolution of, 
relative to simultaneous meteorological 
observations, 126. 

Illustrations, wood-cuts for, lost in fire, 238. 

Incidentals, expenditures for, 481, 482, 490, 491, 
493, 494, 496, 498, 503, 508, 510, 513, 516, 517, 
519, 521, 525, 527, 531, 534, 538, 542, 556, 560, 
567, 574, 582, 724. 

Income, resolution requiring equal division of, 
repealed, 112. 

equal distribution of, not recommended by 
committee, 100. 
new division of, proposed by Secretary, 91. 

Increase of knowledge, means provided for, 106. 

Indian dictionaries, 191, 208, 209. i 

Indian Gallery, Catlin’s, communication in re- 
gard to, presented, 17. - 

Board ask Congress to purchase, 389, 390. 

Indian Gallery, John M. Stanley’s, 83, 119, 134. 

report relative to purchase of, 138. 

Indian language similar to the Welsh, 253. 

Indian linguistics, Shea's library of, 190, 206. 

Indian tribes, D. Peirce’s plan for educating, 
58. 

in Hudson’s Bay Territory, account of, 262. 
memoir on, by Gibbs, 206. 

Indian vocabularies, Shea’s, 190, 206. 
Gibbs on, 202, 254. 

Indiana State stock, 128, 129, 247, 306, 510, 513, 
516, 518, 521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 540, 542, 
580. 

meee steamers, thanks to, for free freights, 
320. 

Inscription on corner-stone of Smithsonian 
building, 677. ’ 

Insects deposited with Department of Agri- 
culture, 425. 

Institution, account of operations of, 107. 

party to a suit, 85. 


821 


Instruments for meteorological observations, 
appropriation for purchase of, 43. 
for California Academy, 95. 
loss of, by fire, 238. 
to be furnished to Lieut. Gilliss, 58. 
Insurance ordered on east wing and range, 351. 
of $10,000 effected on east wing and range of 
building at 6624, 355. 
Interest, decision of Solicitor of Treasury rela- 
tive to gold, 534. 
at 5 percent. offered by Corcoran & Riggs, 91. 
disposition of, 76. 
in coin, question to be submitted to Con- 
gress, 236. 
on Smithson fund should be paid in coin, 234, 
on fund paid in coin, 243, 244, 245. 
on State and city bonds. 724. 
paid on overdraft, 546. 
Pee to invest in United States stock, 
39. 
$150,000 of, to be funded, 71. 
$250,000 received in treasury notes, 448. 
Interest account, 481, 482, 484, 485, 488, 492, 494, 
495, 496, 497, 500, 503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 618, 
521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 541, 545, 548, 551, 
555, 559, 560, 565, 566, 567, 572, 578, 579, 724. 
of United States with Smithson fund, 734. 
Interior, Secretary of the, disbursements by, for 
National Museum, 426, 514, 517, 520, 522, 528, 
531, 535, 539, 543, 545, 547, 548, 552, 557, 558, 
564, 569, 577, 585. 
offers to receive minerals by mail, 389. 
International exchanges, account of, 317. 
Exhibition, appropriation for, 738. 
Geographie and Scientific Commission, com- 
munication relative to, referred to Execu- 
tive Committee and Secretary, 132. 
Inventions, Institution would accept account 
of, on usual conditions, 167. 
Investigation of Institution by Committee of 
House of Representatives, 119. : 
Investigations, scientific, expenditures for, 491, 
493, 495, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 528. 
Investment account by United States of Smith- 
son fund, 733. 
Committee of Finance appointed to make, 
120. 
in State stocks, account of, 129, 247. 
in treasury notes, 484, 485. 
in United States stocks ordered, 236. 
of accrued interest, 440. 
of $5,000 of extra fund, 163. 
of surplus fund referred to Executive Com- 
mittee, 89. 
Trisarri, A. T., commending Dr. Berendt, 256, 
257. 
Tron work, specifications for, 637. 
Irving, Washington, elected Honorary Mem- 
ber, 475, 771. 
attendance at meetings of Regents, 86, 87, 88, 
89. 
eulogy on, by C. C. Felton, 158. 
ete presentof bust of Thorwaldsen in 
bronze, and books, 464. 
thanks to, for donation, 52. 
Irwin, B. J. D., on areolites, 251. 
on the great meteorite, 226. — 
Italy, free freight by Anchor line to, 355. 


Wie 


Janitor, 498, 504, 508, 510, 513, 516, 538, 546, 549. 
death of Wm. McPeak, and funeral expenses 
of, paid, 193. 
salary of, fixed, 108. 
Jay, John, recommends J. R. Brodhead, 15. 
Jewett, Mr., visited by Building Committee, 6, 
Jewett, Charles C., nominated as assistant see- 
retary, 27. 
allowance to, in lieu of residence, 83. 
arranged letters, 479. 
arrangement of accounts by, 487. 
asks for compensation, 461. 


822 


Jewett, Charles C.—Continued. 
biographical notice of, 336. 
did not design to ask action of Regents on 
memorial, 117. 
duties of, to commence March 19, 1849, 46. 
engaged in distribution of copies of Smith- 
sonian Contributions to Knowledge, 465. 
entered fully on duties as librarian, 474. 
estimate of value of books received by ex- 
change, 109. 
letter from, accepting appointment as assist- 
ant secretary, 34. 
letter from, on formation of library, 46. 
plan by, for stereotyping catalogue, 68. 
plan for library, 462. ° 
plan of, for remedying evils of copyright sys- 
tem, 81. 
removed by Secretary, 117. 
report on library, 57. 
report from, on subject of copyright, 60. 
report of, on library, read, 72. 
withdrawal of memorial by, 117. 
Johns, Bishop John, library of, sent by War 
Department to S. L., 194. 
loss of library of, in fire, 288. 
Joiunson, J. A., on an International Geographic 
and Scientific Commission, 132. 
Johnson, Reverdy, presented letter enclosing 
memorial of R. Cary Long, 24. 
Johnson, Walter R., letter from, 15. 
Jones, Alexander, asks to be appointed agent 
of Institution, 11. 
Jones, Zeph., proposals for building, 616. 
Journal of the Building Committee, 597. 
of the Executive Committee, September 12, 
1846, to December 21, 1849, 437. 
of Proceedings of the Board of Regents, 1. 
of Proceedings of the Establishment, 771. 


cae 


Kaiserliche-Kénigliche Geologische, Reichs- 
Anstalt, fossils sent by, 230. 
Kane, E. K., instruments granted to, 88. 
Kane, J. K., commission on Owens’ work, 697. 
Kellogg, Miner K., resolutions relative to Greek 
Slave forwarded to, 43. 
exhibition of Powers’ statue of the Greek 
Slave, 459. 
Kemble, Governeur, commission on Owens’ 
work, 697. 
Kendall, Amos, letter from, presented to Board, 
152. 
Kennedy, Jas. C., appointed trustee of Corcoran 
Art Gallery, 402. . 
Kennicott, Robert, appointed by Illinois State 
Board of Education to co-operate with 5S. L., 
127. 
aid furnished to, by Hudson’s Bay Company, 
165. 
aid rendered to, 232. 
resolution on death of, 307. 
Key, D. M., attendance at Establishment, 774. 
King, C., Indian portraits lost in fire, 238. 
Kingman, E., proposal for brick, 617. 
Knight, George H., letter from, in favor of 8 as 
the metrical number, 324. 
Knowledge, Contributions to, to be published, 
25. 
how it ean be increased and diffused, 104. 
Koeppens, Prof., lectures by, 471. 
Korner, Henry, disclosures in science by, 424. 
Kubinyi, A., thanks to, for birds, 229. 
Kunhardt & Co., letter from, granting free 
freight, 184. 


ee 


Labels for minerals, how to be printed, 187. 
C. A. Shepard on, 187. 

Laboratory, expenditures for, 503, 507, 510, 513, 
516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 531, 534, 538, 543, 560, 
568, 574, 582, 724. 


INDEX. 


Laboratory—Continued. 
of Natural History, construction of, 583, 584. 
plans of, by D. D. Owen, 678. 

Laborers, expenditures for, 108, 498, 504, 508, 
a 519, 521, 527, 531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 

Laboulaye, Prof., acknowledgment of, for edu- 
eational books, 332. 

Lambdin, J. R., letter from, recommending 
easts of Elgin marbles, 98. 

communication from, relative to copies of 
works of art, 152. 

Land, approach of sea upon, 333. 

Land Office, transfer of minerals from, 563. 

Lands, public, proceeds of sales of, to be given 
to agricultural colleges, 392. 

Languages, paper on, report on, 475. 

affinity of, paper presented on, 467. 

Lapham, I. A., memoir by, on mounds of Wis- 
consin, presented, 90. 

Laplanders, account of, 229. 

Latrobe, B. H., letter from, 602. 

Lawrence, Abbott, thanks of Board to, for at- 
tention to interests of Institution, 63. 

cyclopedia belonging to Smithson purchased 
through, 63. 

note from, concerning portrait of Smithson, 
56. 

Lea, Isaac, memorial by, on Lowe’s plan to 
cross the Atlantic, 167. 

LeBoulanger, Father, Illinois dictionary, 208. 

LeBrun, Mr., letter from,in regard to compe- 
tition for plans, 18. 

Lecture rooms to be arranged, 30. 

Lecture room, larger, proposed by Secretary, 80. 

additions to, 472. 

application tor, by C. W. Dennison, 88. 

changes in, 699. 

drawings for, 94. - 

specifiations for, 654, 655. 

superior qualities of, 709. 

to be in second story of main building, 708. 

use of, granted to United States Agricultural 
Society, 97. 

use of, granted, 520. 

Lectures, expenditures for, 482, 490, 493, 495, 
496, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516, 519, 521, 525, 
528, 531, 553, 556, 560, 568, 574, 582, 724. 

account of, 72. 

by E. Hitchcock, 473. 

by Prof. Koeppens, 471. 

for college pupils, 479. 

of Institution delivered in Carusi’s saloon, 

71. 

of Prof. Henry at Princeton, 482, 488. 

of Prof. Tyndall in United States, 411. 

opinion of Board that fewer should be given, 
and twelve would be enough, 163. 

to be delivered in all the States, 14. 

to be included in plan, 14, 26. 

Toner, deed establishing, 408. 

Lecturers, expenditures for, 43, 53, 491, 493, 495, 
496, 498, 504, 508, 511. 

invited by S. I., 478. 

Lee, Daniel, applied for appointment as pro- 
fessor of agricultural chemistry, 21. 

Lefevre’s Montagnais vocabulary, 191. 

Lefroy, Captain, letter from, relative to discon- 
tinuance of Toronto magnetic observatory, 


89. 

Lefroy, Colonel, observations taken for, 165. 

Lefroy, Licut., asking Institution to procure 
magnetic apparatus, 474. 

Legacies, Congress asked for authority to re- 
ceive, 125. 

Legaré, Hugh S., letter relative to purchase of 
library of, 5. 

Legaré, Miss, letter from, relative to purchase 

of library of her brother, 5. 

Leggett, M. D., attendance at Establishment, 
774. 

Leidy, Joseph, letter from, on donation of 
shells, 249. 

Leiper, S. M., proposal for lumber, 604. 


INDEX. 


Menox, W., attendance as Regent, 64, 67, 68, 69, 
72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 83, 85. 
appointed member of Building Committee, 
OT. 
appointed a committee to report upon propo- 
sition to obtain bell, 73. 
communication from, relative to town-clock, 
72. 
made statement relative to erection of foot- 
bridge, 70. 
-on suit between Cameron and Sniffin, 83. 
report and resolution by, from Building Com- 
mittee, 75, 80. 
report of Building Committee, 703, 706. 
report on claims of John Sniifin, 79. 
reported that clock could be obtained free 
ot cost if bell were provided, 74. 
‘Lepsius, R., letter from, transmitting publica- 
tions, 168. 
work by, on Egypt, presented by Prussian 
Government, 127. 
‘Letters commending programme of organiza- 
tion presented, 52. 
to illustrate correspondence and operations 
of Institution, 94, 184, 194, 221, 249, 324. 

‘Levels, cost of survey and record of, 481. 

Lewis, Ellis, offers engravings, 17. 

Lewis, Thomas, proposals for building, 617. 

Liberia College, letter respecting, 190. 

Librarian, R. R. Gurley applies to be, 23. 
appointment of,and C. C. Jewett’s acceptance 

as, 34. 
expenditures for, 482, 493, 495. 
salary of, 27, 108. 
services of C. C. Jewett as, 46, 336. 
statement of, 476. 
‘Librarian of Congress authorized to employ 
two additional assistants, 247. 
‘Libraries, general catalogue of, 53, 477. 
catalogue of, plan for stereotyping, 68. 
capability of stereotyping department to pre- 
pare catalogues of, 90. 

from South Carolina and from Bishop Johns 
received and placed in south tower, 194; 
lost in fire, 238. 

notes on public, 477. 

promotion of, by 8. I., 107. 

statistics of, asked for, 466. 

Library, Secretary to collect documents as com- 

mencement of, 4. 

act of Congress to transfer, 247. : 

and museum, resolution requiring equal di- 
vision of income between active operations 
and, repealed, 112. 

and museum to have one-half the income, 30. 

appointment of committee to arrange for 
transfer of, to Capitol, 243, 245. 

appropriation for expense of transfer, 247. 

Cc. C. Jewett’s suggestion relative to, 46. 

committee of three appointed to prepare re- 
port on subject of formation of, 3. 

committee on, letters referred to, 34. 

-committee on, resolution relative to planeta- 
rium, 34. 

committee of Congress, Secretary to call at- 
tention of, to plan of stereotyping cata- 
logue, 91. 

committee of three to be appointed, resolu- 
tion lost, 115. 

committee of Congress reported bill for 
transfer of library, 246. 

eommunication relative to, 18. 

expenditures for, 18, 496, 498, 504, 508, 514, 517, 
519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 534, 538, 543, 549, 553, 
556, 574, 582. ; : 

formation of, in accordance with intention 
of Congress and design of Smithson, 26. 

formation of a general, not contemplated, 44. 

large proportion of income appropriated for 
formation of, resolution lost, 115. __ f 

mot a means of increasing and diffusing 
knowledge, 104. 

mot intended by Congress, 105. 

of Congress, catalogue of, 91. 


823 


Library— Continued 
of Congress, the S. I., through its Secretary, 
to have the use of, subject to sarne regula- 
tions as Senators and Representatives, 247. 
of Chas. Bulfinch offered for sale, 28. 
of goat Haptedton, of Munich, ofiered for 
sale, 24, 32. 
of Henry S. Fox offered for sale, 43. 
provision to be made for, 80. 
remarks commending, by Prof. Agassiz, 301. 
specification for, 658. 
remarks by J. W. Patterson on value of, and 
transfer, 243. 
report of committee on conditions of trans- 
ter of, 244. 
report on, presented, 57. 
room set apart for, to be capable of contain- 
ing 100,000 volumes, 13. 
S. I. should be relieved of, 220. 
statistics of, 1846-1847, 731. 
Lieber, Francis, communication from, 17. 
Light, memoir on, by A. Berry, presented, 39. 
Light-House Board, advance for, 528. 
resolutions of, relative to J. G. Totten, 298. 
Light-House system of United States, account 
of, and J. G. Totten’s services to, 291. 
Lighting, expenditures for, 490, 493, 494, 496, 
498, 503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 
530, 533, 538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 560, 567, 
574, 582, 724. 
Lightning, account of effects of, 250. 
Lightning-rods, specifications for, 637. 
Lime, proposals for, 616. 
Lindhagen, D. G., exchanges with Sweden, 333. 
Lindsay, F. E., witness of will of Thomas 
Wynns, 78. 
Linguistics, remarks on, by R. Lepsius, 168. 
Shea's library of Indian, 190. 
Lippincott, J. B., memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Lisboa, M. M., on exchanges with Brazil, 254. 
Lithographic stones of first volume Contribu- 
tions to be purchased, 51. 
Livermore, Geo, commending Shea’s Indian 
linguistics, 190. 
Lloyd, North German, free freight granted by, 
151. 
Lloyd, W. Alfred, account of shipment of spar- 
rows from Hamburg, 329, 330. 
Logan, W. E., letter from, requesting shells for 
Provincial Museum, 162. 
Long, R. Cary, memorial of architect, 24. 
Loosey, C. F., books from Vienna, 256. 
Lord, John, memorial from, presented, 118. 
Loss of tools by fire paid for, 543. 
Lowe, T. S. C., memorial relative to attempt of, 
to cross Atlantic, 167. 
Secretary to give advice to, in regard to eero- 
nautic experiments, L167. 
answers to communication of, by Prof. Henry, 


170. f 
Lubbock, Sir John, examination of Prof. Henry 
by, 775. 
Ludewig, work in bibliography presented, 125. 
Lulk, Count de, on Russian exchanges, 328. 
Lumber, proposals for, 603, 616, 617. 
Lyman, Theo., introduces H. de Schlagintweit, 
198. 


aNIE= 


Maclean, John, elected Regent, 316, 419. 

attendance as Regent, 316, 521, 343, 351, 354, 
355, 387, 389, 419, 433. 

elected to Executive Committee, 350. 

motion by, relative to annual report, 323. 

motion by, to insure east wing and range, 351. 

motion by, to grant leave of absence and 
traveling expenses to Prof. Henry, 352. 

report of Executive Committee, 550, 554, 558, 
564, 570, 586. 

report on claim of T. R. Peale, 388, 389. 

resolution by, on death of C. A. Alexander, 
dol. 


824 


Maclean, John—Continued. 
stated that majority of Executive Committee 
had altered report for 1869, 355. 
Macpherson, James, proposals for building, 621. 
Mactavish, Wm., letter from, on science in Ru- 
pert’s Land, 189. 
Madison, Mrs., offered blocks of marble, 24. 
Madrid, Royal Academy of, relative to ex- 
changes, 185, 
Magellanic premium to J. P. Espy, 160. 
Magnetie instruments, appropriation for pur- 
chase of, 43. 
ordered by California Academy of Science, 95. 
placed in charge of Col. Emory, 471. 
Magnetic apparatus ordered at suggestion of 
Lieut. Lefroy, 474. 
Magnetic needle, photographic register of, 96. 
Magnetic observations, report on establish- 
ment and continuance of, by British Govy- 
ernment, 153. . 
Magnetic observatory, plan of building for, pre- 
sented, 88. 
construction of, 89, 708. 
expenditures for, 496, 498, 503, 507, 510, 513, 
516, 519, 724. 
observations at, 96. 
Magnetic telegraph, history of invention of, 140. 
Magnetism, Bache’s experiments, 365. 
memoir on, by A. Berry, presented, 39. 
promotion of, by 8. I., 107. 
Magruder, W. B., becomes ex-officio Regent, 
9) 


attendance as Regent, 127, 129, 131. 

motion by, to purchase State stocks at market 
rate, 128. 

motion by, to accept report on purchase of 
stocks, 129. 

motion by, to have cisterns arched over, 130, 

motion by, to refer Dr. Hare’s paper on 
weights and measures to Secretary of the 
Treasury, 132. 

Maillard’s Micmac grammar, 191, 208. 

Mall, the, Downing’s plans for improvement 
of, 60, 74, 702, 705. 

Mantel, specifications for, 660. 

Manuscript bills, &e., collection of, presented 
by J. O. Halliwell, 90. 

Manuscripts, loss of, by fire, 237. 

scientific, account of, 424. 

Map, archeological, &c., allotment of work in 

preparing, 206. 
base, preparation of, by G. Gibbs, 203. 
of earthworks proposed by A. J. Hill, 185. 
of northern stars published, 469. 

Maps received by library, 1846-1877, 731. 

Marble, proposals for, 24, 603, 611, 615, 617, 618, | 
621, 622. 

quality of Massachusetts, 27. 

Marble quarries of Maryland, report on, 589, 
604, 

Marcy, Wm.L., attendance at Establishment, 
772, 773. 

Margery, Pierre, letter from, requesting assist- 
ance in publishing history of ancient 
French colonies, 58. 

Markoe, Francis, jr., vote for, as Secretary, 12. 

letter from, offering collection of objects of 
natural history of H. 8. Fox for sale, 51. 

proposition from, relative to deposit and sale 
of minerals, 62, 468. 

Marquis of Lansdowne, examination of Prof. 
Henry by, 775. 

Marsh, Geo. P., attendance as Regent, 47, 48, 50, 
52, 54. 

appointed on committee to direct assistant 
secretary, 49. 

books purchased from, 476. 

motion by, to present 200 copies of memoir of 
Squier and Davis to authors, 50. 

motion by,to purchase lithographic stones of 
Vol.1, Smithsonian Contributions to Knowl- 
edge, 51. 

offered collection of shoes, 465. 

presented letter from John R. Bartlett, 50. 


INDEX. 


Martius, von, Ch. Fr. Ph., gold medal to, 252. 
Meson eles, attendance at Establishment, 
2, T73. 
letter from, relative to Prof. Henry’s recom- 
mendation of Prof. Morse, 149. 

Mason, James M., attendance as Regent, 54, 55, 
56, 60, 62, 64, 68, 69, 72, '73, 75, 77, 78, 79, 84, 86,, 
87, 88, 91, 92, 97, 101, 112, 114, 116, 117, 119,. 
121, 125, 128, 130, 181, 133, 135, 136, 137, 151,. 
154, 161, 166, 170. 

appointed on Committee on Copyright, 60. 

appointed on Executive Committee, 86. 

appointed on special committee on distribu-- 
tion of income, 92. 

resigned as member of Executive Com- 
mittee, 88. 

appointed on committee on claim of Cam- 
eron, 94. 

appointed on committee to confer with Estab- 
lishment, 116. 

appointed on committee to invest funds, 120, 

appointed on committee to draught bill ask- 
ing authority to receive legacies, 125. 

appointed on committee on Morse’s charges. 
against Prof. Henry, 133. 

appointed on committee on investment, 506. 

appointed on committee to represent Board 
at investigation, 119. 

examination by, of papers relative to Wynns’ 
estate, 125. 

letter of Jos. H. Patten, relative to Wynns” 
estate, referred to, 122. 

motion by, to inform Senate of vacancy in 
Board, 54. 

motion by, to purchase portrait of James 
Smithson, 56. 

motion by, to furnish Lieut. Gilliss with in- 
struments, 57. 

motion by, that reports of Secretary and. 
Executive Committee form part of report. 
to Congress, 73. 

motion by, to appoint an accountant, 74. 

motion by, on Stone’s proposed monument: 
to James Smithson, 79. 

motion by, to fill vacancy in Executive Com- 
mittee, 86. 

motion by, to accept report of Executive 
Committee, 97. 

motion by, on moulds and casts of Elgin. 
marbles, 98. 

motion by, on uniformity of coinage, 98. 

motion by, on claims of L. Blodget, 114. 

motion by, to take yeas and nays, 115. 

motion by, to return memorial to C. C. Jew- 
ett, 117: 

motion by, to place funds in hands of Riggs 
& Co., 130. 

motion by, to accept report of Secretary,. 
130. 

motion by, referring paper from Prof. Henry 
to committee, 133. 

motion by, of thanks to R. Schleiden for free 
freights, 152. 

motion by, of thanks to companies for aid to- 
Lieut. Gilliss, 152. 

motion by, relative to death of R. Rush, 155. 

motion by, on Lowe’s seronautics, 167. 

presented communication from J. H. Patten,. 
relative to will of Thomas Wynns, 79. 

reappointed Regent, 131. 

remarks and resolutions by, on death of J. 
Macpherson Berrien, 122. 

report of special committee on income, 101. 

report by, on relations of Board of Regents 
and Establishment, 120. 

resolution by, of thanks to W. W. Seaton, 67. 

resolution by, to authorize purchase of a. 
bell, 74. 

resolution by, to obtain facts about James. 
Smithson, 79. 

resolution by, to settle accounts of G. Came- 
ron, 85. 

resolution by, on report of committee on in- 
come, 112. 


INDEX. 


Mason, James M.—Continued. 
resolution by, on power of Secretary to re- 
move Assistants, 112. 
will of Thomas Wynns referred to, 78, 95. 
Mason work, proposals for, 622. 
Masonie ceremonies at laying corner-stone, 
674, 681, 683. 
. Matheson, Don Juan, thanks to, for free freight, 
: 123. 
Maury, John W., attendance as Regent, 84, 86, 
88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 95, 97, 99, 100, 101. 
appointed on special committee on distribu- 
tion of income, 92. 
attendance at Establishment, 772. 
elected member Building Committee, 85. 
motion by, to fill vacancy in Building Com- 
mittee, 93. 
motion by, to grant privileges to United States 
Agricultural Society, 96. 
presented letter from J. M. Carlisle, 94. 
presented letter from Joseph H. Bradley, 94. 
report of Building Committee, 93, 707, 708. 
report of special committee on income, 101, 
Mayberry, 5. P., on approach of sea upon the 
land, 333. i 
Mayo, Jos., on Virginia bonds, 385. 
Mayor superseded as Regent by Governor of 
District, 357. : 

Mayors of Washington, list of those who have 
been Regents, 749. reels i 
McArran, John, letter from, soliciting appoint- 

ment, 24. 
McClelland, Robert, attendance as Regent, 47, 
48, 50, 51, 52, 54. f 
appointed on committee to consider services 
of assistant secretary, 48. ; 
report by, relative to duty of assistant secre- 
tary, 49. ; 
motion by, of thanks for assistance and do- 
nations, 52. m : 
McCrary, G. W., appointed Regent, 433. 
attendance as Regent, 433. 
attendance at Establishment, 774. 
McCulloch, Hugh, letter of Secretary to, on 
payment of interest in coin, 244, 
McFarland, Alex. B., applies for position of 
superintendent of masonry work, 20. 
McGaughen, Philip, letter of, 621. 
McGuire, J. C., loss of, by fire, 238. 
appointed trustee of Corcoran Art Gallery, 


MecJilton, J. N., prayer at laying corner-stone, 
681. 
McLane, Louis, letter of, on transportation of 
marble, 597. 2 
McMasters, S. Y., on Navajo language, 283. 
McMichael, M., memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
McPeak, Wm., appointed doorkeeper, 1. 
compensation fixed, 692. . 
death of, announced, a 
engaged as messenger, 674, 
finer expenses of, paid by Board, 193. 
letter from, offering services, 673. 
McPherson, E., appointed Regent, 173. 
attendance as Regent, 172, 173, 174, 192, 193. 
motion by, of thanks for free freight, 184, 
Meacham, James, appointment of, as Regent, 75. 
appointed on committee relative to copyright 
books, 81. : : 
appointed on committee on claims of G. 
Cameron, 94. : aie) 
appointment of,on committee on_distribu- 
tion of income in place of Rufus Choate, 96, 
attendance as Regent, 76, 77, 78, 80, 83, 86, 87, 
88, 89, 92, 93, 95, 97, 99, 100, 101, 114, 116. 
letter from, asking special meeting, 100. — 
motion to permit reporter to attend meeting 
of Board. 115. hs J 
motion by, to pay for Canina’s architecture, 
4. 


94, 
reappointed Regent, 92. 


report of committee to whom resolution 


offered by, was referred, 97. 


825 


Meacham, James—Continued. 

Se of, on distribution of income, present- 
ed, 120. 

report of committee to which were referred. 
resolutions of, 101. 

resolution by, to make report to Congress, 81. 

resolution by, that Secretary and other ofti- 
cers furnish estimates, 94. 

report of special committee on income not 
concurred in, 101. 

resolution by, special committee on resolu- 
tions of, 112. 

resolution by, to make appropriation for 
library, 115. 

stated why he had requested special meet- 


ing, 100. 
Medical Society of District, president of, made 
trustee of ‘Toner lectures, 408. 
Moderne: Toner lectures for advancement of, 
08. 
Meeting of Board of Regents to be held on 
third Wednesday in January, 122. 
Meetings of the Board, expenditures for, 724, 
penmieeion to attend, refused to reporters, 
15. 
only one annually, 453. 
resolution in regard to, 4. 
Meetings, frequent, of Executive Committee 
unnecessary, 492. 
of Establishment, By-Laws relative to, 769. 
of Executive Committee. See Journal. 
Meigs, M. C., approval of architect’s award, 711. 
assistance rendered by, 715. 
Melbourne Botanic and Zoologic Garden, let- 
ter from, 169. 
Memoir on Europo-American physical man 
presented, 96. 
Memoirs, account of, 69. 
American, offer of S. I. to collect, 123. 
Repsenbeds 75, 96, 97, 189. 
ecretary presented names of persons to 
examine, 58. 
to be sent by express, 476. 
Memorial from American Philosophical Society 
relative to uniformity of coinage, 98. 
from citizens of Philadelphia relative to plan 
of T. S. C. Lowe to cross Atlantic, 167. 
of C. C. Jewett returned, 117. 
of citizens of District of Columbia remon- 
strating against use of marble worked by 
convicts, 21, 22, 23. 
of John Lord presented, 118. 
relative to reception of interest, taken from 
files of Senate and referred to Committee 
on Finance, 76. 
relative to funding $150,000 submitted to 
House of Representatives, 98. 
to Congress for appropriation for museum, 
321. 
to Congress asking appropriations for care of 
collections and fitting up halls, 322. 
to Congress on increase of the fund, 302. 
to Congress relative to funding $150,000 of 
accrued interest, 71. 
Mengarini, G., Selish or Flathead grammar, 191. 
Meredith, Wm. M., attendance at Establish- 
ment, 771. 
Messenger, expenditures for, 481, 482, 508, 510, 
519, 521, 525, 531, 534, 538. 
salary of, fixed at $400, 47. 
Meteorite, account of, by S. Ainsa, 227, 228. 
account of, by Dr. Irwin, 226. 
Meteorites, Haidinger on, 232. 
Meteorological blanks, new form of, exhibited, 
2 


Meteorological instruments and researches, ap- 
propriation for, 53. 
Meteorological instruments ordered for Cali- 
fornia Academy of Science, 95. 
for each congressional district, 126. 
for regents of University of New York to be 
constructed under superintendence of 8, 


+, 473. 
given to Lieut. Woodbury, 471. 


826 


Meteorological instruments—Continued. 

lost in fire, 238. 

sent to California, Bent’s Fort, and Santa Fe, 
465, 466. 

sent to missionary stations around IJ.ake Su- 
perior, 471. 

sent by Major Stansbury to Rocky mount- 
ains, 473. 

standards ordered frem London, 473. 

to be purchased for United States army sta- 
tions, 476. 

twenty-five sets of, purchased by State of 
New York, 476. 

used in Canada, 260. 

Meteorological observations, appropriation for 

instruments, &e., for, 43. 

in Hudson’s Bay erritory, 165. 

resolutions of Lllinois State Board of Educa- 
tion on, 126. 

Meteorological system, 470, 473, 476. 

of Canada, account of, 260. 

of New York arranged by Profs. Henry and 
Guyot, 479. 

Meteorologist, United States, J. P. Espy ap- 
pointed, 464. 

Meteorology, expenditures for, 491, 493, 495, 496, 
498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516, 519, 521, 525, 528, 
531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 553, 556, 560, 568, 
574, 582, 724. 

account of system of, 464, 466. 

co-operation of Department of Agriculture 
in, discontinued, 386. . 

co-operation of telegraph company in, 195. 

J. P. Espy’s service in, 159. 

promotion of, by S. L., 107. 

Metrical system of Geo. H. Knight, 324. 

Metropolitan Mechanics’ Institute, models, 
&e., loaned to, 95. 

Mettenius, G, thanks for ferns, 211. 

Mexican Gulf Steamship Company, thanks to, 
for free freight, 123. 

Mexican languages, 206, 207. 

Mexican minister, aid of, to Xantus’ explora- 
tions, 213. 

Mexican Society of Geography and Statistics 
on exchanges, 186, 249. 

Mexico, account of meteorites in, 251. 

Miani, expioration of river Nile, 251. 

Milan Agricultural Association on exchanges, 
225. 

Military Academy at West Point, history of, 
267. 

aes Wm. Allen, examination of Prof. Henry 
oy, 775. 

Mills, Robert, furnished plans for building, 4. 

explanation of plans by, 23. 
engaged as superintendent of building, 597. 
letter of, 670. 

Mineralogical :ollection transferred from Land 
Office, 563. 

Minerals, F. Markoe’s offer to deposit and sell, 
62. 

collection of, offered for sale, 212. 

list of, how to be prepared, by C. A. Shepard, 
187. 

of Costa Rica presented, 334. 

to be sent by mail to Secretary of the In- 
terior, 389. 

Mines in Victoria, maps and plans of, 251. 

Minnesota Ilistorical Society, payment by, 500. 

Minot’s ledge light-house, account of, 292. 

Miscellaneous Collections, expenditures for, 
519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 
558, 556, 560, 567, 574, 582, 724. 

Missouri, archzeological remains in, 200. 

bonds, $36,000 to be bought, 128. 

Mitchell, Miss Maria, $50 awarded to, for paper 

on comet, discovered by her in 1847, 469, 


474. 
Mitchell, O. M., asks for aid in making a cata- 
logue of stars, 477. 
Models, casts of, &e., loaned to Mechanics’ In- 
stitute of Washington, 95. 
of buildings to be received, 59. 


INDEX. 


Molina, L., letter commending Dr. Berendt, 
257, 258. : 
Molina’s Mexican dictionary, 191. 
Moll, electro-magnet of, 145. 
Monument to Smithson, proposition to furnish 
designs for, 79. 
Moore, G. H., opinion of value of Shea’s lin- 
guistics, 190, 207. : 
Morgan, L. H., on archeological map, 202, 205. ° 
Morlot, A., letter from, on archeeology, 185. 
Morris, J. Cheston, memorial by, on Lowe’s 
plan to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Morse, S. F. B., communication relative to 
charges of, against Prof. Henry, 182. 
charges of, disproved, 150. 
communication from, received, 152. 
extension of patent favored by Prof. Henry, 
149. 
has not refuted statement of Prof. Henry, 
150. 
interviews with Prof. Henry, 144. 
letters from, to Prof. Henry, 143, 144. 
payment to L. D. Gale of $15,000, 146. 
testimony of, could not invalidate that of 
Prot. Henry, 141. 
Morton, S. J., recommending appropriation to 
S. F. Baird, 463. 
Mosque of St. Sophia, portfolio of engravings 
to illustrate, presented by Sultan, 127. 
Motto for publications from manuscript of 
Smithson, 465. 
Moulds, S. I. to procure and sell casts of, to 
academies of art, 98. 
Mounds, exploration of, 476. 
Mountain, Mr., visited by Building Committee, 
6. 


Mountain measurements, Guyot on, 196. 
Mount Guyot, observations on height of, 195. 
Mueller, Ferd., letter from, acknowledging re- 
ceipt of publications, 169. 
Muller, Baron, manuscript translation of me- 
moir by, on origin of human race, 127. 
Mummy from Dr. Reid, Patagonia, 201. 
Musée Francais, copper-plates of, offered, 95. 
Musée Royal, copper-plates of, offered, 95. 
Museum, Agassiz’s remarks on, 220. 
and library, resolution requiring equal dis- 
tribution of income between active opera- 
tions and, repealed, 112. 
appropriations by Congress for, 514, 517, 520, 
522, 526, 736. 
appropriations for fitting up, 563. 
arrangement of accounts of, 426. 
assistants required in, 67. 
assistant in charge of, salary of, 108. 
committee appointed to ask for appropria- 
tion for care of, and fitting up of hall for, 
320. 
committee appointed to report on, 430. 
conditions of presentation of specimens to, 
414, 
contributions for, asked, 13. 
estimate for fitting up hall and care of, 321. 
expenditures for, 491, 493, 495, 496, 498, 504, 
508, 511, 514, 517, 519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 534, 
538, 543, 549, 553, 556, 561, 568, 570, 574, 575, 
583, 584, 724. 
expenses of, to be reported, 353. 
expense of, to 8. L., 544. 
great hall devoted to, 320, 321. 
great object of, 109. 
independent maintenance desired, 323. 
memorial to Congress relative to, 322. 
propriety of severing from S. I., Agassiz on, 


report of L. Agassiz for committee on, 233. 
report of committee on, 430. 
report on accounts of, 427. 
should be supported by Government, 220. 
8. I. should be relieved of, 220. 
Museum of Athens, Greece, exchanges with, 
332. 
of Bern, requests a bison, 255. 
of Christiania, account of, 199. 


INDEX. 


Museum—Continued. 
of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, Agas- 
siz’s account of, 390. 
co-operation with, 391. 
Museums, C. A.Shepard on catalogues of, 187. 


INC 


Narrative of Prof. Agassiz’s expedition on the 
Hassler, 394. 
National Academy of Sciences, Prof. Henry’s ac- 
count of, 794. 
A. D. Bache’s bequest to, 401. 
eulogy on J. G. Totten reprinted from, 264. 
vacancies in trustees of ‘Tyndall trust to be 
filled by, 413. 
National Bank, suspension of, containing de- 
posit of S. I., 419. 
National Intelligencer, special report of Secre- 
tary to be published in, 77. 
defence of policy of Prot. Henry by, 309. 
National Medical College, request for lectures 
, 479.” 
National Museum.—See Museum. 
National Observatory, investigations at, 196. 
Natural history, assistants required in, 67. 
collection of H. 8S. Fox offered for sale, 51. 
collections by C. B. Adams, 89. 3 
collections not to be purchased, 52. 
of State of New York, 14 volumes of, presented 
to 8. I. by State of New York, 52. 
promotion of, by S. L., 107. 
report of committee on, 430. 
Smithsonian publications on, L. Agassiz’s 
opinion of, 220. 
specimens oifered for sale, 51, 89, 212. 
Nautical Almanac, appropriation for, pays for 
computations by Downes, 478. 
Naval Observatory, advanee refunded by, 528. 
Navy, defence of sea-coast by, 269, 271. 
opinion in regard to Lieut. Gilliss’ observa- 
tions to be laid before, 44. 
paid for instruments for Lieut. Gilliss’ expe- 
dition, 470. 
placed J. P. Espy under direction of S. I., 72, 
466. 
Secretary of, assent of, to be given to selec- 
tion of site, 3. 
thanks to, for assistance, 52. 
Naylor, P., reeommended to roof the building, 
34. 


Neptune, ephemeris of, published, 463, 474. 
Neuroptera, American, letter by H. Hagen on, 
186. 
New Mexico, meteorites in, 252. 
Newspapers, resolution appointing committee 
to obtain plans, &c., published in, 6. 
reporters not admitted to meeting of Board, 
115. 
New York, buildings in, visited by Building 
Committee, 6. 
State of donation by, 52. 
State of, purchased 25 sets of meteorological 
instruments, 476. 
New York, New Foundland and London Cable 
Telegraph Company, free telegrams by, 389. 
New York Daily Times, reporter of, not ad- 
mitted to meeting of Board, 115. 
New York Evening Post, reporter of, not ad- 
mitted to meeting of Board, 115. 
New York, thanks of University of the State of, 
for rocks, minerals, &¢., 252. __ 
Niernsee, J. R., advice of, on building, 64, 65. 
Niglas, J., appointed by Illinois State Board of 
Education to co-operate with 8. I., 127. 
Nile, Miani’s map of, 251. ‘ d 
Niven, T. M., letter of, with estimates for build- 
ing, 625. : ; ; 
Normal school, petition relative to establish- 
ment of, 81. 

North Carolina, State stock of, recommended 
for investment of sruplus fund by W. W. 
Corcoran, 90. 


827 


one acs Lloyd, free freight granted by, 
ol. 

thanks to, for free freight, 152, 320. 
Northumberland, Duke of, presents from, 155. 
Norway, account of museum in, 199. 

ethnological collections from, 229. 
Note Cestriensis, by Wm. Darlington, 197. 
Notman, John, premium to, 21. 

drawings of, to be returned, 44. 

explanation of plans by, 23. 

letter from, relative to plans of building, 22, 23. 

letter from, requesting action upon bill, 33. 

letter from, on compensation, 690. 

premium for plans of, G89. 

report relative to claims of, 35. 

visited by Building Committee, 6. 
Numeration, report of W. B. ‘aylor on, 327. 
Nye, G., offer of, to sell pictures, 464. 
NysROs J. W., on tonal system of measures, 


Qs 


Oakes, Dr., purchase of plants collected by, 478. 

Observatory at Altona, resolution as to import- 
ance of, 472. 

O'Callaghan, E. B., commending Shea’s Indian 
linguistics, 191. 

Occultations, computation of, 43, 466, 478, 482. 

Odd-Fellows invited to lay corner-stone, 676. 

Officers, public, to procure additions to mu- 
seum, 12. 

Ohio, Legislature of, resolution of, reeommend- 
ing employment of James Russell to con- 
struct planetarium, 34. 

Opinions of 8. 1. not to be given for individual 
benefit, 167. 

of Secretary to be given only when required 
by the Board, 44. 

O’Rielly, Henry, relative to discovery of electro- 
magnetic telegraph, 385. 

Original research to have one-half the income, 


30. 
Origin of the human race, memoir on, 127. 
Organization of Board, preliminary, 1. 
Organization Committee, report of, 8, 24. 
resolutions of, 12. 
to publish Contributions to Science, 26. 
Organization, act of, by Congress, 753, 761. 
law of, complied with by Regents, 102. 
programme of, presented by Prof. Henry, 40. 
programme of, letters and reports commend- 
ing, 45, 52. 
programme of, amendments to, 74. 
Owen, David Dale, furnished plans for build- 
ing, 3. 
letters from, relative to selection of material, 
5, 6. 
plans for laboratory, 678. 
report on Baltimore County quarries, 604. 
report on Potomac sandstones, 612. 
report on Aquia Creek and other freestones, 
664. 
services of, as geologist, 597. 
thanks of Board to, 4. 
Owen, Richard, offers fossils in exchange, 261. 
Owen, Robert Dale, attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 
3, 5, 16, 20, 34, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46. 
appointed on Committee on Site, 17, 20. 
appointed on committee on amending the 
law of organization, 15. 
appointed on committee to digest plan to 
carry out provisions of act to establish S. 


aye 

appointed on Executive Committee, 33. 

appointed on committee on claims of John 
Notman and Isaiah Rogers, 33. 

building contract, 630. 

contract for publication of Hints on Archi- 
tecture, 669. 

elected member of Executive Committee, 2, 
439. 

examination of building materials by, 6. 


828 


Owen, Robert Dale—Continued. 

excused from service on Executive Com- 
mittee, 47. 

letter from, relative to publication of Hints 
on Public Architecture, 53. 

letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 442, 

letter of, on Maryland marble, 598. 

letter of, to J. P. C. Peter, 626. 

letter of, to canal company, 662. 

letter from, on condition of the building, 690. 

motion by, on Powers’ Greek slave, 43. 

motion by, on request of Notman, 44. 

motion by, that Secretary participate in de- 
liberations of Board, 16. 

motion by, to recommit report on organiza- 
tion, 19. 

motion by, on salary of Secretary, 15. 

presented application for office, 9. 

presented application of Caleb Buckingham, 
40, 


presented letter from J. Renwick, 8. 

presented letters relative to building, 9. 

presented letter from D. P. Gardner, 19. 

presented letter from Wells and Arnot, 22. 

presented letter from Mrs. BE. M. Gurley, 23. 

presented letters relative to secretaryship, 11. 

presented plan from Robert Mills, 4. 

presented plans in behalf of David Dale 
Owen, 3. 

presented report of Committee on Organiza- 
tion, 24. 

presented proposition relative to estimates 
of cost of building, 27. 

proposed as Regent, 45. 

report from Committee on Organization, 8. 

report from committee to wait on President, 
18 


report cf Building Committee, 596. 

report of Committee on Site, 20, 37. 

report of Executive Committee, 481. 

report of, on claims of Notman and Rogers, 
35. 


report on building, 7. 

report relative to plan of finance and appro- 
priations, 41. 

resigned from Executive Committee, 460. 

resolutions by, on organization, 11. 

resolutions by, to approve election of Prof. 
Henry as Secretary, 12. 

resolution by, on plan of buildin 20) 

resolution by, to give $250 to Isaiah Rogers, 33. 

resolution by, for equal division of income, 30. 

resolution by, as to payment of accounts, 30. 

resolution by, on printing report, 33. 

resolution by, relative to site, 19, 34. 

resolution by, on examination of building 
materials, 38. 

resolution by, to deposit treasury notes in 
Senate treasury, 38. 

resolution by, appropriating $500 for experi- 
ments on building materials, 39. 

resolution by, to print Dallas’ address at 
corner-stone, 41. 

seal for Institution approved by, 445. 

to prepare work on architecture, 602, 


> 


Pacific Mail Steamship Company, thanks to, for 
free freight, 123, 152, 320. 
Packard, F. A., proposed history of public edu- 
cation by, 223. 
Paddock, N., letter requesting co-operation 
with educational institution, 57. 
age, C.G., report of, on building materials, 600. 
thanks to, for apparatus, 81. 
Painting building, specifications for, 660. 
Pamphlets received by library 1846-1877, 731. 
Panama Railroad Company, thanks to, for free 
freight, 123, 152, 321. 
Pandosy, M. C., Yakama grammar, 191. 
Panizzi, A., acknowledgment for fossils, 260. 
Papers to be published, 25. 


INDEX, 


Parish, Henry, bill from, for work on archi- 


tecture, 94, 


Parker, Peter, elected Regent, 316, 419. 


appointed on committee on death of Henry 
Wilson, 433. 
appointed on committee to prepare resolu- 
tions on death of S.P. Chase and L. Agassiz, 
6 


416. 

attendance as Regent, 316, 317, 320, 321, 343, 
851, 352, 354, 855, 357, 384, 385, 387, 389, 391, 
416, 419, 423, 426, 428, 430, 433, 434 

elected to Executive Committee, 316, 

motion by, to send report of Secretary to 
Congress, 393. 

motion by, of thanks to P. T. Barnum for do- 
nations, 425. 

motion by, on resignation of W. T. Sherman, 
429. 

motion by, on death of Henry Wilson, 433. 

remarks by, on death of W. P. Fessenden, 
352. 

remarks by, on museum hall, 320. 

remarks by, on city canal, 321. 

remarks by, on Virginia bonds, 385. 

remarks by, on death of L. Agassiz, 421. | 

remarks by, relative to accounts of museum, 
426. 

remarks by, on necessity for better heating 
apparatus, 432. 

remarks, report, and resolutions by, on death 
of Henry Wilson, 434. 

report of Executive Committee, 356, 384, 385, 
387, 389, 423, 426, 429, 430, 434, 436, 644, 547, 
550, 554, 558, 564, 570, 571, 577, 586, 

report by, on Corcoran Art Gallery, 391, 

report by, on Washington canal, 350. 


Parrish, Milo M., letter of, 603. 
Parry, C. C., botanical exploration of Colorado 


by, 195 


Patents, Commissioner of, letter of Frederick 


Gotteri referred to, 123. 
appropriation by, for meteorological statistics, 
517, 520, 
assent of, to be given to selection of site, 3. 
collection transferred from, 125, 512, 514, 
meteorological blank prepared for use of, 126. 


Patten, John H., communication from, relative | 


to will of ‘Thomas Wynns, 19, 122: 

engaged to inquire into Wynns? bequest to 
Institution, 505. 

services of, offered at settlement of Wynns” 
estate, 244. 


Patterson, J. W., appointed Regent, 218, 242. 


appointed on committee on active operations 
and museum, 220. 

appointed to prepare eulogy on W. L, Dayton, 
240, 


appointed on committee on transfer of libra- 
ry, 243, 245. 

appointed on committee to memorialize Con- 
gress on increase of fund, 301. 

appointed on committee on use of room, 304. 

attendance as Regent, 218, 219, 233, 234, 235, 
240, 242, 243, 246, 300, 302, 304. 

motion by, to invest Smithson residuary leg- 
acy in United States 7.30 bonds, 236. 

motion by, to fill vacancy in Executive Com- 
mittee, 241, 

motion by, on appointment of committee for 
removal of library to the Capitol, 243. 

motion by, to appoint committee to transfer 
library, 245, 

motion by, to authorize sale of stocks, 248. 

motion by, to appoint committee on best use 
of large hall in second story, 303. 

remarks by, on removal of library to care of 
Congress, 243, 244, 

remarks by, on policy of Institution and mu- 
seum, 303. 

report of committee on transfer of library, 
244 


resolution by, on death of A. D. Bache, 304. 


Peabody, Geo., & Co., interest allowed by, 535. 
Peale, Charles Wilson, claim for portrait by, 385. 


INDEX. 


Peale, Franklin approval of seal by, 456. 
Peale, Titian R., recommended to take charge 
ot collections, 10. 
claim of, for portrait of Washington, 385. 
recommended as curator of museum, 21. 
report of committee on claim of, 388, 389. 
specimens placed in charge of, 462, 
Pearce, James A., appointed Regent, 55. 
appointed on committee to ask Congress to 
elect Owen, 45. 
appointed on Executive Committee, 47, 460. 
appointed on committee to communicate 
thanks of Board to Dr. Hare, 51. 
appointed on Committee on Copyright, 60. 
appointed on special committee on distribu- 
tion of income, 92. 
appointed on committee to represent Board 
at investigation, 119. 
appointed on committee to invest funds, 120. 
appointed on committee to invest surplus 
tund, 128. 
appointed on committee on Morse’s charges 
against Prof. Henry, 133. 
appointed on committee on investment, 506. 
attendance as Regent, 40, 41, 42, 44, 50, 54, 56, 
57, 59, 60, 62, 64, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 75, '76, 80, 83, 
84, 86, 89, 92, 93, 95, 97, 99, 100, 101, 112, 114, 
116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 127, 128, 130, 
135, 137, 151, 154, 156, 161, 163, 166, 170, 172, 
173. 
motion by, to record reports of committees, 
36. 


motion by, to ask Congress to increase fund, 
65. 


motion by, to authorize fire-proofing build- 
ing, 66. 

motion by, to fill vacancies in Building Com- 
mittee, 75. 

motion by, on copyrights, 81. 

motion by, to increase salary of Dr. Fliigel, 82. 

motion by, on memorial to Congress, 93. 

motion by, on claim of Cameron, 94. 

motion by, declining publication of new edi- 
tion of Musée Francais, 95. 

motion by, to refer Wynns’ estate to Mr. Ma- 
son, 95. 

motion by, to amend Meacham’s resolution 
on estimates, 96. 

motion by, on report on income, 100. 

motion by, to confer with the Establishment, 
116. 

motion by, approving removal of C. C. Jewett, 
117. 


motion by, to appoint committee to represent 
Board, 119. 

motion by, fixing time for annual meeting of 
Board, 122. 

motion by, on death of J, P. Espy, 161. 

motion by, to aid Dr. Hayes’ Arctic expedi- 
tion, 163. 

reappointed Regent, 131, 172. 

remarks by, on income, 115. 

remarks by, relative to Richard Rush, 154. 

report by, on claim of L. Blodget, 116, 117. 

report by, on distribution of income, 100, 101, 
112. 

report by, on financial arrangements, 173. 

report by, on residences for officers, 83. 

report of Executive Committee, 91, 97, 99,113, 
116, 122, 130, 137, 151, 163, 166, 173, 484, 485, 
492, 493, 495, 497, 502, 506, 509, 512, 515, 518, 
521, 523. ; 

requested by Board to have memorial rela- 
tive to accrued interest taken from files of 
Senate and referred to Committee on Fi- 
nance, 76. 

resolution by, to sell United States stock and 
lend to Corcoran & Riggs, 76. 

death of, announced, 192. 

eulogy on, by A. D. Bache, 214. 

resolutions on death of, 214. 

Pease, W. H., letter from, on mollusca, 189. 
donation of specimens by, 210. 
natural history of Sandwich Islands by, 210. 


829 


Peirce, Benj., made trustee of Bache fund, 400. 
Peirce, Daniel, leiter from, presented, detail- 
_ ing method of educating Indian tribes, 58. 
Retee Bracks attendance at Establishment, 
2, 173. 
Pennsylvania bonds, $36,000 to be bought, 128. 
Penny hader, Isaac 8., attendance as Regent, 
pie shee 
letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 444. 
decease of, 20. 
resolutions in regard to decease of, 22. 
Peter, John P. C., on Seneca stone, 599, 626, 663, 
672, 676. 
report of, on Seneca stone, 661. 
Peters, C. H. F., discovery of planet by, 392, 
on telegrams on astronomical discoveries, 384. 
Petition of W. De Beust for relief, and allow- 
ance of $50v for, 302. 
Petito, E., account of Indian tribes, 262. 
Phillips, John, communication from British 
Association relative to catalogue of Philo- 
sophical memoirs, 123. 
Philology, W. W. Turner’s services to, 157. 
circular on, by Geo. Gibbs, 205." 
promotion of, by S. I., 107. 
remarks on, by Lepsius, 168. 
Shea’s Indian, 191. 
Philosophical Society, American, memorial of, 
relative to uniformity of coinage, 98. 
recommended Titian K. Peale, 10. 
Pheenician origin of Indians, 253. 
Phoenix, J. Phillips, letter from, recommending 
employment of P. Naylor, 34. 
Faas Iron Company, contract with, for roof, 
Photographer, building for, 583, 584. 
Physical science, catalogue of memoirs on, 123. 
Physiology, promotion of, by 8. I., 107. 
Piazzi’s observations, new discussion of, pro- 
posed by Dr. Gould, 221. 
Pickering, Dr., vote for, as secretary, 12. 
Pictures offered by G. Nye, 464. 
Pike’s Peak, observations on height of, 195. 
Pike & Son employed to construct meteorologi- 
eal instruments, 476. 
Plan of Finanee. See Bache. 
Planetarium by Jas. Russell, resolution of Leg- 
islature of Ohio relative to, 34. 
Planet discovered by C. H. F. Peters, 392. 
telegraphic announcement of discovery of, 
384, 389. 
Plans for Building, 4, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 32, 87. 
Plant, G. H., letter of, on building, 621. 
Plants collected by Dr. Oakes, 478. 
deposited with Department of Agriculture, 
25. 
from Tennessee, captured during the war, 
211. 
Plastering, specifications for, 635. 
Plates of volume on architecture, size of, 676. 
Poland, lL. P. appointed Regent, 316, 351. 
appointed on commiitee to ask for appropri- 
ation for museum, 320. 
attendance as Regent, 316, 317, 321, 351, 352, 
354, 355, 357, 384, 385, 387, 388, 391, 416. 
motion by, on report of committee on use of 
large room, 317. 
motion by, to make allowance to W. J. Rhees 
for extra services, 352. 
motion by, of regret at resignation of Rich- 
ard Delafield as Regent, 356. 
motion by, to ask Congress to make Goy- 
ernor of District a Regent, 357. 
motion by, to deposit Virginia coupon-bonds 
in Treasury of the United States, 384. 
Policy of Institution, co-operation not monop- 


oly, 390. 

Polk, James K., President, indorsement by, on 
application for approval of site, 19. 

Poole, Henry, sends cone-in-cone, 228, 

Portland Society of Natural History, account 
of, 324. 

Portrait engravers, best,in United States, 669. 


850 


Portrait of Robert Hare purchased, 549. 
of Smithson purchased, 56. 
of Smithson received, 63. 

Portraits of Revolutionary worthies offered and 
purchase declined, 43. 

Postage, expenditures for, 481, 490, 493, 494, 496, 
498, 503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 
530, 533, 538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 560, 567, 
574, 582, 724. 

Potier, father, Huron dictionary, 208. 

Potier’s Huron grammar, 191. 

Potomae water, introduction of, 170. 

Pourtales, Count, zoological work of, 398. 

Powell, J. W., account of exploration and rec- 
ommendation of, 386. 

exploration placed by Congress under &. L., 
386. 


report of, transmitted to Congress by Prof. 
Henry, 393. 

Powers, Hiram, statue of Greek Slave offered 
to S. L, 43, 58, 459, 461. 

Pratt, Lucien, exchanges with Costa Rica, 
334, 

Premium of $50 awarded to Miss Maria Mitchell 
for discovery of a comet, 474. 

Premium for sale of gold, 245, 524, 533, 537, 545, 
548, 551, 556, 560, 573, 578, 579, 724. 

of 16 per cent. allowed by Corcoran & Riggs 
on United States stock, 76. 
on gold bonds, 305. 
on sale of stock, 724. 
on sale of Treasury notes, 724. 
Premiums, to architects, 21, 490. 
to be offered for original papers, 25. 

Preservation of collections of exploring ex- 
peditions, appropriations for, 736. 

President of the United States, consent of, 
to site selected, 3, 16, 20. 

authority of, required to present petition for 
residuary fund, 183. 

called meeting of Establishment, 92. 

to be authorized to enter into correspondence 
with Government of Great Britain on uni- 
form coinage, 98. 

Preston, Wm. C., drew six years’ term as Re- 

gent, 2. 
attendance as Regent, 39. 
letter from, withdrawing resignation, 33. 
letter from, on purchase ot United States 
stocks, 441. 

Priestley, J. R., lens and air pump of, presented, 

155. 
discovery of oxygen by, 156. 

Prince, Mr., proposition relative to planting 
forest trees, 462. 

Princeton, lectures at, by Prof. Henry, 48, 482, 
488. 

Printing, expenditures for, 4, 481, 482, 490, 493, 
494, 496, 498, 503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 528, 530, 534, 538, 542, 546, 549, 652. 

Prize gallery of architecture proposed, 59. 

Prizes struck out of programme, 74. 

Programme of accounts, 486. 

letters commendatory of, 45. 
of organization presented by Prof. Henry, 
40 


of organization, amendments made in, 74. 
of organization received general approval, 
465 


oO. 
presented by Secretary, adopted provision- 
ally, 41. 
Proposals for S. I. building, 30, 622. 
Prussian Government presented 
Egypt, by Lepsius, 127. 
Pruyn, J. V. L., appointed Regent, 316. 
appointed on committee to ask for appropria- 
tion for museum, 320. 
attendance as Regent, 316, 317, 320, 321, 343. 
commending Shea’s Indian linguistics, 190. 
motion to adopt report of Executive Com- 
mittee, 343. 
motion relative to the canal, 350. 
remarks on exchanges, 317. 
remarks on museum nail, 320. 


work on 


INDEX. 


Publication of Hints on Public Architecture, 
668. 
of reports, appropriation for, 43. 
of Transactions, appropriation for, 43. 
Publications in popular form on subjects of 
general interest, 25. 
Publications, assistants required to aid in, 67. 
donation of a friend of science to aid, 551. 
expenditures for, 452, 482, 491, 493, 495, 496,, 
498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516, 519, 521, 528, 531,. 
534, 560, 574. 

remarks of L, Agassiz on, 220. 

stock of, lost in fire, 238. 

thanks to Sir Henry Bulwer for facilitating 
transmission of, into Great Britain, 79. 

Public schools, history of, 223. 

of Washington, services of W. W. Seaton to.. 
313. 
Purdy, John, letter of, 616. 
Puryear, Mr., appointed on special committee 
a vioase of Representatives to investigate: 
3. [., 119. 

Putnam, G. P., sales by, as agent, 500. 

resigned agency of 8. I. publications, 139. 


@ 


Quarries, examination of, 6, 481, 482, 490, 589, 
604, 692. 
Quartermaster’s Department, aid rendered by, 


after the fire, 235. 
Quorum of Board fixed, 16. 


=e. 


Railroad Companies, thanks of Board to, for 

free freight, 123. 
free freights by, 320, 597, 598, 602. 

Baulroad explorations, results of, to be collect- 
ed, 465. 

Railroads, statistics of, asked for, 476. 

Rain-gauge, simple form of, 126. 

specimens of, exhibited, 70. 
Ramirez, Don Jose Fernando, on Mexican lan- 
uages, 207. 

Randall, A., letter from, asking extension of 
time for furnishing plans, 9. 

Randall, A., provided expense of purchase of 
instruments for California Academy of 
Science, 95. 

Randolph, Wm. B., to be paid for arrangement. 
of accounts, 74. 

accounts placed in hands of, 173. 
appointed chief marshal at ceremonies of 
laying corner-stone, 680. 
arrangement of accounts by, 487. 
books posted by, 532, 536. 
Ray, J., proposal for bricks, 617. 
Receipts, general statement of, 724. 
of Institution fund, 481, 482, 484, 485, 488, 492,. 
494, 495, 496, 497, 499, 500, 503, 507, 510, 513, 
515, 518, 521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 641, 545, 
548, 551, 555, 559, 560, 565, 566, 567, 572, 578, 
579. 

Recording clerk authorized, 3. 

Recording, expenditures for, 481, 482. 

Redfield, Mr., on fossil fish of North America, 


467. 
Redfield, Wm. C., respect to memory of, 132. 
Regents of S. 1, account of Board of, and list 
of, from 1846-1879, 741. 
account of attendance of, at meetings of the 
Board, 741. 
accounts of, for expenses to be adjusted, 166. 
authorized to apply income of Smithson leg- 
acy, 305. 
committee of, appointed to confer as to means- 
of communication between Establishment 
and, 116. pei 
compliance of, with law of organization, 102. 
Journal of proceedings of, 1. 
list of, according to mode of appointment, 749... 
list of, according to residence, 751. 
not interested in debt of Arkansas, 166. 


INDEX. 


Regents of S. I.— Continued. 
resolution of Congress appointing, 3. 
room, specifications for, 660. 
to sign description of site, 3. 

Regents of University of New York ordered 
meteorological instruments to be con- 
structed under direction of S. L., 473. 

Rent of oliice, 482. 

Rent of residenc2 of Secretary to be paid, 15. 

appropriation for, 15. 
for Secretary, 482. 

Rent of residences allowed to officers, 83. 

Renwick, James, visited by Building Com- 
mittee, 6. 

account tor services, 84. 

account of, to be settled when final certifi- 
cate is received, 85. 

allowances to, 597. 

architect’s specifications, 638, 661. 

estimate by, of cost of finishing building on 
fire-proot plan, 65. 

explanation of plans by, 23. 

final accounts of, 706. 

ieuPr from, approving payment to Cameron, 


vu. 
letter from, describing material used in 
buildings in New York, 8. 
letter from, relative to fence, 689. 
letter of, referred to Building Committee, 76. 
letter from, stating that contract of G. Came- 
ron was completed, 84. 
plan of building accepted, 7, 21, 29. 
report of, on building stone, 661. 
report of, presented, 87. 
summoned on account of accident to build- 
ing, 61, 62. 
work on architecture purchased by, 94. 
Repayments, 548, 551, 557, 561, 568, 574, 583, 724. 
Report to Congress, Chancellor and Secretary 
authorized to sign, 39. 
Report, Chancellor and chairmen of commit- 
tees to prepare, 45. 
annual, Chancellor, Secretary, and chairman 
of Executive Committee to prepare, 52. 
expenditures for, 43, 53, 519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 
534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 553, 556, 560, 567, 574 
582, 724. 
on progress of knowledge, 108, 491, 493, 495, 
496, 498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516. 
valuable contributions to, by C. A. Alexander, 
351. 
Reporters, permission to attend meetings of 
Board refused, 115. 
Representatives, House of, resolution by, ap- 
pvinting committee to inquire into expe- 
diency of investing S. I. fund in safe stocks, 
93. 
list of those who have been Regents, 750. 
Reschin, Sig. A., on exchanges, 225. 
Research, specific, appropriation for, 25. 
original, to be essential feature of plan of 
organization, 25. 
Hevearches and computations, appropriation 
for, 53. 
expenditures for, 482, 598, 511, 514, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 528, 531, 538, 554, 568, 574, 582, 724. 
in physical and natural science, Bache fund 
for promotion of, 400. 
in physical science to be continued by Prof. 
Henry, 25. 
should be object of 8S. I., 106. 
to be made by officers, 14. 
Residences for officers on grounds, 74. 
report relative to, 83. 
Residence for the Secretary to be provided in 
east wing, 92. 
Residuary legacy of James Smithson, 302, 542, 
543. 
Resignation of Richard Delafield as Regent, 
305. 
of Roger Taney as Chancellor, 131. 
of W. J. Rhees as Chief Clerk, and resolu- 
tions of Board relative to, 353. 
of W. T. Sherman as Regent, 428. 


831 


Resoturtions of the Board of Regents, rules and 

order adopted for government of Board, 1. 

to procure copy of resolution by which Re- 
gents were appointed, 1. 

to procure certificate of appointment of Re- 
gents, 1. 

to appoint door-keeper, 1. 

to elect Chancellor, 2. 

dividing Regents into classes by lot, 2. 

Chancellor to draw ballots for absent Re- 
gents, 2. 

declaring Seaton, Owen, and Totten elected 
Executive Committee, 2. 

Secretary to procure book in which proceed- 
ings of Board, description of site, &e., to be 
entered, 3. 

of SO RErORS appointing Regents to be enter- 
ed, 3. 

chairman of Executive Committee to be dis- 
bursing officer, 3. 

appointing committee of three to prepare 
plan to carry out provisions of act to estab- 

ish 8. L., 3. 

appointing committee of three to prepare re- 
port on formation of library, 3. 

authorizing Secretary to employ recording 
clerk, 3. 

appointing W. W. Seaton chairman of Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 3. 

Secretary to contract for printing of law, 4. 

to refer selection of site to Committee on 
Buildings, 4. 

Secretary to collect documents connected 
with history of Smithsonian bequest, 4. 

of thanks to David Dale Owen, 4. 

in regard to regular meetings of Board, 4. 

to purchase books on architecture, 4. 

Chancellor, Secretary, and Executive Com- 
mittee to obtain plans for building, 4. 

adding Rufus Choate and Isaac Pennybacker 
to committee to digest pian to carry out 
provisions of act establishing 8. L., 4. 

appointing Richard Rush a committee to as- 
certain whether Madame De la Batut still 
survives, 4. 

selecting Mall, between Seventh and Twelfth 
streets, as site for buildings, 6. 

to adopt site, 9. 

to amend resolution in relation to site, 9. 

that Committee on Site wait on President, 9. 

Chancellor and each chairman of committee 
to be committee to prepare report, 9. 

of Committee on Organization, 10. 

to proceed to election of Secretary, 10, 12. 

qualifications of Secretary, 11. 

approving election of Prof. Henry as Secre- 
tary, 12. 

consuls, &c., to obtain additions to museum, 


that B. B. French act as assistant secretary 
until secretary-elect appear, 12. 

$1,000 appropriated for grounds, 13. 

copies ot report furnished Senate and House 
of Representatives, 13. 

public to be invited to furnish contributions 
to museum, 13. 

library to be of sufficient capacity for 100,000 
volumes, 13. 

collections to be obtained from Indian 
country, 13. 

$20,000 appropriated for library, 13. 

amending resolution making appropriation 
for library, 13. 

5,000 copies of report to be printed, 13. 

to employ assistant Secretary, 14. 

Secretary to be president of faculty, 14. 

lectures to be delivered in all the States, 14 
opular tracts to be published, 14. 

ectures to be included in plan of S. I., 14. 

officers to make original researches, 14. 

$4,000 appropriated for apparatus, 14. 

committee to prepare lists of books, 14. 

appropriation for rent, 15. 

salary of Secretary, 15. 


332 


Resolutions—Continuea. 

Executive Committee to arrange with Secre- 
tary as to discharge-of duties, 15. 

committee appointed to procure bill amenda- 
tory of act este RebIng S. L., 15. 

of thanks to W. J. Hough, 15. 

1,000 copies of Journal to be printed, 15. 

Secretary to participate in deliberations of 
Board, 16. F 

committee appointed to wait on President, 
17 


Mall between Ninth and Twelfth streets 
selected as site, 19. 

report of Committee on Organization recom- 
mitted, 19. 

Messrs. Hough, Owen, and Evans to be com- 
mittee to communicate resolution to Presi- 
dent on site, 20. 

premiums to architects, 21. a 

Secretary w inform architects of disposition 
of plans, 21. 

committee to be appointed to enter into con- 
tracts, 21. 

Norman plan of building approved, 21. 

Building Committee to hear explanation of 
architects, 22. 

on death of Isaac S. Pennybacker, 22. 

daily hour of meeting to be 10 o’clock, 22. 

that Norman plan of ‘building be adopted, 24. 

John Haviland to be engaged if he can 
erect building for $100,000, 25. 

appropriations to be made for specific re- 
search, 25. ; 

papers to be published, entitled Smithsonian 
Contributions to Knowledge, 25. 

premiums to be offered for original papers, 
25. 

original research to be essential feature of 
plan of organization, 25. 

popular publications on subjects of general 
interest, 25. 

inexpedient to expend more than $100,000 on 
building, 25. 

Secretary to present plan for executing reso- 
lutions relative to publications, 26. 

permanent appropriation to be divided into 
two classes, 26. 

collection of specimens and formation of 
library in accordance with design of James 
Smithson, 26. 

Chancellor to prepare biographical notice of 
James Smithson, 26. 

Secretary to ask advice of men of science, 
27. 

Secretary to continue researches in physical 
science, 26. 

Committee on Organization to publish Con- 
tributions, 26. 

free lectures to be included in plan, 26. 

Secretary to nominate assistant, 27. 

approving nomination of Chas. C. Jewett, 27. 

Assistant to receive such compensation as 
peceaye Committee may deem reasona- 

le, 27. 

salary of Assistant Secretary, 27. 

Committee on Organization present details 
of plans for increase and diffusion of knowl- 
edge, 27. \ 

inexpedient toexpend more than $100,000, 28. 

plan of finance and construction which will 
Bot expend more than $100,00 of principal, 

that Building Committee be appointed, 29. 

Building Committee authorized to contract 
for laying out grounds, 29. 

Building Committee authorized to contract 
for fitting up building, 29. 

Secretary to contract for apparatus, 29. 

Norman plan of building adopted, 29. 

Building Committee authorized to contract 
for fence, 29. 

Building Committee may contract for warm- 
ing and lighting, 29. 

Building Committee to arrange contracts s 


INDEX. 


that wings be completed in two years and 
whole in five years, 29. 

Building Committee to award contract, 29. 

Building Committee may make modifica- 
tions in plan, 29. 

equal division to be made in appropriation of 
interest, 30. . 

Building Committee to extend gallery of art, 
and arrange lecture rooms, 30. 

Building Committee to publish volume con- 
taining plans, 30. 

Building Committee to invite separate pro- 
posals for different descriptions of work, 30. 

Executive Committee to certify amount of 
debts incurred, 30. 

Executive Committee authorized to receive 
payment in treasury notes, 30. 

Building Committee to invite proposals for 
construction of exterior walls, 31. 

1,000 copies of Hints on Publie Architecture 
to be published, 32. 

to appoint clerk of Building and Executive 
Committees, 32. 

ee of John Notman referred to commit- 

ee, 33. 

members of committees to fill temporary 
vacancies, 33. 

W. J. Hough to be appointed temporarily in 
place of J.G. Totten on Executive Com- 
mittee, 33. 

temporary appointment of A. D. Bache on 
Executive Committee, 33. 

appointing assistant to Secretary, 33. 

Secretary to add copy of will, &c., to report of 
Organization Committee, 33. 

$250 to be paid to Isaiah Rogers for plans, 33, 
36. 


contre to remain in force if site be chang- 

ed, 34. 9 | 

$250 to be paid John Notman for plans, 36. 

to procure a seal for the Institution, 38. 

Secretary to make experiments to determine 
the value of building materials, 38. 

Secretary authorized to receive treasury 
notes and deposit them in the treasury of 
the Senate, 38. 

Chancellor and Secretary authorized to sign 
report, 39. 

Secretary to inform Mr. Catlin when build- 
ing will be ready for collection, 39. 

$500 appropriated for experiments on build- 
ing stones, 40. 

Catlin’s collection to be deposited in S. I., 39. 

report of Building Committee recommitted, 


40. 

claim of Caleb Buckingham referred to 
Building Committee, 40. 

offer to sell portraits to lie on table, 41. 

Executive Committee to report appropriation 
desirable for year 1848, 41. ’ 

programme of organization adopted provis- 
ionally, 41. } 

Executive Committee to print address on 
laying of corner-stone, 41. 

report of Building Committee, Secretary, and 
Executive Committee, to be inserted in 
Journal, 41. 

Wm. Archer has no claim on Board, 41. | 

Baker & Scribner cannot have new copyright 
certificate, 42. 

to exhibit Greek Slave, 43. 

letter of Lieut. Gilliss to be referred to Sec- 
retary, 44. , 

to fill vacancy occasioned by appointment of 
Richard Rush Minister to France, 44. 

Chancellor to be organ of communication 
with public, and Secretary between officers 
of S. I. and Board, 44, 

Building Committee may return drawings of 
John Notman, 44. 

Lewis Cass and Henry W. Hilliard to move 
for printing additional copies of report, 45. 

Chancellor and chairmen of committees to 

prepare report for Congress, 45. 


INDEX. 


Resolutions—Continued. 

Chancellor to request meeting of Establish- 
ment, 45. 

J. A. Pearce appointed committee to ask Con- 
gress to elect R. D. Owen as Regent, 45. 

Chancellor to convey to R. Rush the regret of 
Board at absence, 45 

Board to recommend to the Establishment 
election of R. Rush as honorary member,45. 

Cc. C. Jewett’s duties to commence March 19, 
1849, 46. 

relative to scale of expenditures, adopted, 46. 

committee of three to consider what services 
may be rendered by Assistant Secretary 
betore March, 1849, 46. 

salary of messenger fixed at $400, 47. 

relative to service of Assistant Secretary, 47. 

to excuse R. D. Owen from service on Execu- 
tive Committee, 47. 

referring Mr. Stabler’s communication to 
Executive Committee, 47. 

relative to appointment of committee to con- 
sider what services may be rendered by 
Assistant Secretary, 48. 

relative to successor to Lewis Cass, 48. 

account of expenditures by Executive Com- 
mittee to be entered in Journal, 48. 

compensation to assistant secretary referred 
to Executive Committee, 49. 

duties of assistant secretary before March 
19, 1849, 49. 

200 copies of memoir to be presented to Squier 
and Davis, 50. 

reports to be entered on Journal, 50. 

Bartlett’s new English dictionary to be re- 
ferred to Secretary, Executive Committee, 
and G. P. Marsh, 51. 

committee to be appointed to communicate 
thanks of Board to Dr. Hare, 51. 

Secretary to purchase lithographic stones, 51, 

Secretary to return thanks for assistance in 
promoting objects of Institution, 52. 

Chancellor, Secretary, and chairman of Ex- 
ecutive Committee to prepare report, 52. 

Secretary to insert in records names of indi- 
viduals and societies commending pro- 
gramme, 52. 

to exchange treasury notes for United States 
stock, 53. 

Building Committee to transfer $200 from ex- 
periments on building materials to publi- 
cation of volume on public architecture, 53. 

meeting to elect Chancellor, vice Dallas, 54. 

Secretary to inform President of Senate that 
vacancy exists in Board of Regents, 54. 

Assistant Secretary to receive full compensa- 
tion, 54. 

illustrated catalogue of Hare’s apparatus, 54. 

Chancellor and Secretary to communicate to 
Geo. M. Dallas appreciation of his services 
on Board, 54. 

Secretary to purchase portrait of James 
Smithson from Mrs. Fitall, 56. 

Honorary Members to attend meetings of 
Board, 56. 

reports of Building and Executive Com- 
mittees to be recorded, 56. 

report of Secretary to form part of report to 
Congress, 56. 

Seeretary to report on scheme of Mr. Har- 
mon, 58. 

thanks to examiners of memoirs, 58. 

Seeretary to furnish Lieut. Gilliss with in- 
struments, 58. TEN 

architects to send in designs for buildings, 
59. 

committee to examine Mr. Harmon’s plan of 
re-executing architectural drawings, 60. 

contractor entitled to $41,000 a year, 60. 

committee to take under consideration re- 
ports on subject of accident, 61. ; 

Mr. Harmon to execute elevation of S. I. in 
his peculiar style, 61. " 

thanks to E. G. Squier for gift of relics, 62. 


53 


833 


Resolutions—Continued. 

Building Committee to take legal advice as 
to power possessed by Regents under con- 
tract, 62. 

zepeEton Committee on Building recommit- 
ted, 62. 

Building Committee to negotiate compro- 
mise with contractor relative to defective 
work, 63. 

Seeretary and chairman of Executive Com- 
mittee toreport system of disbursing funds 
of Institution, 63. 

thanks to Abbott Lawrence for attention to 
interests of Institution, 63. 

permanent fund to be enlarged, 63. 

declining to receive minerals with view to 
purchase, 63. 

Secretary to communicate resolution to Con- 
gress relative to fund, 63. 

Chancellor and Secretary to sell $200,000 of 
stock, 63. 

Chancellor and Secretary to acknowledge 
volumes from British Government, 64. 

Secretary to appoint assistant to act as treas- 
urer, 66. 

Executive Committee to advance $17,980 to 
contractor, 66. . 

adopting report of committee charged with 
examination of building, 66. 

J. G. Totten appointed member of Executive 
Committe, 67. 

Walter Lenox appointed member of Build- 
ing Committee, 67. 

Secretary authorized to appoint assistant sec- 
retary in department of natural history, 67. 

thanks to W. W. Seaton for able and valuable 
services, 67. 

$20,000 appropriated for current expenses, 68. 

Secretary authorized to appoint a general as- 
sistant, 68. 

Board to elect Chancellor, 69. 

Secretary to communicate resolution to Con- 
gress relative to increase of fund, 71. 

to enlarge permanent fund of S. L., 71. 

thanks of Board to be presented to Alex- 
ander Culbertson, 72. 

Begone referred to Executive Committee, 

3. 

report of Secretary and Executive Commit- 
tee adopted, and to be sent to Congress, 73. 

$25,000 appropriated for annual expenses, 
73. 


io. 
Walter Lenox appointed committee to report 
upon proposition to obtain bell, 73. 
Secretary authorized to purchase bell, 74. 
Secretary to appoint agent abroad to conduct 
exchanges, 74. 
Secretary to employ accountant, 74. 
Executive Committee to inquire into expe- 
diency of providing residences for officers, 


Chancellor to fill vacancies in Building Com- 
mittee, 75. 

James A. Pearce to have memorial taken 
from files of Senate and referred to Com- 
mittee on Finance, 76. 

Executive Committee to advance $6,000 to 
contractor, 76. 

Chancellor and Secretary to sell $180,000 of 
Bock, and deposit proceeds with Corcoran 
& Riggs, 76. 

Secretary added to Building Committee, 76. 

copy of special report of Secretary to be pub- 
lished in National Intelligencer, 77. 

willof Thomas Wynns referred to Mr. Mason, 


78. 

vote of thanks to Sir Henry Bulwer for aid- 
ing transmission of publications, 79. 

Dr. Stone’s proposition for monument to 
Smithson to lie on table, 79. 

Secretary authorized to accept offer of Henry 
Stevens to collect facts about James Smith- 
son, 79. 

$30,000 appropriated for expenses of S. I., 80. 


834 


Resolutions— Continued. 

Building Committee to finish building and 
make changes, 80. 

Secretary to inform Joseph H. Bradley that 
Board will unite in arrangement between 
Sniffin & Cameron, 80. 

thanks to Chas. G. Page for apparatus, 81. 

subject of depositing copyright books re- 
ferred to committee, 81. 

correspondence to be preserved in bound 
volumes and open at call of Regents or 
Executive Committee, 81. 

Chancellor and Secretary to make annual re- 
port to Congress, 81. 

$150 added to sum allowed J. G. Fliigel, 82. 

$500 to be added to salaries of Prof. Baird and 
Cc. C. Jewett in lieu of residence, 83. 

allowance of $500 to Secretary in lieu of resi- 
dence, 83. 
of respect for memory of Andrew J. Down- 


ing, 85. 

to pay bills of J. Renwick, 85. 

J. Renwick’s accounts to be settled when he 
shall render final certificate, 85. 

Building Committee to settle accounts of G. 
Cameron, 85. 

vacancy in Executive Committee to be filled, 


86. 

B.S. Alexander requested to supervise execu- 
tion of plan, 87. 

plans of B. 8. Alexander adopted by Board, 
87 


$500 appropriated for instruments for E. K. 
Kane, 88. 

magnetic observatory to be erected, 89. 

on death of C. B. Adams, 89. 

on death of Sears C. Walker, 89. 

vacancy in Building Committee filled by 
nomination of Chair, 93. 

thanks to J. O. Halliwell for gift of manu- 
scripts, 90. 

compensation to J. G. Fliigel to be $300 per 
annum, 90. 

surplus fund to be continued with Corcoran 
& Riggs, 91. 

distribution of income referred to select com- 
mittee, 91. 

Secretary to call attention of Library Com- 
mittee of Congress to plan of stereotyping 
catalogue, 91. 

Building Committee and Executive Com- 
mittee to alter east wing into dwelling for 
Secretary, 92. f 

Secretary and other officers to furnish Board 
with estimates of appropriations, 94. 

granting use of rooms, &¢c., to United States 
Agricultural Society, 96. 

Executive Committee and Secretary to sub- 
mit to Board of Regents estimates for ex- 
penses, 98. 

compromise on organization, 103. 

annual appropriations to be apportioned spe- 
cifically, 112. 

requiring equal division of income between 
active operations and museum to be re- 
pealed, 112. 

report of special committee on income order- 
ed to be printed, 112. 

Secretary has powerto remove assistants, 113. 

Board has power to remove Secretary, 113. 

Executive Committee authorized to investi- 
gate claims of L. Blodget, 114. 

refusing admission to meetings of Board of 
reporters, 115. 

large proportion of income should be appro- 
pee for formation of library, not adopt- 
ed, 115. 

appropriations apportioned specifically, 115. 

requiring equal division of income repealed, 
115. 


expenditures for library to be made under 
irection of Library Committee, 115. 
communication from G. A. Cameron referred 
to Building Committee, 116. 


INDEX. 


Resolutions—Continued. 

committee of three to confer with committee 
ot Establishment as to means of communi-— 
cation between bodies, 116. 

to return memorial to C. C. Jewett, 117. 

approval by Board not essential to validity of- 
act of Secretary in removing C. C. Jewett,. 
117, 118. 

approving action of Secretary in removing 
C. C. Jewett, 117, 118. 

Building Committee to pay for excess of cost: 
of building over estimates out of funds on. 
deposit, 118. 

of House of Representatives appointing 
special committee to inquire into manage-- 
ment of S. L., 119. , j 

committee of five appointed to represent 
Board before Committee of Investigation: 
of House of Representatives, 119. 

Secretary to decline offer of J. M. Stanley,. 
119. 

Committee of Finance appointed to inquire 
into proper investment of funds of Institu-- 
tion, 120. 

communication between Institution and 
Board of Regents to be through Secre- 
tary, 120. 

correspondence to be conducted by Secre- 
tary, 120. 

annual meeting of Board of Regents to be 
held on third Wednesday in January,. 
122. 

respect to memory of J. Macpherson Berrien,,. 
122. 

Secretary to return thanks to transportation 
companies for liberality, 123. 

committee to inquire into manner of invest- 
ing extra funds, 123. 

letter of trustees of Hamilton College re- 
ferred to Bache, Totten, and Henry to ex- 
amine tslescope, 124, 

Mason and English, committee to draught 
bill asking authority to receive funds or 
legacies and for power to sue and be sued, 

OF 


report of Committee on Finance to invest. 
in State stocks concurred in, 127. 

Committee on Finance to invest fund in 
State bonds and stocks, 127. 

Secretary to purchase State stocks at market 
rates, 128. 

funds deposited with Corcoran & Riggs to be: 
placed in hands of Riggs & Co., 130. 

respect to memory of Jacob W. Bailey, 132. 

respect to memory of William C. Redfield, 
132. 

communication of Dr. Hare, on weights and 
measures, to be transmitted to Secretary of 
Treasury, with recommendation that in- 
strument be received by Government, 
132; to be inserted in report, 182. 

communication of Secretary on S. F. B. Morse 

- referred to committee, 133. 

thanks for present of Grecian Album from 
Miss Contaxaki, 137. 

Seer to memory of Dr. Hare, 139. 

S. F. B. Morse has not refuted statements- 
of Prof. Henry, 150. 

that report of committee on Prof. Henry’s 
communication relative to telegraph, be 
recorded in proceedings of Regents, 150. 

confidence in Prof. Henry and value of his 
great discoveries, 150. 

$2,000 appropriated for casts of works of art,. 
152. 


thanks of Board to companies for liberality 
to Lieut. Gilliss, 152. 

thanks of Board to R. Schleiden for inter- 
vention with North German Lloyd for free: 
freights, 152. 

respect to memory of Richard Rush, 155. 

respect to memory of W. W. Turner, 157. 

respect to memory of Washington Irving, 
159, 


INDEX. 


Resolutions— Continued. 

remarks of A. D. Bache entered in proceed- 
ings, 161. 

respect to memory of James P. Espy, 161. 

appropriation of $500 to aid eclipse expedi- 
tion of Lieut. Gilliss, 162. 

Executive Committee to invest $5,000 of extra 
fund, 163. 

instruments to be furnished Dr. Hayes, 163. 

sesveck to memory of Gustavus Wurdeman, 

64, 

respect to memory of Parker Cleayeland, 164. 

thanks of Board to companies and individ- 
uals who have transported books free of 
charge, 165. 

Board concur in opinion of Secretary that 
Regents are in no way interested in debt 
of Arkansas, 166. 

Secretary to adjust accounts of Regents for 
travelling expenses, 166. 

Secretary requested to communicate with 
Clarke, Fynmore & Fladgate relative to 
condition of annuity, 166. 

Secretary to give T. S. C. Lowe advice as to 
his eronautic experiments, 167. 

Secretary to procure plans and estimates for 
introduction of Potomac water, 170. 

Theodore D. Woolsey to prepare notice of 
C. C. Felton, 174. 

respeet to memory of C. C. Felton, 174. 

S. S. Cox prepare notice of S. A. Douglas, 179. 

respect to memory of S. A. Douglas, 179. 

thanks for free freights to Hamburg Ameri- 
can Co., 184. 

Secretary and Executive Committee to con- 
sult with President relative to obtaining 
residuary legacy of Smithson, 184. 

respect to memory of James A. Pearce, 192. 

to submit to Congress whether G. E. Badger 
should longer remain on the list of Re- 
gents, 193. 

that A. D. Bache be requested to furnish a 
copy of his remarks in relation to James 
A. Pearce, 193. 

to inform Congress that G. E. Badger has not 
attended meetings of Board and is in re- 
bellion against the Government, 193. 

to pay funeral expenses of Wm. McPeak, 
janitor, 193. 

to take charge of libraries deposited by War 
Department and carefully preserve them 
until the end of the war, 194. 

to appoint committee to confer with Secre- 
tary of State and British Minister on Smith- 
son’s residuary legacy, 219. Le 

approving action of Secretary in declining 
bequest of herbarium, 219. 

appointing committee on extending active 
operations and separate maintenance of 
collections, 220. poe 

to draw money from England and deposit it 
with Treasurer of United States, 233. 

of sympathy at death of Roger B. Taney and 
J. G. Totten, 233. , 

to postpone action on Agassiz’s report on 
museum, 234, i 

to ask Treasury Department to pay interest 
in coin, 234. ; 

to appoint committee on origin of the fire 
and measures for repair of building, 235. 

to postpone consideration of Agassiz’s re- 
port, 234. 

approving measures of the Secretary after 
the fire, 235. ‘ ; 

to submit payment of interest in coin to 
Congress, 236. ; 

to apply to Congress for act to increase the 
fund, 236. i 

to invest Smithson’s residuary legacy in 
United States 7.30 bonds, 236. : 

to furnish Congress with information as to 
cost of repairs to building, funding resid- 
uary legacy of Smithson, and payment of 
interest in coin, 239. 


835 


Ee eet etEOnG Contin 
o have eulogies prepared on Taney, Dayton 
and Totten, 240. eae 
peaks to all who rendered aid at the fire, 
intrusting repairs of building and disposal 
of stocks to committee, 241. 
to pay funeral expenses of John Connor, 241. 
fixing salary of secretary, assistant secretary, 
and chief clerk, 241. 
to ask Treasury Department to pay interest 
for 1862, *3, 4 in coin, 243. 
to have Institution represented at surrogate’s 
once, Brooklyn, in case of Wynns’ estate, 


that library be deposited with Librarian of 
Congress on conditions, 244. 

Secretary to present statement of State 
stocks, 246. 

to apply to Congress to receive into the treas- 
ury sums to add toSmithson’s bequest, not 
exceeding in all $1,000,000, 248. 

to authorize sale of stocks, 248. 

to memorialize Congress to receive residuary 
legacy of Smithson and to allow Regents 
to add to fund, 300. 

respect to memory of W. W. Seaton, 301. 

to allow $500 to Wm. De Beust for loss of tools 
by fire, 302. 

on proper deposit of the income and system 
of accounts, 302. 

relative to best use of large room in second 
story of main building, 303. 

respect to memory of A. D. Bache, 304. 

to sell stocks and add $100,000 to fund, 306. 

SdOPHDS new system of accounts and author- 
ping eposit of income in a national bank, 

O7. 

respect to memory of R. Kennicott and H. 
Bryant, 307. 

to ask Congress for appropriation for care of 
museum and fitting up of hall, 320. 

thanks for free freight to steamer and rail- 
road companies, 320. 

on distribution of specimens, returns to be 
claimed, use of hall, expenses of collec- 
tions not to encroach on active operations, 
320. 

to inquire in regard to the canal, 321. 

to ask Congress for $50,000 for finishing hall 
and $10,000 annually for museum, 321. 

approving of memorial of Chancellor and 
Secretary, 323. 

to increase salary of Secretary, 323. 

as to compensation of officers of Institution, 
323. 

to memorialize Congress to abate nuisance 
of canal, 350. 

to ask Congress to increase appropriation for 
collections to $10,000, 350. : 

to appoint John Maclean on Executive Com- 
mittee, 350. 

respect to memory of C. A. Alexander, 351. 

to have east wing and range insured, 351. 

respect to memory of W. P. Fessenden, 352. 

to grant leave of absence to Prof. Henry to 
visit Europe and $2,000 for expenses, 352. 

to make allowance to W. J. Rhees for extra 
services, 352. f 

relative to services of W. J. Rhees as chief 
clerk, 353. 

to have detailed statement of money expend- 

* ed on museum, 353. Poh 

to apply to Congress for.appropriation of $10,- 
000 for collections, 354. tJ 

that Prof. Henry give account of his visit to 
Europe, 355. 

thanks for free freights and free passage to 
Prof. Henry, 355. 

regret at resignation of R. Delafield as Re- 
gent, 356. f 

to authorize Secretary to appoint permanent 
assistant as chief clerk, 356. 


836 


Resolutions—Continued. 

to place O’Reilly’s letter on telegraph in 
archives, 385. 

relative to stable, 385. 

to place letter of F. O. J. Smith on telegraph, 
in archives, 386. 

to send Virginia bonds to have seal affixed, 
386. 

to refer Secretary’s statement of fund to Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 387. 

respect to memory of Garret Davis, 387. 

plan to be reported for co-operation with 
Corcoran Art Gallery, 388. 

thanks to telegraph companies for free tele- 
grams of astronomical discoveries, 389. 

accepting report of Executive Committee on 
claim for portrait of Washington, 389. 

to furnish information as to Catlin’s Indian 
collection to Congress, 390. 

to co-operate with Corcoran Art Gallery, 392. 

respect to memory of J. H. Coffin, 392. 

to publish accounts of Bache, Toner, and 
Tyndall trusts, 393. 

to transmit report of Secretary to Congress, 


electing Nathan Clifford, Chancellor, 416. 

respect to memory of 8. P. Chase and L. 
Agassiz, 416, 420, 421. 

to deposit income with Secretary of Treas- 
ury, 419. 

relative to accounts and requisitions, 420. 

thanks to G. W. Riggs for financial services 
after suspension of First National Bank, 
423. 

to accept bequest of James Hamilton, and 
deposit it with Secretary of Treasury as 
addition to Smithson fund, 424. 

of thanks to P. T. Barnum for donations, 425. 

action in relation tothe Korner manuscripts, 

25. 

authorizing deposit of works of art in Corco- 
ran Art Gallery, 425. 

to receive aid for exchange system, 426. 

regret at resignation of W. T. Sherman, 429. 

relative to loss from office of Secretary by 
theft, 429. 

to appoint committee on death of Henry 
Wilson, 433. 

to appoint committee on connection of S. I. 
and National Museum, 436. 

to purchase carriage, not to cost more than 
$400, 436. 

fixing salary of Chief Clerk at $2,500, 436. 

respect to memory of Henry Wilson, 436. 

W. W. Seaton made chairman of Executive 
Committee, 439. 

relative to investment of accrued interest in 
United States stocks, 440. 

inexpedient to act on investment, 444. 

scale of expenditure for four years, 447. 

relative to seal, 445, 446, 447, 458, 460. 

to pay. C. C. Jewett $250, 461. 

to have head of Smithson engraved, 462. 

relative to Hare’s apparatus, 463. 

to procure copies of report, 463. 

relative to distribution of publications, 464. 

relative to importance of service of Altona 
Observatory and Astronomischen Nach- 
richten, 472. 

Revised Statutes, act of organization, 761. 
Revolutionary patriots, offer of portraits of, 41, 

43 


Rewards of money, medals, &e., struck out of 
programme, 74. 
Reynolds, Chas., on Navajo language, 253. 
Rhees, W. J., loss of Smithsonian diaries and 
account books by fire, 237. 
allowance to, for extra services, 352. 
desire of Secretary to recall, 356. 
personal loss of, at fire, $1,200, 238. 
remarks of Prof. Henry relative to conduct 
of business by, 352. 
resolutions of Board of Regents relative to 
resignation of, 353. 


INDEX. 


Rice & Kendall, money refunded by, 528. 
Rice, J. H., attended meeting of Board by in- 
vitation, 235. 
suggestion by, relative to appropriation by 
Congress to repair building, 239. 
Rich, O., offers services in supplying books, 11. 
Ried, Aquila, sends skulls and mummy, 201. 
Riggs, Jr., Geo. W., commending Shea’s Indian 
inguistics, 190. 
appointed trustee of Corcoran Art Gallery, 
7) 


402. : 
liberality of, in advancing funds after sus- 
pension of First National Bank, 423. 
Riggs & Co., services of, 245. 
accounts of, 535, 559, 573, 581. 
converted Virginia bonds from registered to 
coupon, 384. 
deposit with, 129, 130, 305, 566. 
funds in charge of, 506. 
statement of Virginia stock, 388. 
Roberts, M. O., thanks to, for free freights, 123. 
Robeson, Geo. M., attendance at Establish- 
ment, 773. 
Rogers, Fairman, memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 
Rogers, H. J., trial of B. B. French vs., 146. 
Rogers, Isaiah, conferred with by Building 
Committee, 6. 
bill of expenses of, 32. 
explanation of plans by, 23. 
letter from A. E. Belknap refuting charges 
in regard to character of, 22. 
letter from, explaining plan of building, 28. 
report relative to claims of, 35. 
resolution to pay $250 to, for plans, 33. 
Romero, M., aid to Mr. Xantus’ explorations 
in Mexico, 213. 
Roofs, specifications for, 659. 
Root, Orin, letter from, on telescope, 124. 
on exchange of specimens, 187. 
Rosing, J., on exchanges with Bremen, 259. 
Ross, Bernard R., letter from, on meteorologi- 
eal observations, 165. 
Rosse, Earl of, brought subject of exchange of 
publications before British Government, 
82. 
Rotation of crops, papers presented on, 19. 
Royal Institution, promotion of science by, 797. 
Royal Society will receive and distribute ex- 
changes, 82. 
members of, examine Prof. Henry, 775. 
promotion of science by, 800. 
report of joint committee of British Associa- 
tion on continuance of magnetic observa- 
tions, 153. 
Rucker, Gen., roof constructed by, 715. 
Rupert’s Land, circular of Institute of, 189. 
Rush, Bighard, drew four years, term as Re- 
gent, 2. 
amendment offered by, to resolution on li- 
brary, 13. ; 
appointed in place of Mr. Davis on Building 
Committee, 75. 
appointed Minister to France, 44. 
appointed on committee to report on subject 
of formation of library, 3. 
appointed on committee to ascertain whether 
Madame De la Batut still survives, 4. 
appointed on committee to represent Board 
at investigation, 119. 
appointed on Library Committee, 14. 
appointed on special committee on distribu- 
tion of income, 92. 
approves James Renwick’s plans, 27. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 5, 16, 20, 34, 55, 
5G, 68, 69, 70, 75,76, 86, 97, 112, 114, 116, 117, 121. 
compensation to, 734. ; 
gave account of annuity to Madame De la 
Batut, 72. . 
letter from, offer of service in Paris, 689. 
letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 441. coals 
motion by, to elect J. T. Towers to Building 
Committee, 118. 


INDEX. 837 


Rush, Rtchard— Continued. 
offered resolution to aid Dr. Kane’s Arctic 
ee Mtewletier fi HIngeatoan e aalie FON: &e., for sale, 198. 
Yr from Clarke, Fynmore an chlagintweit collection of etl i 
Fladgate relative to Madame De la Batut, 329. ee eee 
20. Schleider, R., thanks to, for intervention with 
North German Lloyd for free freights, 152. 
Schoolcraft, Henry R., request of, respecting 
paper on ethnology, 39. 
School for silk culture proposed, 123. 
Seheol e design in Washington, models loaned 
0, 95. 
Schultz, John, letter from, on science in Ru- 
pert’s Land, 189. 
Schumacher, Prof., importance of astronom- 
a ical services of, 472. 
‘ churz, C., attendance at Establishment, 774. 
report relative to Madame De la Batut, 8. Schuyler, Robert, letter from, G88. Y 
report of special committee on income, 101. Science in America, account of, by Prof. Henry, 
resolution by, to publish report of Secretary 775. 4 
in National Intelligencer, 77. Science in United States, influence of S. I. on, 
death of, announced, and remarks by James 317. 
A. Pearce, 154. Tyndall trust for, 411. 
resolutions of respect for memory of, 155. Scientific Commission, English, examination 
Messrs. Clarke, Fynmore & Fladgate to be of Prof. Henry by, 775. 
informed of death of, 166. Scientific researches, value of, 106. 
speculations, 424. 


Russell, James, work in library by, 477. 
Serap-books from W. Darlington, 197. 


employment of, to construct planetarium 
Reulpiore, copies of famous works of, proposed, 
25. 


Schilling, Baron, telegraph of, 145. 
Schlagintweit, H. de, offers objects of natural 


presented letter from Harrison Hall, 56. 

presented letter from James Buchanan re- 
commending Robert W. Burrows for ap- 
pointment, 23. 

presented letter from Miss Legare, 5. 

presented letters relative to applications for 
office of secretary, 5. 

proposed as an Honorary Member, 45. 

re-elected Regent, 131. 

report of Building Committee, 707, 708, 710, 
Tare 


recommended, 34. 
Russian antiquities, work on, presented, 127. 
Russian Government, aid to Bischotf’s explo- 


Sea, approach of, upon the land, 333. 
ration, 328. ae ae f 


Sea-coast defences of United States, 269. 
Seal for Institution, 38, 445, 455, 456, 458, 461. 
procured for publications, 465. 
= Seaton, W. W., elected member of Executive 
Committee, 2, 33, 439. 
account as Treasurer, 501. 
all disbursements for 8. I. made by, 486. 
appointed on committee to examine Mr. Har- 
mon’s plan of re-executing architectural 
drawings, 60. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 2, 3, 5, 16, 20, 34, 40, 
41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 59, 
60, 62, 69, 75, 76, 78, 80, 83, 85, 86, 91, 92, 93, 
114, 120, 121, 125, 133, 135, 151, 154, 161, 192, 
218, 234. 
attendance at Establishment, 771. 
building contract, 630. 
chosen Treasurer, 66, 486. 


Sabine, Edward, letter from, relative to ex- 
change of scientific publications, 82. 
communication from,'relative to establish- 
ment of magnetic observatories, 153. 
Safe, specifications for, 638. 
Salary of Secretary fixed, 15. 
increase of, proposed, 323. 
Salary of Assistant Secretary, 27. 
Salary, increase of, asked by Prof. Baird, 152. 
of Chief Clerk fixed at $2,500, 436. 
of messenger fixed at $400, 47. 
of J. G. Flugel fixed at $300, 90. 
Salaries, expenditures for, 43, 108, 490, 491, 493, 


494, 496, 498, 504, 508, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 528, 531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 552, 556, 
560, 567, 574, 582, 724. 

of assistants referred to Secretary and Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 164. 

of officers referred to committee, 323. 

of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Chief 
Clerk increased, 241. 


communication from, recommending placing 
bell in tower, 72. 

elected chairman of Executive Committee, 3, 
439. 

letter of, relative to investment of interest 
in United States stocks, 440. 

letters from R. D. Owen to, 5, 7. 

motion by, to recommit report of Building 


Committee, 40. 
motion by, on copyright certificate, 42. 
motion by, fixing salary of messenger, 47. 
motion by, that Sidney Breese move in Sen- 
ate to fill vacancy in Regents, 48. 
motion by, that accounts be entered on the 
Journal, 48. 
motion by, to thank Dr. Hare for apparatus, 


Sales of publications and old material, 548, 551, 
557, 501, 568, 574, 583. 

Salisbury, Prof., on paper submitted to, 475. 

Samuelson, Bernhard, examination of Prof. 
Henry by, 775. 

Sand, proposals for, 616. 

Sand-stone, report of James Renwick on, 661. 

Sand-stones of the Potomac, D. D. Owen’s re- 


ort on, 612. 51. : 
Sandwich Islands, W. H. Pease on, 210. ; motion by, Secretary to appoint bookkeeper, 
San José, University of, Costa Rica, exchanges 53. Hite 
with, 334. motion by, to make appropriations, 53. 


motion by, to thank George M. Dallas for 


Sarcophagus from Sidon, inscription on, 157. a , 
services as Chancellor, 54. 


Sargent, A. A., appointed Regent, 420. 


appointed on committee on connection of 

g. I. and National Museum, 436. 

attendance as Regent, 419, 423, 428, 430, 433, 
434. 

motion to charge amount of loss by theft, 
$154.50, to incidental expenses, 429. 

motion that salary of Chief Clerk be $2,500, 
436. 

motion to adopt report of Executive Com- 
mittee, 436. 


motion by, to meet to elect a Chancellor, 54, 

motion by, to invite honorary members to 
attend meetings of the Board, 56. 

motion by, that report of Secretary be sent 
to Congress, 56. 

motion by, for system of keeping and dis- 
bursing funds, 63. 

motion by, relative to Toronto Observatory, 
64, 

motion relative to clork, 41. 


offered library of Henry S. Fox for sale, 43. 
offered resolution on sale of stocks, 63. 
offered resolution relative to architects, 22, 


Saxton, Jos., opinion of seal, 461. : 
Schaeffer, d. ©., sealed packet deposited by, 
462. 


838 


W. W. Seaton— Continued. 

offered resolutions to have separate proposals 
for building, 30. 

presented application of A. B. McFarland, 20. 

presented applications, 51. 

presented claim of Mr. Archer, 40. 

presented communication of G. Catlin, 17. 

presented letter from W. A. Coleman, 18. 

presented letter from John Notman, 22. 

presented letter from H. Stockton, 34. 

presented letter from trustees of Bank of the 
United States offering portraits for sale, 41. 

presented letters relative te applications for 
office of Secretary, 5. 

prevented report of receipts and expenses, 

0 


proposed to amend resolution in relation to 
site of building, 9. 

report of Building Committee, 596, 698, 701. 

report on building, 7. 

report of Executive Committee, 42, 50, 52, 56, 
481, 484, 485. 

report on expenditures, 93, 122, 457. 

report on fire-proofing building, 66. 

resolution by, to procure seal for S. I., 38. 

resolution by, relative to report, 39. 

resolution by, requesting meeting of the 
Establishment, 45. 

resolution in regard to death of, 301. 

request of, to withdraw report of Executive 
Committee, 52. 

sketch of life and services of, 308. 

thanks of Board to, 67. 

would not accept compensation as treasurer, 
66. 

Secretary of the Institution, Wm. J. Hough 

elected, 2. 

account of correspondence, 424. 

account of operations by, 355. 

allowance to, in lieu of residence of $500 per 
annum, 83. 

and chairman of Executive Committee to re- 
port system of keeping funds, 63. 

and Chancellor authorized to make annual 
report of Regents to Congress, 73. 

application for office of, 5, 11. 

appointmentand removal of assistants by, 110. 

appointed on committee to represent Board 
at investigation by Congress, 119. 

appointed on committee on active operations 
and museum, 220. 

appointed on the committee on the fire, 235. 

appointed on committee on deposit of in- 
come and system of accounts, 302. 

appointed on committee to ask for appropria- 
tion for museum, 3820. 

arrangement of discharge of duties of, 15. 

assistant, to act in conjunction with, 49. 

autuorized to receive treasury notes, 38. 

authorized to sign report of Board to Con- 
gress, 39. 

authorized to appoint assistant in depart- 
ment of natural history, 67. 

authorized to appoint general assistant, 68. 

authorized to employ accountant, 74. 

certificates of stock stand in name of, 78. 

communication between Institution and 
Board of Regents to be through, 120. 

communication of, relative to article by 
S. F. B. Morse, 182. 

duties and powers of, 110. 

election of Joseph Henry as, 12. 

office accepted by Joseph Henry, 17. 

Executive Committee to consult with, in re- 
lation to appropriations, 41. 

expenditures for, 481, 482, 498, 504, 508, 510, 
513, 516, 519, 521, 525, 528, 531, 534, 538, 543, 
546, 552. 

gave account of history of S. I., 423. 

letters commending plan of organization by, 
45, ‘ 

of S. I. made trustee of Toner lectures, 408. 

presented report of transactions and pro- 
gramme of organization, 40. 


INDEX. 


Secretary of the Institution—Continued. 
proceeds of lecture by, at Princeton credited 


to Board, 48. ‘ 
programme presented by, adopted provision- 
ally, 41. 


proposed amendments in programme of or- 
ganization, 74. 

power to remove assistants, 113. 

removal of C. C. Jewett by, 117. 

report by, on accounts and funds, 66. 

report of, on State stocks, 247. 

report in relation to Centennial Exhibition, 
436. 

salary of, 15, 108. ; 

salary of, increased, 241. 

apc have principal direction of affairs of 

. 1, 492. : 

thanks to Wm. J. Hough for disinterested 
services as, 15. 

to adopt rule of giving no opinion on any sub- 
ject unless required to examine it by the 

oard, 44. 

to appoint agent abroad, 74. 

to appoint assistant to act as Treasurer, 66. 

to appoint book-keeper, 53. 

to be associated with Building Committee in 
investigating accident to building, 61. 

to be consulted in regard to resolutions, 14. 

to be organ of communication between offi- 
cers of Institution and Board, 44. 

to be president of faculty, 14. 

to communicate with men eminent in sci- 
ence, 27. 

to conduct all correspondence, 120. 

to continue physical researches, 26. 

to contract for apparatus, 29. 

to exchange treasury notes for United States 
stock, 53. 

to give lectures, 26. 

to pine opinion relative to observations on 
the solar parallax, 44. 

to make experiments to determine the value 
of building materials, 38. 

to nominate assistant, 27. 

to participate in deliberations of Board, but 
without a vote, 16. 

to prepare plan for executing resolutions 
relative to publications, 26. 

visits of, to Cambridge, Canada, New York, 
&e., 479. 

of State, Treasury, and War to furnish to 
public officers suggestions in regard to 
procurement of additions to museum, 12. 

of Treasury. See Treasury. 

of War to turnish suggestions regarding pro- 
curement of specimens, 13. 

of War, interview with Prof. Henry as to de- 
posit of books, 194. 

Secchi, Prof, obtained permission for S. I. to 
procure casts in Rome, 163. 

Select committee on resolutions of Messrs. 
Fitch and Meacham, resolution by, on 
power of Secretary to remove assistants, 
112. 

Select committee on distribution of income, 
paper submitted to, by C. C. Jewett, 117. 
Senate, certificate of Secretary of, as to Re- 

gents, to be recorded, 3. 

certificates of stock transferred from vaults 
of Secretary of, 78. 

passage of bill by, relative to fund, 303. 

Senators, list of those who have been Regents, 
749. 

Seneca sandstone, report on, 589, 590, 599, 612, 
661. 

proposals for, 622. 

Sewage system of Washington, 346. 

Sewer, construction of, through the building, 
707. 

Seybert, Henry, memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 

Shaffner’s Telegraph Companion, article in, by 
Ss. F. B. Morse making attack on Prof. 
Henry, 140, 142. 


INDEX. 


Sharpey, Wm., examination of Prof. Henry by, 
778. 


Baty . G., Indian linguistics of, reeommend- 
ed, 190. 
account of library of, 190. 
advice of, on Indian vocabulary, 202. 
Indian linguistics by, 191. 
Indian publications of, 207. 
Indian vocabularies, account of, by Gibbs, 206, 
‘Shells, account of, given by Philadelphia Acad- 
emy, 249. 
asked for by Sir W. E. Logan, 162, 
presented by J. G. Totten to S. I., 295. 
‘Shepard, C. A., letter from, on preparing lists 
of minerals, 188. 
Shepherd, A. R., attendance as Regent, 419. 
‘Sherman, John, attendance at Establishment, 
774. 
Sherman, William T., elected Regent, 357. 
appointed on committee on death of S. P. 
Chase and L. Agassiz, 416. 
attendance as Regent, 357, 387, 389, 416, 419. 
elected to Executive Committee, 357. 
letter of resignation as Regent, and approy- 
ing policy of Prof. Henry, 428. 
motion by, to adopt resolutions on death of 
S. P. Chase, 421. 
report of Executive Committee, 564, 570, 571. 
report on Corcoran Art Gallery, 391. 
‘Shoes, collection of, offered, 465. 
‘Sibley, Hiram, co-operation of, in meteorology, 
1955) - 
‘Shuttlework, Sir James P. Kay, examination of 
Prof. Henry by, 775. 
Silk culture proposed by F. Gotteri, 123. 
‘Silliman, Benj., elected Honorary Member, 475, 
771 


‘ . 

‘Silliman, Prof., letters from, relative to selec- 
tion of building material, 5, 6. 

‘Simpson, Sir George, letter from, announcing 
desire of Hudson’s Bay Company to co-ope- 
rate with S. L., 135. 

letter from, offering to collect information, 

162. 

‘Simonton, J. W., communication from, asking 
permission to report meetings of Board, 115. 

Sile of Smithsonian building to be certified to, 


3. 

change of, not to affect contract, 34. 

City Hall suitable for, 36. 

consent of parties to selection of, 20. 

description of, to be recorded, 3. 

Mall between Ninth and Twelfth streets se- 
lected for, 19. 

Mall between Seventh and Twelfth streets 
selected, 17. 

refusal of approval of selection of, 19. 

selection of, by Board of Regents, 6, 9, 16. 

selection of, referred to Committee on Build- 
ing, 4. 

vote selecting, reconsidered, 10. 

‘Sitjar, B , Sextapay vocabulary, 191. i 
“Skinner, Mr., purchase of books from, on Agri- 
culture, 464, : 
‘Skulls deposited with Department of Agricul- 

ture, 425. 
Sky-lights, specifications for, 660. 
‘Smith, Buckingham, Heve grammar, 191. 
on language, 206, 207. 
Nevome grammar, 208. 
‘Smith, F. O. J., communication from, on tele- 
graph, 386. } 
‘Smith, Richard, letter from, offering portraits 
of revolutionary worthies, 43. _ s 
Smith, Thos. L., letter from, requesting appoint- 
ment, 23. 
‘Smithson fund, petition that $150,000 be added 
to principal of, 71. ; 
Smithson, James, design for monument in 
commemoration of, 79. 
bequest undiminished, 246. 
biographical notice of, to be prepared, 26. 
books of, how to be preserved, 357. 
«lid not intend to found a library, 105. 


839 


Smithson, James—Continued. 

engraved head of, to be made for title page 
ot books published by S. L., 462. 

letter from J. Guillemard and Prof. Faraday 
concerning, 53. 

medallion head of, used for seal, 38, 445. 

motto from manuscript of, for Smithsonian 

ublications, 465. 

offer of Henry Stevens to collect materials 
for memoir of life of, 79. 

personal effects of, lost in fire, 238. 

portrait of, offered for sale, 56. 

portrait of, received, 63. 

purchase of 5 Vols. of an encyclopedia be- 
longing to, 63. 

remainder of legacy received, 532, 535. 

researches on use of blow-pipe, 295. 

meat uary legacy of, committee appointed on, 
219. 

residuary legacy received and to be invested 
in United States bonds, 236. 

residuary legacy of, disposition of, 245. 

residuary legacy of, memorial to Congress 
on, 302. 

residuary legacy received into Treasury and 

dded to original bequest, 305. 

Secretary to purchase portrait of, from Mrs. 
Fitall, 56. 

will of, to be recorded, 3. 

Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, ex- 
penditures for, 481, 482, 491, 493, 495, 496, 
498, 504, 508, 511, 514, 516, 519, 521, 525, 528, 
531, 534, 538, 543, 546, 549, 553, 556, 560, 567, 
574, 582, 724. 

account of, Vol. 2, 475. 

ordered to be published, 26. 

parts of 3d and 4th Vols. presented, 81. 
6th Vol. presented to Board, 112. 

1ith Vol. presented, 163. 

Smithsonian Institution, history of, presented 

to Imperial Academy of Bordeaux, 154. 
A. D. Bache’s services to, 369. 
services of W. W. Seaton in Establishment 
of, 308. 
Sint; R. B., maps of mines in Victoria from, 
Ol. 


Snell, 8. S., apparatus to illustrate wave motion, 
from, 471. 

Sniftin, John, claims of, against G. Cameron, 79. 
condition of suit between Cameron and, $3. 
report of Building Committe on claims of, 80. 

Societies, transactions of, Prof. Henry’s propo- 

sal relative to catalogue of, 123. 

Soemmering, plans of telegraph of, 145. 

Solar parallax, Gilliss proposes observatories, 


44, 
Solicitor of Treasury, question referred to, as 
to payment of interest in coin, 236. 
decision by, relative to payment of interest 
in gold, 534. 
South American Mail Steamship Co., thanks 
to, for free freight, 123. 
Sparks, Jared, commending Shea’s Indian 
linguistics, 190. 
Sparrows, account of shipment of, from Ham- 
burg to S. I., 329, 330. 
Speaker, Regents appointed by, 121. 
Specimens, collection of, in accordance with 
intention of Congress and design of Smith- 
son, 26. 
circular sent with, stating conditions of dis- 
tribution, 414. 
letter in reference to distribution of, 187. 
rules in presenting, 390. 
Specimen walls, 481, 482. Pe 
Spence, Chas. 5S., letter from, transmitting 
classical bouquet, 155. 
Spencer, C. A., & Co., telescope by, to be exam- 
ined by 8. L., 123. 
Spinner, Gen., thanks to, for arrangemehts re- 
specting deposits in treasury, 423. 
Spooner, S., memorial from, asking S. I. to pub- 
lisn Musee Franeais and Musee Royal 
under his superintendence, 95. 


840 


Squier & Davis, 200 copies of memoir present- 
ed to, 50. 
100 copies of Vol. 1, Smithsonian Contribu- 
tions to Knowledge, granted to, 468, 469. 
Squier, E. G., letter from, 54, 
thanks to, for gift, 62. 
Stable, account of, erected on grounds for §. I., 


385. 
Stabler, E., letter from, asking additional com- 
pensation, 47. 
seal of S. I. prepared by, 445. 
Stairs, specifiations for, 656, 657. 
Stanley, J. M., gallery of Indian portraits de- 
osited by, 83. 
asked allowance of $100 a year for Indian 
gallery, 163. 
communication from, relative to Indian gal- 
lery, 119. 
Indian portraits lost in fire, 238. 
otter of, declined, 119. 
otter of, to sell Indian gallery for $12,000, 133. 
portraits, gallery of art necessary for, 88. 
report on purchase of Indian gallery of, 138. 
Stanton, Benjamin, appointed Regent, 121, 


reappointed Regent, 161. 
attendance as Regent, 128, 129, 130, 136, 137, 
161, 163, 166, 170. 
Stanton, Edwin M., Secretary of War, letter 
from on books from South Carolina, 194. 
aid rendered by, after fire, 235. 
assistance rendered by, 715. 
Stars, map of northern, published, 469. 
Piazzi’s catalogue of, 221. 
State, Secretary of, assent to site, 3. 
committee to confer with, on Smithson’s leg- 
acy, 219. 

Stationery, expenditures for, 481, 482, 490, 493, 
494, 496, 498, 503, 507, 510, 513, 516, 519, 521, 
525, 527, 530, 534, 538, 542, 546, 549, 552, 556, 
560, 667, 574, 582, 724, 


Statistical department suggested by Nahum 


Capen, 9. 
Statistical statements, 723. 
Statue of Greek slave, 459. 
Steam-boilers, Bache’s researches on, 361. 
Steam-engina, aid asked to introduce, 167. 
Steam-heating apparatus, 569, 576, 585. f 
Steam or hot-water heating apparatus, esti- 
mates, 161. 
Steam or hot water, heating by, proposed, 239. 
Steamship companies, free freights by, 320. 
thanks of Regents to, for free freight, 123, 
Steindachner, Dr., zoological works of, 398. 
Stereotyping catalogues of libraries, plan for, 
68 


IS. 
department, operations of, presented, 90. 
expenditures for, 495, 496, 498, 504, 543, 546. 
titles of books, 72. 
Stevens, Henry, progress of, in compilation of 
Bibliographia Americana, 58. k 
Pibliography of books relative to America, 
404, 
proposed catalogue, 463. , l 
proposition to obtain facts relative to life of 
James Smithson, 79. 
State stocks. See Stocks, 
St. George’s Church, N. Y., deseription of, 694. 
St. Paul’s Church, N. Y., description of, 694. 
St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, exchanges 
of specimens with, 328. 
Imperial Library at, presented work on Rus- 
sian antiquities, 127. 
Stevenson, J. W., appointed Regent, 387. 
appointed on committee on death of Henry 
Wilson, 433. 
attendance as Regent, 387, 388, 419, 423, 430, 
433. 
motion to adopt report of Executive Com- 
mittee, 423. 
motion approving action of Secretary in rela- 
tion to the Korner manuscripts, 425. 
Stewardson, Thos., memorial by, on Lowe’s plan 
to cross the Atlantic, 167. 


INDEX. 


Stewart, Alexander T., illustration of store of 
669, 672, 679, 693. 
Stockholm Academy of Sciences, thanks for 
Arctic birds, 333. 
Stockton, Henry, letter from, offering to litho- 
graph plans, 34. 
Stock, United States Treasury notes to be ex- 
changed for, 53. 
per titigate of, transferred to Corcoran & 
tigges, 78. 
Phancclor and Secretary to sell $180,000 of, 
6. 
6 per cent., $150,000 to be funded as, 63. 
Stocks, State, expenditures for, 510, 513, 516, 517,. 
518, 521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 539, 540, 542, 
543, 545, 548, 555, 559, 565, 566, 567, 572, 573, 
578, 580. 
conclusion not to dispose of, 246. 
could not be bought at prices limited by 
Board, 128. 
disposal of, intrusted to a committee, 241. 
extra fund to be invested in, 127. 
North Carolina recommended, 90. 
of United States to be purchased, 30. 
proposed investment in, by committee of 
Congress, 93. 
report on State, 247. 
resolution to sell, 306. 
sale of, authorized, 248. 
State, purchase of, 129. 
State, report on purchase of, 129. 
State, to be purchased at market rate, 128. 
BtCRe ee: G., examination of Prof. Henry 
Y, 775. 
appointed on committee of British Associa- 
tion on catalogue of memoirs, 123. 
Stone, H., proposition from, to furnish design 
for monument to James Smithson, 78. 
Stone, Wm. J., letter from, relative to casts of 
statues and a school of art and design, 125. 
Stone, report of effect of frost on, G01. 
report of D. D. Owen on, 664. 
report of James Renwick on, 661. 
selected for building, 667. 
specifications for, 638. 
Stone-cutting, proposals for, 622. 
Stone-masonry, proposals for, 620. 
specifications for, 633, 634. 
Storm, damage by, to building, 526. 
Storms, directions for telegraphing, 195. 
Espy’s theory of, 160. 
telegraphed from Rocky Mountains and Cali- 
fornia, 195. 
Struthers, William, letter from, on specimens- 
of marble, 31. 
Stuart, David, appointed Regent, 92. 
attendance as Regent, 92, 93, 97, 101, 112, 114,. 
118. 
letter from, requesting special meeting of 
Board, 100. 
motion by, on removal of assistants, 113. 
motion by, on resolutions on distribution of 
income, 113. 
motion by, on claim of L. Blodget, 119. 
Stuart, Jos. A., bequest of James Hamilton re- 
ceived from, 414, 423, 427. 
Studer, B., requests a bison, 255. 
Sullivan, Jeremiah, offered services as superin-- 
tendent, 31. 
Sue, authority for S. I. to be sued and, 125. 
' Congress asked for power for 8S. I. to, 125. 
Suit of Cameron dismissed. The Board of 
Regents cannot be sued, 94. 
between Cameron and sub-contractor, Board. 
party to, 84. 
Sultan of Turkey presented engravings to il-- 
lustrate Mosque of St. Sophia, 127. 
Sumwals, Green & Co., letter of, 620. 
Superintendent to report on cause of accident,. 


61. 

Superintendents to be appointed, 29. 

Supreme Court, decision of, in telegraph case, 
1 


41. 
tribute to Prof. Henry by, 148. 


INDEX. 


Surgeon General, advance refunded by, 528. 
of United States Army made trustee of Toner 
lectures, 408. 
of United States Navy made trustee of Toner 
lectures, 408. 
Surplus fund, Corcoran & Riggs to allow five 
per cent. for, 91. 
account of investment, 129. 
poner and Riggs do not wish to retain, 
123. 
income, funding of, 93. 
Surrogate, of County of Kings, N. Y., notice 
from, to appear in Wynnsg’ estate, 242. 
Surveying, expenditure for, 481. 
Symington, Thomas, letter of, relative to mar- 
ble, 617, 618, 620. 
Surveyen of city to make plat of grounds, 671, 
675. 


ae 


Taney, Roger B., elected Chancellor, 69. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 18, 23, 69, 72, 76, 77, 
78, 79, 80, 92, 93, 95, 99, 114, 116, 117, 118, 120, 
127, 131, 137. 
re-elected Chancellor, 131. 
thanks of, for election as Chancellor, 69. 
advice of, to Prof. Henry, 133, 140, 141. 
charges of S. F. B. Morse referred to, 140. 
communication from, resigning office of 
Chancellor, 131. 
letter from, on purchase of United States 
stock, 441. 
letter from, stating inability to attend meet- 
ings, 8, 101. 
resolutions of Board on death of, 233. 
H. W. Davis to prepare eulogy on, 240. 
Taylor, N. G., appointed on special committee 
of House of Representatives to investigate 
S. I., 119. 
Taylor, W.B., report by, on animproved system 
of numeration, 327. 
Taylor, Zachary, attendance at Establishment, 
771 


Teachers’ Association, meetings of, 478. 
Telegram of discovery of new planet by C. H. 
Peters, 392. 
Telegraphic announcement of astronomical 
iscoveries, 384. 

of storms, 195, 471. 

Telegraph, history of invention of, 140. 
communication from F. O. J. Smith on, 386. 
companies grant free telegrams announcing 

astronomical discoveries, 389. 

Companion, Shaffner’s, article in, by S. F. B. 
Morse making attack on Prof. Henry, 140, 
142. 

company, co-operation of, in meteorology, 
194. 

Henry O’Rielly on discovery of, 385. 

lines granted for meteorological purposes, 
473, 476. 

stations to be supplied with meteorological 
instruments, 473. 

Telescope, committee to examine for Hamil- 

ton COllege, 124. 
Ten Eyck, Dr., assisted Prof. Henry in experi- 
ments, 145. 

Tennessee, archeological remains, 200. 

State stock, 129, 246, 247, 510, 513, 516, 518, 519, 
521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 539, 540, 542, 580. 

Testimony of Prof. Henry in telegraph suits, 

141. 
Thayer, S., communication from, asking per- 
mission to attend meetings of Board, 115. 

Theft from office of Secretary, 429. _ 

Thermometers, specimens of, exhibited, 70. 

Thompson, Mr., visited by Building Committee, 

6 


Thorwaldsen, bust of, presented, 464. 
Thought, personification of, by Thorwaldsen, 
298. 


841 


Tide gauge lent to W. A. Pease at Honolulu, 189 
Timber, limit of, 195. 
result of experiments on, 277. 
Todd, John P., offered blocks of marble, 24. 
Totten, Joseph G., drew four years’ term ag 
Regent, 2. 
re-elected Regent, 131. 
attendance as Regent, 1, 5, 16, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 
AG, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 62, 68, 09, 73, 
75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 91, 92, 
93, 97, 100, 101, 112, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119, 
120, 121, 122, 125, 131, 166, 170, 174, 193, 218. 
appointed on committee on claim of Came- 
ron, 94. 
appointed on committee to confer with Es- 
tablishment, 116. 
appointed on special committee on distribu- 
tion of income, 92. 
eleaten to Executive Committee, 2, 33, 67, 
eulogy on, by J. G. Barnard, 264. 
examinations of building material by, 5, 6. 
excused from service on Executive Commit- 
tee, 42. 
motion by, to refer report on James Renwick, 


motion by, to appoint Secretary on Building 
Committee, 76. 

motion by, to make compromise with con- 
tractor, 63. 

motion by, on Gilliss’ observations, 44. 

motion by, to preserve and bind correspond- 
ence, 81. 

motion of thanks to Wm. J. Hough, 15. 

motion to pay for building from deposit, 118. 

presented letters relative to applications for 
office of Secretary, 5. , 

Prof. Henry to prepare eulogy on, 240. 

report by, on accident to building, 62. 

report by, on fire-proofing building, 66. 

report by, on residences for officers, 83. 

report by, on distribution of income, 100. 

report by, on claim of L. Blodget, 117. 

report of Building Committee, 50, 54, 56, 596, 
698, 701. 

report of special committee on income, 101. 

report of Executive Committee, 492, 493, 495, 
497, 502, 506, 509, 512, 521, 523, 526. 

report on bulging Is 

resignation from Building Committee, 60. 

resignation from Execntive Committee, 456. 

resolution by, on account of James Renwick, 
85. 

resolution by, thanks for free freights, 123. 

resolution by, to convert east wing into resi- 
dence for the Secretary, 92. 

resolution offered by, of sympathy on death 
of A. J. Downing, 85. 

resolutions by, on death of J. W. Bailey, 132. 

resolutions of Board on death of, 233. 

resolutions of Light-house Board relati¥e to, 
298. 

services of, to S. I., 293. 

telescope of Hamilton College referred to, 
124. 

to be associated with Building Committee in 
investigating accident to building, 61. 

to select plans for building, 6. 

Toner, J. M., deed of gift instituting Toner 
lectures for advance of medical science, 
393, 408. 

Tools, expenditures for, 549, 552. 

Topographical exploration of mountain chains, 
465, 

Topographical map, George Gibbs on, 203. 

Tornado, Chappelsmith’s memoir on, 97. 

Toronto, British Government to be memorial- 
ized relative to discontinuance of observa- 
tory at, 89. 

magnetical observations at, presented, 63. 
University, on exchange of specimens, 169, 
261. 
Towers, additional floors in, 721. 
description of, 630. 


842 


Towers, John T., Regent ex-officio, 112. 
attendance as Regent, 112, 114, 117, 118, 119, 
125. 
elected to Building Committee, 118. 
report of Building Committee, 711. 

Tracts on agricultural geology and chemistry, 
memorial of Josiah Holbrook requesting 
publication of, 81. 

popular, to be published, 14. 

Transactions of societies, proposal of Prof. 
Henry relative to catalogue of, 123. 

Transactions, publication of, appropriation for, 
43 


Trans-Atlantic Steamship Company, thanks to, 
for free freights, 320. 
Transfer of minerals from Land Office, 503. 
Transter of collections, appropriations for, 737. 
Transportation, expenditures for, 496, 498, 503, 
507, 508, 510, 511, 513, 516, 519, 521, 525, 527, 
530, 533, 538, 543, 546, 549, 560. 
Traveling expenses to be adjusted by Secre- 
tary, 166. 
Treasurer to be appointed, 66. 
W. W. Seaton elected, 486. 
accounts of W. W. Seaton, 501. 
attendance of, at meetings of Regents, 121, 125, 
151, 154, 161, 192, 218, 234. 
orders on, given, 173. 
presented statement of receipts and expend- 
itures, 70, 87, 116, 122, 129, 133, 151, 155, 218. 
to give security, 486. 
to pay bills certified by Secretary, 486. 
to report to Secretary monthly all payments 
made in preceding month, 66, 486. 
‘Treasurer of United States, money to be de- 
posited with, 233. 


receives deposits of Smithson income and 


makes payments on checks of the Secre- 
tary, 423. 
Treasury of United States, cashier of, bonds 
deposited with, 506. Y 
deposit in, of bequest of James Hamilton, 
427. 
$150,000 to be received into, 71. 
notes, 30, 38, 53, 482, 484, 485, 488. 
notes, interest account, 724. ; 
‘Treasury, Secretary of, assent of, to be given to 
site, 3. 
authorized to receive into the Treasury the 
residuary legacy of Smithson, 305. 
communication of Dr. Hare referred to, 
+ 132. : 
decision of, as to payment of interest in coin, 
244, : 
deposit of income with, 419. 
to be asked for interest in gold, 234. 
payment of coin interest by, 245. 
thanks to, for assistance, 52. 
‘Treasurer of Virginia, letter of, on seal on 
bonds, 386. 
‘Trees planted in grounds, account of, 663, 697. 
Trinity Church, New York, illustrations of, to 
be procured, 669, 672, 678, 693. 
‘Trist, N. P., present of paper-holding press 
from, 464. 
thanks to, for donation, 52. 
‘Troyon, F., letter from, on donations and arch- 
eeology, 185. 
‘Trubner, N., publication of Ludewig’s bibli- 
ography by, 125. 
‘Trumbull, Lyman, appointed Regent, 172. 
attendance as Regent, 173, 174, 192, 193, 218, 
233, 234, 240, 242, 243, 246, 302, 316, 320, 321, 
343, 351, 352, 354, 384, 385, 387, 388, 391. 
appointed on committee on transfer of 
library, 243, 245, 
appointed on committee on use of large 
room, 304. p 
motion by, relative to De la Batut annuity, 
184. 
motion by, relative to death of James A. 
Pearce, 193. : ; 
motion by, to postpone action on Agassiz’s 
plan, 234. 


INDEX. 


Trumbull, Lyman—Continued. 
motion by, fixing salaries, 241. 
motion by, on transfer of library, 244. 
motion by, to ask Congress to receive ad- 
ditional sums to increase Smithson fund 
to $1,000,000, 248. 
motion by, of thanks for free freights, 320. 
motion by, to accept report of Executive 
Committee, 384. 
motion by, relative to stable, 385. 
motion by, to accept report of Seeretary, 386. 
motion by, on death of James H. Coffin, 392. 
motion by, to take action against Geo. E. 
Badger, 193. 
remarks by, relative to Stephen A. Douglas, 
179. 
remarks by, on death of W. P. Fessenden, 
352. 
remarks by, on transfer of library, 243, 244. 
resolution on death of W. P. Fessenden, 352. 
Trust, act of Congress accepting, to be re- 
corded, 3. 
Trustees of Chicago Academy of Sciences, 
thanks from, for aid rendered, 326. 
Tryon, G. W., report on shells given to Phila- 
delphia Academy of Natural Sciences, 249. 
Tucson meteorite, account of, 226, 251. 
Turnbull, William, associated with committee 
to examine building, 64. 
Turner, W. W., on Indian languages, 191, 254, 
eulogy on, by C. C. Felton, 156. 
Turnstile, recording, suggested by Committee 
on Museum, 432. 
Tuttle, L. R., receipt of, for bequest of James 
Hamilton, 427. 
Tyler, Gratton, made trustee of Toner lectures, 
408. 
Tyndale, Hector, made trustee of Tyndall fund, 


412. 
Tyndall, John, letter from, to Prof. Henry, on 
lectures in America, 411. 
trust for the promotion of science in the 
United States, 393, 411. 


WH 


Union, editor of, communication to, from 
committee of Board, on site, 36. 

United States Mail Steamship Co., thanks to, 
for free freight, 123, 152. 

United States stock, certificates of, obtained in 
exchange for Treasury notes, 469. 

purchase of, 236, 439, 536. 
sold, 306, 474. 
University of Christiania, specimens from, 229. 
ot Toronto, on exchanges, 188, 261. 
of State of New York, thanks for specimens, 
252. 

Upham, Charles W., appointed on special com- 
mittee of House of Representatives to in- 
vestigate S. L., 119. 

Upjohn, Mr., visited by Building Committee, 6. 


was 


Vail, Aaron, history of telegraph by, 140, 144. 

Vannini, Joseph, witness of will of Thomas 
Wynns, 78. 

Varden, John, death of, 240. 

Ventilation, attention called to by Mr. Allen, of 
New York, 38. 

Vespide, De Saussure’s treatise on, 212. 

Vice-Presidents, list of those who have been 
Regents, 7-49. 

Victoria, mining in, 251. 

Vienna, Imperial Library of, books from, 256. 

Views of building ordered, 481, 663. 

Vinson, Chas., letter of, 616. 

Vinton, Francis, executor of Thomas Wynns, 


communication from, relative to Wynnsg’ es- 
tate, 152. 

facts relative to Wynns’ estate received from, 
182. 


INDEX. 


Vinton, Francis—Continued. 
settlement of account of estate of Mrs. 

2 Wynns, 242. 

Virginia bonds, $35,000 to be bought, 128. 
$53,500 purchased, 129. 

Virginia State stock, 510, 513, 516, 517, 518, 521, 
524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 540, 641, 543, 645, 548, 
555, 559, 565, 566, 567, 572, 573, 578, 580. , 

account of, 246, 247, 388. 

nepistered, converted into coupon bonds, 
384. 

coupon bonds to be deposited in Treasury 
of United States, 384. 

bonds, State seal required on, 385. 

Nene, Owen’s report on building stones of, 
664, 


Visitors to museum, number of, to be ascer- 
tained by recording turnstile, 432. 

Vocabularies proposed by G. Gibbs, 201, 202, 203, 
204, 205, 206. See Indian vocabularies. 

Vouchers, examination of, 173, 426. See Ac- 
counts and Executive Committee. - 


BV Va 


Wade, B. F., attendance as Regent, 316, 317, 
320, 321, 348. 
appointed on committee to ask -for appro- 
priation for museum, 320. 
remarks of, on museum hall, 320. 
Waite, Morrison R., attendance as Regent, 426, 
428, 430, 433, 434. 
elected Chancellor, 426. 
Walker, R. J., grant of room in custom-house, 
New York, 466. 

Walker, Sears G., ephemeris of Neptune, 463. 
testimony of, on telegraph, 142, 144. 
resolutions of respect to memory of, 89. 

Wallach, Richard, attendance as Regent, 172, 

173, 174, 175, 193, 218, 219, 234, 235, 240, 242, 
243, 245, 246, 300, 802, 304, 316, 317, 320, 
321. 

appointed member of Executive Committee, 
193 


appointed on committee on the fire, 235. 
motion by, to appoint committee to report 
on the fire, 235. 
‘motion by, of thanks, for aid rendered at the 
fire, 240. 
motion by, to pay funeral expenses of John 
Connor, 241. 
‘motion by, to apply to Congress for act to in- 
crease the fund, 246. 
motion by, to accept report of Secretary, 246. 
motion by, to present memorial to Congress 
to increase fund, 300. 
motion by, of sympathy at death of Mr. Sea- 
ton, 301. 
motion by, to send report of Secretary to 
Congress, 307. 
motion by, on death of R. Kennicott and H. 
Bryant, 307. 
motion by, to accept L. Agassiz’s report on 
use of hall, 317. 
motion by, to increase salary of Secretary, 
323. 
remarks of, on museum hall, 320. 
report of Building Committce, 716, 722. 
report of committee on the fire, 236. 
report of Executive Committee, 236, 245, 529, 
532, 536, 540, 544. 
report of Executive Committee on the canal, 
350. 
resolution by, to sell State stocks, 306. 
Walls, sample, constructed for examination, 6. 
Walter, Thos. U., visited by Building Com- 
mittee, 6. 
letter from, 689. 
Walters, W. T., appointed trustee of Corcoran 
Art Gallery, 402. 
War, Secretary of, thanks to, for assistance, 52. 
sends books taken by Army to S. I., 194. 
aid rendered after fire, 235, 


843 


War, services of A. D. Bache during the, 370. 


weed H. A., casts of fossils presented by, 
Warming building, estimates for, to be pro- 
cured, 161, 


Warner, Hiram, appointed Regent, 121. 
appointed on committee to invest surplus 
fund, 128. 
Suendance as Regent, 121, 122, 125, 127, 128, 
motion by, to invest surplus fund, 123. 
Warren, G. K., type set of fossils sent to British 
Museum, 260. 
Warren, Owen G., premium to, 21. 
visited by Building Committee, 6. 
Washington City stocks, 247, 306, 510, 513, 516, 
517, 518, 521, 524, 527, 530, 533, 537, 540, 641, 
542, 580. 
Washington City, services of W. W. Seaton to, 
Washington, Masonic gavel and apron of, used 
at laying corner-stone, 684. 
portrait of, claim for Peale’s, and report on, 
385, 388, 389. 
Washington Monument, 9. 
furniture sold to, 474, 488. 
Wasps, De Saussure’s treatise on, 212. 
Watchman, expenditures for, 108, 496, 498, 504, 
508, 510, 513, 534, 546, 549. 
Water, Buckingham’s claim for introducing, 


contract for supply of, 675. 
introduced into building, 523, 673. 
plans to be obtained for introduction of, 170. 
provision for supply of, 670. 
Water-closets, specifications for, 660. 
Watkins, E. A., Cree dictionary, 208. 
Watts, Frederick, discontinued Monthly Bul- 
letin of Department of Agriculture, 386. 
Weber, Prof., telegraph of, 145. 
Weights and measures, Dr. Hare on construe- 
tion of, 132. 
system of G. H. Knight, 324. 
W. B. Taylor on, 327. 
Wells on S. I. grounds, danger from, 712. 
to be Guero: 667. 
Wells, Chas. B., communication from, relative 
to archeological researches, 58. 
appointed on special committee of House of 
Representatives to investigate S. I., 119. 
Wells & Arnot, premium to, 21. 
letter from, explanatory of drawings, 22. 
Welsh language supposed to be same as Indian, 
253. 
Western Union Telegraph Co., co-operation in 
meteorology, 194. 
free telegrams by, 389. 
White, Edward B., associated with committee 
in examination of building, 64, 65. 
White, Dr., collections by, 393. 
Wiley & Putnam, contract to publish work on 
architecture, 596, 668, 
supplemental contract, 694. 
Will of A. D. Bache, 400. 
of James Hamilton, 414, 424. 
of Thomas Wynns, making contingent be- 
quest to S. L., 77. 
of Smithson to be recorded, 3. : 
Williams, Geo. H., attendance at Establish- 
ment, 774. 
Williams, Othniel S., letter from, on telescope, 
124. 
Wilson, Henry, attendance as Regent, 428. 
motion by, to appoint Geo. Bancroft on Ex- 
ecutive Committee, 429. 
death of, 433. 
remarks and resolutions by Peter Parker on 
death of, 484. 
Wilson, Prof., presented casts, models, and 
drawings, 95. MM 
Wind vanes, specimens of, exhibited, 70. 
Wirtz, H. R., herbarium from, 211. 
Wisconsin, memoir on mounds of, presented, 
90. 


844 


Witte, W. H., appointed on special committee 
e piquse of Representatives to investigate 
. L, 119. 
Woolsey, Theodore D., elected Regent, 174, 316. 
attendance as Regent, 174, 246. 
to prepare notice of C. C. Felton, 174. 
Woolworth, 8. B., commending Shea’s Indian 
linguistics, 190. 
thanks for specimens, 252. 
Work done in S. I., 356. 
Work-shop fitted up with lathe, tools, forge, 
and bellows, 473. 
Worthington, Samuel, proposals for marble, 
597, 600, 611. 
Wright, C., letter of thanks for exchanges, 324. 
Wurdemann, Gustavus, remarks relative to, 162, 
resolutions of respect to memory of, 164. 
Wynns, Thomas, will of, making contingent 
bequest to S. I., 77. 
account of, 182, 505. 
communication from J. H. Patten, of New 
York, relative to, 79. 
Wynns’ estate, communication in reference to, 
read, 95, 122, 136, 152, 166. 
facts relative to, obtained, 182. 
notice to appear at surrogate’s office, Brook- 
lyn, 242. 
report of Mr. Mason on, 125. 
services of J. H. Patten, 244. 


INDEX. 


an 


Xantus, John, aid to explorations of, in Mex- 
ico, 213. 


ae 


Yeas and nays of Board on resolution on 
power of Secretary to remove assistants,. 
113. 

on repeal of compromise resolutions, 115, 116. 
on removal of C. C, Jewett, 118. 

Yoruba grammar, W. W. Turner’s work on, 157. 

Youmans, E. L., made trustee of Tyndall fund, 
412. 

Young, Mr., conferred with by Building Com- 
mittee, 6. 


Zi. 


Zimmerman, C., letter from, relative to pre- 
paration of manual on entomology, 162. 
Zisgenbals, H., on ethnographic collection, 329. 
Zoological Garden of Hamburg, sparrows from, 

330. 
Zoology, promotion of, by S. I., 107. 
Schlagintweit’s collection, 198. 


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